X-bit labs

27 Card Readers Roundup (page 4)

Category: Multimedia

by Aleksey Meyev

[ 03/23/2008 | 11:11 AM ]

STLab U-233

This must be the biggest external card-reader in this review. It resembles the Eurodata 19-in-1 as it has a black case, too, with a lid covering four connectors. It is connected via a full-size USB connector on a short cord located at the back of the case. This reader is based on a Genesys Logic GL819 controller with firmware 93.17.

Transcend TS-RD13R

Yet another square device with four connectors on two side panel, this reader’s case is painted a bright orange. It connects to the PC by means of a mini-USB plug. The reader is based on a Genesys LogicGL819 controller with firmware 93.21. It doesn’t support SDHC format.

Transcend M1 (TS-RDM1)

The second model from Transcend is smaller but it supports only SD/SDHC, MMC and MS formats. This model would be the smallest in this review if it were not for the SanDisk MicroMate. Based on an Alcor Micro AU6333 controller with firmware 01.20, it connects to the PC by means of a mini-USB plug.

Vizo Mirrorbox 32 in 1

This card-reader looks effective due to its mirror-like surface but doesn’t differ much from the above-described all-in-ones overall. It’s got four connectors on one side panel and a mini-USB on the opposite side. It is based on an ICSI IC1210 chip with firmware 01.9. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support SDHC.

55 in 1 plus, CR 702A and CR 802A

 
55 in 1 plus

 
CR 702A

 
CR 802A

These no-name products differ from each other with the shape of the case. The CR 702A also has a full-size USB connector on a short cord rather than a mini-USB plug. Supporting all card formats except for SDHC, these devices are all based on a Genesys Logic GL819 controller with firmware 93.17.