Vantec
58-in-1 Internal Card Reader
- Seamless integration in any standard 3.5"or 5.25"
- 5.25" bracket is included
- Supports latest memory cards SDXC, SDHC, CF, MS/Pro, xD, etc.
Model: IR100
Mnf. #: UGT-CR905
GTIN/Barcode:SKU: 13769
Warranty: 1 year
Multi-Memory Internal USB 2.0 Card Reader
USB 2.0 Internal Card Reader/Writer with Built-In USB Port for 3.5" or 5.25" Drive BayFrom Digital Cameras, MP3 players to PDAs, data is increasingly being stored on memory cards. Unfortunately, with so many different types of memory cards, reading/writing to them can quickly turn your computer into a mess of wires and gadgets. With the Vantec Multi-Memory Internal Card Reader w/USB 2.0, sharing and exchanging are fused into one simple device. Design to be compact with a built-in USB 2.0 port-- transfer, reading/writing and making backup files has been made easier with the Vantec Multi-Memory Internal Card Reader w/USB 2.0.
Features:
- Seamless integration in any standard 3.5"or 5.25"
- 5.25" Bracket Is Included
- Supports Latest Memory Cards -- (SDXC, SDHC, CF, MS/Pro, xD, Etc.)
- Stylish LED Indicator
- Plug And Play – No Drivers Are Required
General |
||
| Model | IR100 | |
| Card Reader Type | External Card Reader | |
Package Content
Accessories
Reviews (2)
Tacky but functional
This device feels very tacky (cheap plastic and construction), but it fits into a 3.5" drive bay and works fine.
The biggest gripe I have is that there's no clear indication which way to insert a CompactFlash card - CF cards have grooves down the sides and they differ from left to right, but because this card reader's construction is so flimsy, it's very easy to put the CF card in upside down. Fortunately, if you do, nothing seems to get damaged, but it's a definite weak point.
The two LEDs - "Power" and "Activity" - are virtually the same colour, and they're always on anyway, so it can be hard to see (from the LEDs) what's actually happening.
When the reader is connected, all of the card bays (CF, SD, xD, MS etc) appear as drives in Windows Explorer (ie L:, M:, N: etc), even with no cards inserted; so it can be a schlepp figuring out which drive corresponds to which bay.
One odd thing is that when your PC is "OFF" (or hibernating), depending on how the PC handles USB ports, the front-panel LEDs may stay on because there's keep-awake power on the USB ports.
One nice feature is that the reader only uses one USB port, but you get that port "back" in the form of a separate USB port on the front panel.
UPDATE: I ended up chucking this card reader and buying an Apacer A700 instead - it does ALL the same things, is better built and overall a much nicer product - cheaper too!
Check it out at : http://emea.apacer.com/en/products/Embedded_Card_Reader_AE700701.htm
STRENGTHS:
1. Cheap
2. Accepts pretty much all formats (CF, SD, xD, MS etc) and seems to work fine with all of them.
3. Only uses up one USB port from your motherboard and gives you an "extra" USB port on the front panel.
WEAKNESSES:
1. Tacky construction - cheap, average-quality plastic.
2. Very easy to put CF cards in the wrong way round !
3. LED's are a rather indeterminate colour and may stay ON when PC is off (depends on PCs USB configuration)
BEST USES:
Multi-format card reader in a desktop PC
SIMILAR ITEMS OWNED:
Apacer A700 multi-format internal USB card reader (identical functionality)
RECOMMENDED ITEMS:
Apacer A700 multi-format internal USB card reader (identical functionality but much better quality)
Card Reader
Installed easy and I finally got to use the 3.5" bay. Like all multi card readers all the slots show up as drives. As Sparks pointed out the CF slot is a bit easy to insert card the wrog way around. But the slot is shallow so it is easy to see the slots on the side.
Make sure you have a spare USB header on the motherboard.
Works well. Price was right to.
STRENGTHS:
Easy Install
3.5" or 5.25"
WEAKNESSES:
Plasticy