Memory Card Reader?

[scottie]

Is there a brand of memory card reader work better then another? I do not need one that is SDHC compliant as I plan to stick to 2GB cards for a while.
Also, any suggestion on where to get the best price shipped on a reader?
Last but not least, would you suggest using a reader to download pics to the computer vs. plugging in the camera? I wasn’t sure if I would notice a difference in speed or anything else by using a reader to transfer.

Thanks everyone for all the great info you supply!!

 

[ukcatfan]

Last but not least, would you suggest using a reader to download pics to the computer vs. plugging in the camera? I wasn’t sure if I would notice a difference in speed or anything else by using a reader to transfer.

It will probably be faster with a reader, but the big thing you will notice is that your batteries will last longer.

Kevin

 

[Melissa_E]

I agree with Kevin, but I think the biggest impact you can have is the type of USB port 1.0 vs. 2.0 and the USB wire you use again 1.0 vs. 2.0. If your camera can only do a 1.0 speed, then you get a card reader that can do 2.0, the reader will definitely be faster.

 

[scottie]

Thanks for the info. I would like to get one of the small readers that holds a single card and plugs directly into the USB port. Do those typically come in 2.0?

Also I was just thinking, is there a way to convert the USB ports on the front of my Dell Dimension 8200 to be 2.0? I installed a card for rear access to USB 2.0 but would love for the two front usb ports to be 2.0 also.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I have a slot on the side of my laptop. My laptop reads everything except compact flash, so I bought an adapter for compact flash cards that fits into that side slot. I figured it is going straight to the motherboard so it mus be fast, right?

2 gigs= half hour download!!!! I bought a card reader (from the local convenience store for $20) and now it takes 5 minutes!

I suggest a card reader.

Mikeeee

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Thanks for the info. I would like to get one of the small readers that holds a single card and plugs directly into the USB port. Do those typically come in 2.0?

Also I was just thinking, is there a way to convert the USB ports on the front of my Dell Dimension 8200 to be 2.0? I installed a card for rear access to USB 2.0 but would love for the two front usb ports to be 2.0 also.

You can. Those ports connect via a cable to a port on your motherboard. Just like you added a card with ports sticking out the rear, you can add a card that has a connecting port on the inside. You would then switch the cable that goes from the motherboard to the front ports so that it goes from the motherboard to the card. It's possible that the card you added already has such a connection.

 

[scottie]

You can. Those ports connect via a cable to a port on your motherboard. Just like you added a card with ports sticking out the rear, you can add a card that has a connecting port on the inside. You would then switch the cable that goes from the motherboard to the front ports so that it goes from the motherboard to the card. It's possible that the card you added already has such a connection.

Would the cable that is currently running in there to the motherboard support 2.0? I was under the impression it would only handle the slower speed, or maybe that is not the case?

UPDATE Again: I looked inside the computer and that gray cable says USB 2.0 on it. I chatted with dell via a live chat online and their rep said from what he can tell I only have USB 1.1 in there for the factory inputs and not 2.0, other then the 2.0 that is on the card I added.
Also, I looked at the card I installed. It has a internal USB and Firewire port on it and also two separate sets of pins on the card.

 

[Groucho]

If your computer is not USB2, then you'll get a message when you plug in a USB2 device into a USB1.0/1.1 slot that says "this device will work faster when connected to a USB2, blah blah blah".

If you're not getting such a message, then you've already got USB2.

The latest memory card readers that I'm using came from SuperMediaStore, IIRC, and were under $10 shipped and do read SDHC. If you're buying a reader, I would highly recommend getting one that can read SDHC. You may only have a 2 gb card now, but with 4 gb cards showing up for under $25, you may end up getting one, and it's a pain to re-buy a card reader (trust me, I know!)

Ah, here is it - $6.99 with free shipping. You can't beat that. I bought two, they work great, very fast (faster than my old card readers, I think.) The slot to put the SD card in is a little tight but not a big deal. They also come in black, if you don't want a blue one.

 

[PoohJen]

Any recommendations for a combo CF and SD reader?

 

[scottie]

Thanks everyone for your help! Just curious what use I would have for an internal USB port that is on the card I installed? I couldnt figure how what would plug into an internal port.

And if I wanted to go the external hub method to add to my ports, any suggestion on the best ones? And would maybe prefer one that does not require AC power if possible.

 

[Khokhonutt]

Any recommendations for a combo CF and SD reader?

The card reader I have now is a cheap one from Walmart. Less than $20 over a year ago and it works fine. It reads like 7 different cards, 5 more than I need, but it's nice to have options.

I've also got one of the Wolverine FlashPac 80gb (wolverinedata.com). It's basically an 80gb battery powered USB harddrive that has 7 different card slots on it. When I'm on the road, I can just pop a card in and hit a button and it copies the entire contents of the card to a new folder on the drive. When I get home, I plug it into the PC and copy the files off to the computer. I got it back when 4gb cards were more expensive, so it was a pretty reasonable solution at the time. It's still a slick solution.

Thanks everyone for your help! Just curious what use I would have for an internal USB port that is on the card I installed? I couldnt figure how what would plug into an internal port.

And if I wanted to go the external hub method to add to my ports, any suggestion on the best ones? And would maybe prefer one that does not require AC power if possible.

The internal port is typically for use with a cable that has a USB plug on it. It's used for cases that have front USB ports and such.

If you're going to go with an external USB hub, it really is best to get one that is powered. Since many USB devices are powered by the USB connection, many will not work well in a hub that is not powered.

 

[handicap18]

Thanks for the info. I would like to get one of the small readers that holds a single card and plugs directly into the USB port. Do those typically come in 2.0?

Also I was just thinking, is there a way to convert the USB ports on the front of my Dell Dimension 8200 to be 2.0? I installed a card for rear access to USB 2.0 but would love for the two front usb ports to be 2.0 also.

I got this one for my older computer back in Aug of '06. Works great. Easy to install. Give both front and back USB 2.0 ports.
Its not available at amazon anylong, but I'm sure there are others out there.

Or

You could just buy a USB 2.0 2, 4, or 6 port hub. Plug it into a port on the back of the computer and run it up to your desk. I have one that has 4 additional slots sitting near my monitor. I think I got it at Wally-World for like $20. Staples, Office Max or any store like that should also have them. Many times it easier to use this than to plug something into the front of the computer.


As for a card reader. I have a ScanDisk 10 in 1 reader that I got at Wally-World a few years ago that cost about $25. I think prices have come down and you can also get 12 in 1 and even 15 in 1 IIRC.

 

[scottie]

Anyone else have a suggestion on a good quality 4 or 6 port USB 2.0 hub that I can use outside the computer?