USB 3.0 card readers with new Macs?

[Jacques Cornell]

I'm considering purchasing a Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-format card reader, but I've read one comment that it does not work with the USB 3.0 ports on new Macs. If you have experience with this combo or other USB 3.0 CF + SD card readers with Apple's new USB 3.0 ports, I'd love to hear about it.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

 

[Robert Peters]

I have a two-slot (CF and SD), Lexar USB3/USB2 card reader that I use on my MacBook Pro ("retina"). It is much faster than my Firewire card reader.

 

[williamio]

big vote for Lexar too. It works perfectly on my rMBP.

 

[j.m.young]

I'm considering purchasing a Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-format card reader, but I've read one comment that it does not work with the USB 3.0 ports on new Macs. If you have experience with this combo or other USB 3.0 CF + SD card readers with Apple's new USB 3.0 ports, I'd love to hear about it.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

I have had one for some time its a Transcend RDF8k. Don't know why it has a K on the model number and the one you are asking about does not. Anyway it works fast on a USB 2 port on my Mac Pro5,1. No Mac Pros come with USB 3. I do use it with fast SD cards and that helps. Its 100 percent reliable and unlike the other two posters I have not had good luck with Lexar card readers. Wish I had a Mac with USB 3 so I could better answer your question. You can't go wrong with the Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-format card reader.

 

[Jacques Cornell]

Thanks, folks. Good to know that the Lexar works well with USB 3.0 on new MBPs. I have a USB 2.0 version of Lexar's 2-slot CF & SD reader, and it's begun to flake out on me, so I'm looking for an alternative brand or model. Still hoping to hear from someone who's tried the Transcend on a new MBP's USB 3.0 port.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

 

[Robert Peters]

Please see my earlier post regarding the new Lexar card reader.

 

[junooni]

Your new rMBP also has a built-in SD card reader. How does the performance compare if you use a fast (like a Lexar 600x) SD card on both the built-in or an external USB3 card reader that you have?

 

[Jacques Cornell]

Yeah, I saw that. Glad to hear it's working well for you and that USB 3.0 compatibility with the new Macs is solid. However, as I mentioned, my USB 2.0 copy of the 2-slot Lexar has flaked out, often failing to light up or mount a CF card, after only a year or so of light use on my desk. Also, a colleague's USB 3.0 copy has a disconcertingly tight SD slot. So, I'm looking for alternatives.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

 

[j.m.young]

Yeah, I saw that. Glad to hear it's working well for you and that USB 3.0 compatibility with the new Macs is solid. However, as I mentioned, my USB 2.0 copy of the 2-slot Lexar has flaked out, often failing to light up or mount a CF card, after only a year or so of light use on my desk. Also, a colleague's USB 3.0 copy has a disconcertingly tight SD slot. So, I'm looking for alternatives.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

As I mentioned I have had bad luck with Lexars. Two and I can't tell you what model numbers because they are in the trash. But I do remember one would only work with Lexar cards.

Go for the RDF8 usb3 and you will be pleased.

 

[Art Jacks]

I have a 2 week old rMBP, I bought a Sandisk USB3 multi card reader and it works fine, I bought this one because it was the only one I could get quickly ! Previously I used the express card slot to download my CF cards, that was a rapid solution off loading a 16Gb card in under 4 minutes but that is missing from the new machine, I suppose we should be looking for the arrival of a Thunderbolt card reader to arrive.

 

[j.m.young]

I have a 2 week old rMBP, I bought a Sandisk USB3 multi card reader and it works fine, I bought this one because it was the only one I could get quickly ! Previously I used the express card slot to download my CF cards, that was a rapid solution off loading a 16Gb card in under 4 minutes but that is missing from the new machine, I suppose we should be looking for the arrival of a Thunderbolt card reader to arrive.

I have always had good luck with Sandisk. Cards and card readers.

 

[chasgroh]

j.m.young wrote:

Majikthize wrote:

I'm considering purchasing a Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-format card reader, but I've read one comment that it does not work with the USB 3.0 ports on new Macs. If you have experience with this combo or other USB 3.0 CF + SD card readers with Apple's new USB 3.0 ports, I'd love to hear about it.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

I have had one for some time its a Transcend RDF8k. Don't know why it has a K on the model number and the one you are asking about does not. Anyway it works fast on a USB 2 port on my Mac Pro5,1. No Mac Pros come with USB 3. I do use it with fast SD cards and that helps. Its 100 percent reliable and unlike the other two posters I have not had good luck with Lexar card readers. Wish I had a Mac with USB 3 so I could better answer your question. You can't go wrong with the Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-format card reader.

...bummer, my Transcend RDF8k just went belly-up, starting with missing sectors on a CF card (which I verified was the case when using another reader) going into my newish MacBookPro. Tried it on a new Win7Ultimate machine I built recently and it's definitely a goner. I will now purchase a Lexar which I should have done in the first place...sigh...

 

[Jacques Cornell]

Majikthize wrote:

I'm considering purchasing a Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-format card reader, but I've read one comment that it does not work with the USB 3.0 ports on new Macs. If you have experience with this combo or other USB 3.0 CF + SD card readers with Apple's new USB 3.0 ports, I'd love to hear about it.

Update: I got a pair, and they work great with my 2012 Macbook Pro.

 

[NICOVISION]

Just bought the Transcend reader.. ( Transcend USB 3.0 Multi Card Reader RDF8 ) It corrupted 4 32gb CF cards that I had to rescue images from.. I updated the firmware with no luck. It takes forever to mount and I have the latest 27inch 3.4 ghz intel core i7 iMac. The camera will display an error stating that the card is unreadable. I am returning it to B&H.. Not what you want or need if $ is at stake!

 

[Jacques Cornell]

NICOVISION wrote:

Just bought the Transcend reader.. ( Transcend USB 3.0 Multi Card Reader RDF8 ) It corrupted 4 32gb CF cards that I had to rescue images from.. I updated the firmware with no luck. It takes forever to mount and I have the latest 27inch 3.4 ghz intel core i7 iMac. The camera will display an error stating that the card is unreadable. I am returning it to B&H.. Not what you want or need if $ is at stake!

 

[Kung Pao Panda]

Verbatim USB 3.0 card reader works perfectly with my new 27" iMac.

 

[Highline Studios]

I would NOT get the TS-RDF8k. I have 4 of them and they have never worked perfectly with my Macs - there is always a snag. They didn't work properly with the older Mac pro towers, and they don't work 100% with the new Imacs or Mac Book Air's. They have compatibility issues - from one mac to another. They always mount, but sometimes fail to copy - it's very frustrating. I would go with Lexar.

 

[jad2photo]

I would NOT get the TS-RDF8k. I have 4 of them and they have never worked perfectly with my Macs - there is always a snag. They didn't work properly with the older Mac pro towers, and they don't work 100% with the new Imacs or Mac Book Air's. They have compatibility issues - from one mac to another. They always mount, but sometimes fail to copy - it's very frustrating. I would go with Lexar.

me too, regarding it's operation w/ a mac pro (2008) tower. I use it w/ an aftermarket usb 3.0 card and it works 30% of the time and when it does work, it's slower than an older, trusty Kingston FCR-HS219/1 USB 2.0 reader.