Memory card reader

[DoubleD]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM. I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

 

[Russell Hicks]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

--

Lots of new card readers are being offered these days. I don't know if the one you mention supports USB 2, but even if your present computer does not support that standard, your next one will. It is substantially faster. I suggest getting something that will be a little "ahead of the game."

Best wishes in your choice. I'll be buying one myself soon.

Russell Hicks

 

[Rembvrijn]

I have a Dane-Elec Photomate dual card reader. I think it was $29 at Fry's at the same time single readers were selling for $19+ each. It's a great USB reader and is fairly quick and has never given me problems.

This looks good.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3064879

If you have a bay open in your desktop this looks cool.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3427943

Getting cheaper

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3348932

Anyway, take a look around. I like mine.

GageFX

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

--

E-10, LiPo, FL-40, Stroboframe 120 QF, Lumiquest Softbox, Speedotron Force 10s, AlienBees, HP P1100, Epson 777, Epson 1280

 

[Rembvrijn]

I agree, but if your computer has USB 1 (or whtever it is below 2), I would suggest getting a firewire adapter and reader as opposed to a USB 2 adapter and reader. The hardware is about the same but firewire is faster.

GageFX

Lots of new card readers are being offered these days. I don't
know if the one you mention supports USB 2, but even if your
present computer does not support that standard, your next one
will. It is substantially faster. I suggest getting something
that will be a little "ahead of the game."

 

[DoubleD]

This looks good.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3064879

If you have a bay open in your desktop this looks cool.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3427943

Getting cheaper

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3348932

Anyway, take a look around. I like mine.

GageFX

I just remember reading somewhere that some readers have a compatibility problem. I can't remember if it was a problem reading all the differant brands of cards or a compatibility problem with your pc after you hook it up.

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

--
E-10, LiPo, FL-40, Stroboframe 120 QF, Lumiquest Softbox,
Speedotron Force 10s, AlienBees, HP P1100, Epson 777, Epson 1280

 

[Rembvrijn]

I just remember reading somewhere that some readers have a compatibility problem. I can't remember if it was a problem reading all the differant brands of cards or a compatibility problem with your pc after you hook it up.

?? I dont know. I';ve had two readers in my past and I haven't had problems with either. I HAVE had USB problems where hubs cant see certain pieces of hardware.

???

GageFX

--

E-10, LiPo, FL-40, Stroboframe 120 QF, Lumiquest Softbox, Speedotron Force 10s, AlienBees, HP P1100, Epson 777, Epson 1280

 

[DoubleD]

GageFX

What exactly do you mean by USB 1 and USB 2?

Lots of new card readers are being offered these days. I don't
know if the one you mention supports USB 2, but even if your
present computer does not support that standard, your next one
will. It is substantially faster. I suggest getting something
that will be a little "ahead of the game."

 

[Russell Hicks]

I agree, but if your computer has USB 1 (or whtever it is below 2),
I would suggest getting a firewire adapter and reader as opposed to
a USB 2 adapter and reader. The hardware is about the same but
firewire is faster.

GageFX

What exactly do you mean by USB 1 and USB 2?> >

I copied the following from an ad for a device which can serve to upgrade existing USB 1.1 transfers to the newer USB 2 standard:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10316326&loc=101

"D-Link 5-Port USB 2.0 PCI Adapter for Upgrading Desktop Computers to the New USB Standard

USB 2.0 The DU-520 is a 5-port Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 PCI adapter for upgrading desktop computers to the new USB standard. This card is designed to work with mice, keyboards, external CD-R/RW's, external hard drives, webcams, and other USB enabled devices. It is 40 times faster than previous USB adapters and 20% faster than Firewire (IEEE-1394). The five USB 2.0 ports can transfer data at 480 Megabits per second, making it ideal for external storage, backup, networking and video devices.

Backward Compatible The DU-520 is backward compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.1 products. This gives you the ability to connect all of your USB 1.x devices to the DU-520 USB 2.0 adapter and they will work. Each port detects whether the connected device is USB 1.x or USB 2.0 and automatically runs the device at the correct speed.

Easy Plug & Play Installation Plug-and-Play installation makes the DU-520 easy to install. In addition, because the DU-520 is USB-IF certified, the hardware and drivers meet the rigid demands of these standards.

Broad OS Support The DU-520 includes drivers for the most popular operating systems, including Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE, 98 and Macintosh OS X*. And with easy to understand installation instructions, you can install and connect your USB devices quickly and easily.
Manufacturer: D-LINK SYSTEMS - Mfg Part#: DU-520"

USB, or "universal serial bus," became an alternative to the relatively slow parallel input port method for transfering data. USB not only increased speed, but also the ability to "daisy chain" multiple devices, through use of a hub, if necessary. Yes, it is true that sometimes hubs do not work well.

