In order not to fall behind certain competitors, Elitegroup Computer Systems announced it will optionally bundle a card reader with all of its mainboards. ECS’ 6-in-1 card reader will be a standard feature for its EZ-Buddie and other future barebone systems, while those users who purchase mainboards from ECS will either be able to save and not get the device, or to get it for relatively low price.

Unlike some competing solutions that are made for 5.25” bays, ECS’ 4-in-1 card reader fits into a standard 3.5" drive bay and plugs directly into an USB connector on the mainboard, ECS card reader’s four card slots support CompactFlash cards (type I/II), IBM Microdrives, SmartMedia cards, MultiMedia cards (MMCs), Secure Digital (SD) cards and Memory Sticks, with each slot recognised as an individual drive. Three of the four memory card slots provide a simple “push-in, pull-out” operation, while the CompactFlash/IBM Microdrive slot offers an eject button. On the top right side of the drive a light indicator shows when the reader is busy reading or writing.

Here are more in-depth features of the novelty:

• 6-in-1 multi-card reader supporting CompactFlash cards (type I/II), IBM Microdrives, SmartMedia cards, MultiMedia cards (MMCs), Secure Digital (SD) cards and Memory Sticks in sizes from 4MB up to 1GB;
• USB 1.1 connection offers data transfer rates at up to 12Mbit/s. Actual rates vary according to the speed of the individual storage media;
• USB Mass Storage Compliance (MSC) provides support for concurrent access and copying of data between different media;
• ECS’ mainboard BIOS supports direct boot from card reader;
• Supports Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000/ME/XP. Windows 98 and NT require supplied driver, others are plug and play;
• Bus power from USB connector: DC +5.0V;
• Read/Write LED indicates drive status.

Considering very low prices on mainboards from ECS, it will be a big advantage for end-users to get a cheap 6-in-1 card reader. The only concern now is what percentage of mainboards will include the card reader. If the majority of products from ECS will include the device, being one of the biggest supplier of mainboards, ECS can compel all its rivals to bundle card readers with their mainboards, as even with card readers products from ECS may be priced lower than competing products what will definitely attract even more customers to ECS.