This is a USB memory card reader. It is small, light, and very portable as long as you do not have a memory stick inserted (because the card sticks out). It does not have any memory of its own and is a poor substitute for a portable flash drive due to the memory stick sticking out. But for what it is designed to do, which is read certain memory cards through a USB port, it does a great job.


The inputs and how it works
There are only two slots, one large and one about half the size. I have used both slots for my small memory card in my phone and a large one that is in my Father's Nikon (It's actually the kids as a gift...the camera, not the card.) The main reason I got this reader was for my phone card so I can use my phone as a portable MP3 player but I also use it to download pictures from the afore mentioned Nikon digital camera. I just hate hassling with intermediate software that slows down my computer.


It states it can read several formats. They are written on the side as follows; SDHC, mini SDHC, micro SDHC/TransFlash, MMC, Plus, Mobile, RS, MMC, DV


How fast can it work.
I had 7 MB of photos on the small memory card in my phone so I downloaded them onto my computer and it took approximately 2 seconds. I transferred them to my memory stick (from this stick) and it took approximately 4.5 seconds.
I went ahead and took the 1 gig memory card out of the Nikon and transferred a 700 MB video and it took 3 minutes and 15 seconds to transfer.


My main issue with it.
The main problem with this unit is the size. If you put it in a slot that is vertical (up and down) it will slightly push on the memory stick next to it. It still fits but it does bend slightly. If you put it in the slot horizontally then the memory card sticking out will get in the way of some USB inserted devices making the neighboring USB slot that is in the way of the memory card unusable.


My tests
I did another test, I wanted to see if the reader would play music continuously without any problem. I have 3 gigs of music for my phone memory card and I just put that on a random mix and found that it worked perfectly during the hour I left it on. No problems and no delays in switching from song to song.




Materials
Plastic body, metal male end USB port. The cover is also plastic. The bottom is translucent with a flashing blue light indicating it is connected.


Ergonomics and ease of used.
No ergonomics to speak of, really doesn't need it. It is very easy to use, anybody can use it.


Who is this for?
Any one who wants a portable version of a SD card reader. I also like it because I have one less cord to worry about on my desk. It does not read Sony memory cards.


Alternatives
For its size, I do not know of any alternatives. It is small and portable. The problem is it only reads a couple of formats. There are others for around the same price the will read more formats but they are not as portable


Does it keep the dust out?
This stick does not have any covers for the ports. So if you are in a dusty environment you may want to keep it in a sealed container. I have had this for 5 months and have had no problems with it.


Cleaning
Nothing to clean


Durability
No issues to date. All of my SanDisk products have worked perfectly.


Battery life
No battery. Completely powered by the USB connection.


Colors?
I have an all black one or there is also a silver with green highlights version.


Weight and dimensions
Weight: 1/2 ounce
Length: 2 7/8 inch
Width: 15/16 inch
Height: 7/8 inch

Recommended: Yes