Every computer sold over the past several years has supported USB 1.1, but the last year has seen the emergence of a MUCH FASTER (even than firewire) srandard of USB 2. I, personally, DO NOT recommend getting a conversion port like that described above, unless you need it for work or something crucial. But since we are all going to be upgrading, sometime, to newer computers, even if years away, it wouldn't hurt to get a card reader already capable of handling the new, faster, transfer rates.

San Disc makes one, and others do too. They may cost a little more, but they are a modest investment in the future. I have no financial interest in any of this, just my .02.

Regards,

Russell Hicks

 

[Rembvrijn]

Great info Russel. David, did that answer?

As for the product, I've seen PCI USB controllers for as low as $19 at computer shows. That leads me to believe there are cheaper ones on the net too.

Russel, I haven't used USB 2 or firewire. What are YOUR thoughts on the two?

GageFX

I agree, but if your computer has USB 1 (or whtever it is below 2),
I would suggest getting a firewire adapter and reader as opposed to
a USB 2 adapter and reader. The hardware is about the same but
firewire is faster.

GageFX

What exactly do you mean by USB 1 and USB 2?> >

I copied the following from an ad for a device which can serve to
upgrade existing USB 1.1 transfers to the newer USB 2 standard:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10316326&loc=101

"D-Link 5-Port USB 2.0 PCI Adapter for Upgrading Desktop Computers
to the New USB Standard
USB 2.0 The DU-520 is a 5-port Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 PCI
adapter for upgrading desktop computers to the new USB standard.
This card is designed to work with mice, keyboards, external
CD-R/RW's, external hard drives, webcams, and other USB enabled
devices. It is 40 times faster than previous USB adapters and 20%
faster than Firewire (IEEE-1394). The five USB 2.0 ports can
transfer data at 480 Megabits per second, making it ideal for
external storage, backup, networking and video devices.
Backward Compatible The DU-520 is backward compatible with USB 1.0
and USB 1.1 products. This gives you the ability to connect all of
your USB 1.x devices to the DU-520 USB 2.0 adapter and they will
work. Each port detects whether the connected device is USB 1.x or
USB 2.0 and automatically runs the device at the correct speed.
Easy Plug & Play Installation Plug-and-Play installation makes the
DU-520 easy to install. In addition, because the DU-520 is USB-IF
certified, the hardware and drivers meet the rigid demands of these
standards.
Broad OS Support The DU-520 includes drivers for the most popular
operating systems, including Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE,
98 and Macintosh OS X*. And with easy to understand installation
instructions, you can install and connect your USB devices quickly
and easily.
Manufacturer: D-LINK SYSTEMS - Mfg Part#: DU-520"

USB, or "universal serial bus," became an alternative to the
relatively slow parallel input port method for transfering data.
USB not only increased speed, but also the ability to "daisy chain"
multiple devices, through use of a hub, if necessary. Yes, it is
true that sometimes hubs do not work well.

Every computer sold over the past several years has supported USB
1.1, but the last year has seen the emergence of a MUCH FASTER
(even than firewire) srandard of USB 2. I, personally, DO NOT
recommend getting a conversion port like that described above,
unless you need it for work or something crucial. But since we are
all going to be upgrading, sometime, to newer computers, even if
years away, it wouldn't hurt to get a card reader already capable
of handling the new, faster, transfer rates.

San Disc makes one, and others do too. They may cost a little
more, but they are a modest investment in the future. I have no
financial interest in any of this, just my .02.

Regards,

Russell Hicks

--

E-10, LiPo, FL-40, Stroboframe 120 QF, Lumiquest Softbox, Speedotron Force 10s, AlienBees, HP P1100, Epson 777, Epson 1280

 

[kirk53504]

USB 2 has a faster transfer rate than firewire check the specs. I have done allot of reaserch in this area because I hate to wait for downloads. I use the addonics AEPUDDU9 it is a USB 2.0 device. It has a PCMCIA slot but comes with 2 adaptors. 1 is for compactflash cards the other is a multipurpose adaptor handling sony memory stick, smart media, and mmc types. It's not chip but I think it is the best overall device for speed.

I just remember reading somewhere that some readers have a compatibility problem. I can't remember if it was a problem reading all the differant brands of cards or a compatibility problem with your pc after you hook it up.

?? I dont know. I';ve had two readers in my past and I haven't had
problems with either. I HAVE had USB problems where hubs cant see
certain pieces of hardware.

???

GageFX

--
E-10, LiPo, FL-40, Stroboframe 120 QF, Lumiquest Softbox,
Speedotron Force 10s, AlienBees, HP P1100, Epson 777, Epson 1280

 

[Rembvrijn]

Or if you are such an expert you could just post the specs so I dont have to waste my time doing it. It would've taken you what, 5 more seconds to type it? No matter, I'll spend the time looking it up - I dont want to put you out.

