Yet another computing challenge faced me. I own two computers. I use a Gateway 500X Desktop as my main computer in an open office area, and the other computer is a spare computer that I use for writing when I need a closed door between me and a noisy household. The problem is that my new computer didn’t come with a 3.5" floppy drive. And the old computer doesn’t have a CD burner. The computers had no common denominator for sharing files. How could I share files between the two systems?

I had several alternatives: 1) Buy a 3.5" floppy drive for the new computer, 2) Buy a CD burner for the old computer, 3) Network the two computers, 4) Not use the spare computer – I hate this option!, 5) Find another way to solve my problem.

Enter the Dazzle Universal 6 in 1 Reader. This wonderful compact unit has inexpensively and easily solved my problem.


Why Use A Card Reader?

I already own a Sandisk ImageMate CompactFlash Card Reader, which has lasted me for years. I moved the Sandisk card reader and connected it via USB cable to my old computer. Then I connected the new Dazzle 6 in 1 Reader to my Gateway computer. Now I can swap files between the two computers using CompactFlash cards.

Granted, I could have used my Sandisk card reader for both computers since it plugs into the computer via USB cable ... but I didn’t want to move the card reader between computers. It’s much nicer having a dedicated card reader for each machine. Okay, call me lazy!

A card reader is just like having an external floppy drive. Only instead of using a 3.5" floppy disk or CD, the CompactFlash cards I am using measure about 1 3/8" x 1 5/8" and hold up to 48mb of information (this just happens to be the largest mb card I own – larger mb sizes are available). I can drag and drop files onto the CompactFlash card and move the card between the two different card readers attached to my computers.

The Dazzle 6 in 1 Card Reader cost me $11.99 – an inexpensive solution to my file sharing.


Features of the Dazzle 6 in 1 Card Reader

I’m not limited to reading only CompactFlash media with this Dazzle card reader. It works with the following Digital Media:

* CompactFlash (Type I and II)
* IBM Microdrive
* SmartMedia
* Memory Stick
* MultiMediaCard
* SD Card

The Dazzle 6 in 1 Reader measures about 3 1/4" high x 3 1/8" wide x 1" deep. It connects via USB cable to the computer and comes with a useless plastic stand. My guess is that Dazzle provided a stand so that the reader can stand vertically, using about 1" of space instead of a 3" footprint, hoping this would appeal to some users. However, the stand doesn’t hold the reader well, and the reader easily tips off the stand if not propped between two objects to hold it upright. I placed the Dazzle reader atop my computer tower. There are four small rubberized feet on the wide bottom of the unit so that it doesn’t slide. And ... if one is being fashion forward with coordinating their computer colors and peripherals ... the black and silver design of the Dazzle card reader matches my black and silver Gateway computer tower.


Installing the Dazzle Reader

First, I had to wrestle the card reader out of its protective packaging. If I had examined the clear plastic packaging closer, I would have noticed that Dazzle made it easy to open the package. At the top of the package, the plastic is separated a bit. Just pull the two pieces apart to free the card reader. I wish all packaging was this easy to open!

Open the cardboard insert inside the packaging for the installation instructions, which are easy to follow. Setup is a breeze.

The Dazzle 6 in 1 Card Reader can be installed on PC computers running Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME and XP as well as on Macintosh OS 9.x, OS 10.1.3 and above.

Prior to PC installation, Dazzle highly recommends verifying the computer’s operating system before installing the driver software. Driver installation is not required for Windows ME or Windows XP. I am using Windows XP and did not have to install a driver.

First, insert the installation CD. A setup screen appears offering a choice of instructions in three languages: English, French, Spanish. Click a language choice and the screen then offers a menu, which includes the following:

* Install 6 in 1 Reader
* Install Dazzle on DVD (software)
* Install Acrobat Reader (needed to view User Manual)
* Technical Resource Center
* Dazzle Product Demo
* User’s Manual (53 pages)

I clicked on the “Install 6 in 1 Reader” and followed the prompts. The software quickly installed. Once installation is complete, restart the computer. After the computer restarts, connect the Dazzle reader to the computer’s USB port. The reader is ready to use.

Since this reader has two slots for reading different types of digital media, the computer will show two “Removable Disk” icons in “My Computer”.


