Though
all PDA's with expansion slots support accessing memory cards via a
connection to your desktop, this is not a very practical way to transfer
large files. The connection is often slower that normal, not to mention
you cannot easily dump files from any computer because must have the devices
drivers installed. I have always been hesitant to buy a USB card reader
because of the high cost. SanDisk recently has started producing
a series low-cost USB card readers called ImageMate's. The catch that an ImageMate
reader only supports one type of card, though this may be all many
users need.
The SanDisk ImageMate is available for Compact Flash,
Secure Digital/MMC, and Memory Stick formats. Each of the card readers
is the same size even though some of the cards are smaller. Though the
readers aren't built to be stackable, I think it is still nice to have uniformity
between the readers. On one end of the reader is the card port while on
the other is the USB (B) connection port. Above the USB port is a small
green/yellow light to display if the reader is connected and/or
transferring. For my devices, I most needed the SD/MMC card ImageMate
reader. I
was surprised that SanDisk made the SD card stick out and go completly
inside like with many PDA's. This made it much easier to get the
card out of the
reader while it is on your desk (on a PDA this would not be such a good
feature). The ImageMate requires no power other than that provided
by the USB port nor does it require any
drivers to be recognized by almost any computer. On my Windows XP
Pentium III 500MHz laptop, it took thirty seconds to recognize the ImageMate the first time and correctly setup a drive letter. To
reconnect it in the future only took less than five seconds. The ImageMate
is a USB 2.0 based device, though it works just fine with my non-USB 2.0
ports and the speed is still much better than when the cards are in the
devices.
I really like the ImageMate card reader. I really do not
need a six-in-one reader, so the ImageMate SD/MMC card reader fits in
well with my system setup as well as other systems I may need to use it
with. And what is even better is that it fits so
well into my budget. Each ImageMate USB card reader retails for $20 for
the carder reader and a USB cable.
Dave's Score - 8.5
This means, this product is a very good product,
though has some features which could be improved. This product embodies
quality in its design and application, and is something I would use
though I think there are still areas for improvement. Weigh
the pros and cons before purchasing, but in my opinion this device is a
good buy.
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