....

....

Okay, 480Mbps compared to 400 for firewire. I guess it is faster. Rah.

GageFX

USB 2 has a faster transfer rate than firewire check the specs. I
have done allot of reaserch in this area because I hate to wait for
downloads. I use the addonics AEPUDDU9 it is a USB 2.0 device. It
has a PCMCIA slot but comes with 2 adaptors. 1 is for compactflash
cards the other is a multipurpose adaptor handling sony memory
stick, smart media, and mmc types. It's not chip but I think it is
the best overall device for speed.

--

E-10, LiPo, FL-40, Stroboframe 120 QF, Lumiquest Softbox, Speedotron Force 10s, AlienBees, HP P1100, Epson 777, Epson 1280

 

[philip]

Or if you are such an expert you could just post the specs so I
dont have to waste my time doing it. It would've taken you what, 5
more seconds to type it? No matter, I'll spend the time looking it
up - I dont want to put you out.

....

....

Okay, 480Mbps compared to 400 for firewire. I guess it is faster. Rah.

GageFX

Please people.. lets not get suckered into believing everything your read. The specs are theoretical not real. USB2 is not Faster than Firewire. Only on paper.

USB also suffers from no separation of data channels.

If you connect a USB 1 device, such as a keyboard to your USB 2 port, you will slow the entire port down to USB1 speeds.

Fireware does not have this limitation.

Philip G.
http://www.cgrafx.com

 

[David Grabowski]

I just remember reading somewhere that some readers have a compatibility problem. I can't remember if it was a problem reading all the differant brands of cards or a compatibility problem with your pc after you hook it up.

Yes there are threads here about compatibility issues with XP and some readers. Just as recently as this weekend I was one querying about this, since my new notebook has XP and my old card reader would not be picked up by XP . This is a Simple Teck Flash Link UCS 200 and a dual slot reader just as you want. After reviewing the Simple Tech site and finding out about driver upgrades, and discovering their view on the matter I just decided to buy a different reader and bought a very well built Image Mate Sandisk reader ( dual slot) which XP picked right up and installed all on it's own. Problem solved, though not the high speed version suggested in this thread.

Another poster went to the Microsoft site and found a correction for readers with XP, so you might want to look in the archives back to about this Sat. past ( two days ago for that MS correction number).

I'm intrigued about the firewire though, the people at CC suggested not to go firewire, actually more suggested I couldn't go with a firewire reader. Are they not out there some place ? CC obviously had none.

David

 

[TomJ]

Microtech, for one, is a manufacturer of both Firewire and USB card readers. I have two of their USB Cameramate dual slot (Compact flash/Smartmedia) readers and they work great with one exception...no drivers available yet for OS X 10.2 for the Mac. They will work with earlier versions of OS X as well as OS 9.

With Apple (the inventor of Firewire) working on the upgrade to Firewire which purports to be at least twice as fast as the current Firewire speed, the future looks bright for fast downloads of digital images and video.

TomJ

I just remember reading somewhere that some readers have a compatibility problem. I can't remember if it was a problem reading all the differant brands of cards or a compatibility problem with your pc after you hook it up.

Yes there are threads here about compatibility issues with XP and
some readers. Just as recently as this weekend I was one querying
about this, since my new notebook has XP and my old card reader
would not be picked up by XP . This is a Simple Teck Flash Link UCS
200 and a dual slot reader just as you want. After reviewing the
Simple Tech site and finding out about driver upgrades, and
discovering their view on the matter I just decided to buy a
different reader and bought a very well built Image Mate Sandisk
reader ( dual slot) which XP picked right up and installed all on
it's own. Problem solved, though not the high speed version
suggested in this thread.

Another poster went to the Microsoft site and found a correction
for readers with XP, so you might want to look in the archives back
to about this Sat. past ( two days ago for that MS correction
number).

I'm intrigued about the firewire though, the people at CC suggested
not to go firewire, actually more suggested I couldn't go with a
firewire reader. Are they not out there some place ? CC obviously
had none.

David

 

[DoubleD]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

Another question I just thought of is......Can you just take the memory card and slide it in and out of the reader anytime you want? I mean as long as the picture transfers are completed. Or do you have to safely remove the reader from your pc first. I would hope you can just leave the reader up and running all the time and plug in the card whenever your ready to transfer pictures to your pc.

 

[David Grabowski]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

Another question I just thought of is......Can you just take the
memory card and slide it in and out of the reader anytime you want?
I mean as long as the picture transfers are completed. Or do you
have to safely remove the reader from your pc first. I would hope
you can just leave the reader up and running all the time and plug
in the card whenever your ready to transfer pictures to your pc.