Other Reasons to Own This Reader

My first thought was to purchase another Sandisk CompactFlash card reader like the one I already own. Then I thought about all the other digital media types available. Someday I’m going to buy a new digital camera, and it may use a different type of digital media. And at some point I might purchase a PDA or MP3 Player. The 6 in 1 card reader is reasonably priced, so I thought it a good investment. Versatility is a wonderful thing.

Currently I am using CompactFlash digital media for two pieces of equipment: a digital camera and my QuickPad Pro Laptop. However, digital media is used in other devices: PDAs, MP3 Players, Cell Phones.

Using a digital card reader also extends the battery life of a digital camera. Since the digital reader is portable, I can take it on road trips, storing my data on digital media and transferring the data to whatever off-site computer I am using. Now I can accept data from people on a variety of digital media, which makes for easier file sharing. If you have devices which use two or more different types of media the Dazzle 6 in 1 card reader comes in handy. Since the reader has two slots (which equals two removable drives), you can transfer CompactFlash or IBM Microdrive data directly to a SmartMedia, Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard or SD card.



Dazzle OnDVD Software

My Dazzle card reader came with free Dazzle OnDVD software (valued at $19.99, according to the package). The software is only useable on a PC, which is a disappointment for Mac users. To install the software, insert the Dazzle CD into the computer and click “Install Dazzle OnDVD” from the menu. Follow the onscreen instructions. The software quickly installs.

The Dazzle OnDVD software allows the user to create a photo slideshow for playback on DVD players. With this software, you can arrange up to 200 photos on a CD-R or CD-RW disc in a slideshow format and add audio. If needed, you can also edit photos using the photo editor. The software automatically adjusts the timing of the photos to the length of the audio tracks so that the photos run as long as the audio does. Before burning the CD, preview the finished slideshow on your computer. Once the CD is burned, it will run on any DVD player that plays the Video CD format.

This is fun software. I first created a slideshow CD featuring my quilting projects. Adding the photos is as easy as clicking a button; however, you can only add jpg, jpeg, or bmp files. Including audio is also simple; however, you can only use wav or mp3 files. Decide what order you want the images and video, then preview the slideshow. You can add, remove, and rearrange images and video clips as you please. When finished with the arrangement, just burn the CD. This is a fun way to share images with people or create photo albums for your personal collection.


Summary

The Dazzle 6 in 1 Reader is an excellent addition to my computer. I purchased this reader on Amazon.com. The price was $31.99, but with a $20.00 mail-in rebate, the unit only cost me $11.99. Plus purchasing this one item qualified me for free shipping. A terrific value. I’m delighted with the versatility of this digital media reader. The OnDVD software is fun to use, too.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Dazzle 6 in 1 Reader Specifications

Package Contents:
* Dazzle 6 in 1 Media Reader/Writer
* Installation CD (which includes other software & user manuals)
* Technical Support Guide

Windows Operating System Requirements:
* 200 MHz or higher; 500 MHz or higher processor (to run OnDVD software)
* Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME, XP
* Available USB Port
* CD ROM/DVD ROM for software installation
* 64mb RAM Minimum; 128mb RAM recommended (for OnDVD software)
* 50mb free disk space (for OnDVD software installation)
* PC must have a sound card (for OnDVD software)
* CD Burner for VCD creation (for OnDVD software)
* DVD Player must support Video CD format and either CD-R or CD-RW media (for OnDVD software)

Macintosh OS Requirements:
* G3 Processor or better (e.g. iMac, iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac G3 and G4)
* Macintosh OS 9.x, OS 10.1.3 and above
* 1mb free disk space
* Available USB port
*CD ROM/DVD ROM for software installation

Additional Information

* Bus powered – No power supply required
* “Hot-swapping” enabled for both the device and the media
* Supports maximum data transfer rate of most media
* For use with CompactFlash, IBM Microdrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, IBM Microdrive and SD card media

Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at Dazzle’s Interactive Knowledgebase.

Live phone support is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week . (Free support for 30 days from the date of the first support call.) There is a U.S. phone number and toll free phone number. There is also a telephone number for local support for customers in the UK, 25p/min.

One-year limited warranty.

Please read my other computer reviews:

HP LaserJet 2200dse Printer

HP LaserJet 1000 Printer

Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Keyboard and Mouse

Logitech Mouseman Cordless Optical

Fellowes Gel Mousepad with Wrist Rest

Belkin Home Office UPS Emergency Battery Backup


Copyright 2003 Dawn L. Stewart



Recommended: Yes