The nice thing about USB 2.0 is that it is backwards compatible, so all you users out there with USB 1.1 will still be able to use the reader/writer. It’s also a true plug and play device. No drivers required (though some are provided on the cd just in case). Insert your memory card into the only slot in the front of the device and push the glowing button on top of the reader to transfer files. The Imagemate comes in four different models designed to read different forms of memory cards and sticks. In this case, l am using a reader designed to read SD memory cards due to the fact that all my devices seem to use it.
That’s it. That’s all. Now, l have seen a number of different memory card readers on the market. They vary in price and setup depending on the needs of the user. Personally, l was looking for a portable reader that l could take on the road with me. If you want something a bit more substantial, there are readers that will take a free 3.5 port in your computer and reader a larger number of memory cards and sticks as well. When you get right down to it though, they all do the same thing. They’re memory card readers and or writers. They read and or write….memory cards.
So, the big question is, who needs a card reader? Personally, l find the card reader to be one of those things l never really thought l needed until l had one (sort of like my PDA). The transfer speeds of large or multiple files are very handy and it saves some wear and tear on your camera or other portable device along with battery life. Is it essential? Depends on what you do but it sure is handy. What you have to ask yourself is what you need the reader/writer to do. If all of your memory cards are the same (as in my case with SD) then there is not really any reason to buy a unit that reads 12 different kinds of memory. The same is true if you don’t have a free 3.5 in your computer. Look at what your devices use for memory cards and plan accordingly.
Pros:
• Easy to set up
• One button transfer
• Very practical for large file transfers
• Small and portable
• USB 2.0
Cons:
• Cards don’t always slide in and out that easily.
• An eject button would have been nice.
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