My reader is plugged into my PC 24 hours a day. The Simple Tech I mentioned has a rather long USB cord, the Sandisk a very short pig tail but an extension cord ( also a USB reader). For my notebook the pig tailed version is good, on my PC I like a long cord because I can leave the reader within easy access. The cards just slip in and out , just as with your camera, no door though.

David

 

[DoubleD]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

Another question I just thought of is......Can you just take the
memory card and slide it in and out of the reader anytime you want?
I mean as long as the picture transfers are completed. Or do you
have to safely remove the reader from your pc first. I would hope
you can just leave the reader up and running all the time and plug
in the card whenever your ready to transfer pictures to your pc.

My reader is plugged into my PC 24 hours a day. The Simple Tech I
mentioned has a rather long USB cord, the Sandisk a very short pig
tail but an extension cord ( also a USB reader). For my notebook
the pig tailed version is good, on my PC I like a long cord because
I can leave the reader within easy access. The cards just slip in
and out , just as with your camera, no door though.

David

Thanks David.....I went ahead and picked up the SmartDisc reader and I am not sure I am happy with it. The CF cards are hard to insert....like you have to get it aligned jsut right before it will go in. Also I tried inserting the SM card and it fits really tight going in and out. I thought the cards would slide in as easy as they do in my E-10. Any comments? I can return this reader and get a differant one......I really wanted the dazzle 6 in one. I'm thinking I might realistically only need a dual reader for just CF and SM.

 

[DoubleD]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

Another question I just thought of is......Can you just take the
memory card and slide it in and out of the reader anytime you want?
I mean as long as the picture transfers are completed. Or do you
have to safely remove the reader from your pc first. I would hope
you can just leave the reader up and running all the time and plug
in the card whenever your ready to transfer pictures to your pc.

My reader is plugged into my PC 24 hours a day. The Simple Tech I
mentioned has a rather long USB cord, the Sandisk a very short pig
tail but an extension cord ( also a USB reader). For my notebook
the pig tailed version is good, on my PC I like a long cord because
I can leave the reader within easy access. The cards just slip in
and out , just as with your camera, no door though.

David

David.....on your Imagemate.....does it come with a longer chord to plug into the short pigtail on the reader? Also, how is the action when inserting the cards......do they go in and out easy like when inserted into the e-10?

 

[Russell Hicks]

Great info Russel. David, did that answer?

As for the product, I've seen PCI USB controllers for as low as $19
at computer shows. That leads me to believe there are cheaper ones
on the net too.

Russel, I haven't used USB 2 or firewire. What are YOUR thoughts on
the two?

GageFX

USB 2 is a certainty. It is now going into all mainstream laptops and desktops. I don't have a machine with it yet, and I don't expect to upgrade until next year. Applications that use usb2 are not that common yet. My point is I've seen relatively inexpensive USB2 model card readers in the trade journals, and it doesn't hurt to be ready for the future.

Firewire is a bigger unknown. Like some other technologies, e.g., Bluetooth, it has fanatical advocates, and critics who are just as empassioned. It can be very fast, and if you have a camera AND a PC which both support firewire, you're in for a rocket ride. However, again, second hand, the trade papers say that Firewire (like Bluetooth) is too late emerging. I don't honestly know.

Many of the newer better PC desktops I see in the trade papers provide both. You'll need someone more informed than me at this point.

Regards,

Russell Hicks

 

[David Grabowski]

I am looking for a memory card reader that will do both CF and SM.
I saw the SmartDisc universal media reader on sale. Any comments??

Another question I just thought of is......Can you just take the
memory card and slide it in and out of the reader anytime you want?
I mean as long as the picture transfers are completed. Or do you
have to safely remove the reader from your pc first. I would hope
you can just leave the reader up and running all the time and plug
in the card whenever your ready to transfer pictures to your pc.

My reader is plugged into my PC 24 hours a day. The Simple Tech I
mentioned has a rather long USB cord, the Sandisk a very short pig
tail but an extension cord ( also a USB reader). For my notebook
the pig tailed version is good, on my PC I like a long cord because
I can leave the reader within easy access. The cards just slip in
and out , just as with your camera, no door though.

David

Thanks David.....I went ahead and picked up the SmartDisc reader
and I am not sure I am happy with it. The CF cards are hard to
insert....like you have to get it aligned jsut right before it will
go in. Also I tried inserting the SM card and it fits really tight
going in and out. I thought the cards would slide in as easy as
they do in my E-10. Any comments? I can return this reader and get
a differant one......I really wanted the dazzle 6 in one. I'm
thinking I might realistically only need a dual reader for just CF
and SM.

I'm sure different readers accept the cards a bit differently as well, but mine are as easy as the cmaera, as you suggest.

Circuit City suggested staying away from the Dazzle, saying they have had trouble with it in a few applications. Since I already had trouble, I just went with thier suggestion for my second reader and it's working fine.

David