SilverStone 6-1 Portable Card Reader

Provided by: SilverStone
Estimated Retail: $29.00
Review Date: February 2nd, 2004
Written By: Daniel W.

In the beginning, there was SmartMedia (SM), followed by CompactFlash (CF), followed by MultiMediaCard (MMC). Of course like all technology, things keep on improving with the addition of Secure Digital (SD), IBM 's MicroDrive and Sony's exclusive Memory Stick. With all these different memory cards available, it only makes sense to get card reader that will read all them.

Of course, there is a choice between getting an internal card reader that installs into one of your computer’s drive bays, or an external reader that plugs into the USB port. The internal reader looks nice, but cannot easily be moved from computer to computer. The external is portable, but looks awkward when it is hanging from the USB port. Luckily with SilverStone’s SST-SDP01 six in one portable card reader, you will be able to have the best of both worlds.

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Packaging:

The SST–SDP01 card reader is packaged in a plastic display package with cardboard backing. On the front, top left corner, SilverStone’s company name and logo, a snow flake inside a hexagon, is featured. Below the log, the product’s model number and description, "6-in-1 Reader/Writer for both external and internal." To the right of the description are miniature pictures of the six supported memory cards which are not proportioned, making SD and MMC bigger than SM and CF.

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Also, on the front is the USB 2.0 certified logo and the system requirements list.

The back of the package has the list of features, specifications, applicable, and included things (all listed below).

Included:

• USB 2.0 6-in-1 Flash Genie
• User Manual
• Installation driver

Applicable:

• MP#
• PDA
• Cell Phone
• Digital Camera

Features:

• Come with a docking station to be neat and convenient
• Hidden the USB cable keeps the unit very tidy and easy to carry
• One connectors to support one USB device
• LED indicator to display “Power and Access” functions
• High speed transfer rate up to 480 Mbps
• Hot swappable
• Drag and Drop your files, images and music for editing or storing on you computer

Specifications:

• LED Indicators: Red: Power on, Green: Access
• Power support: DC 5V from USB port
• Transfer Rate: 600~900 Kb/sec
• Socket of storage card: CompactFlash Card Type I/II, IBM Micro Drive, Smart Media Card, Secure Digital Card, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick Card

Description:

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SilverStone's SST-SDP01 card reader is comprised of two units. The base unit installs into an available exposed 3.5" drive bay. A USB port is on the left of the brushed aluminum face. To the right of USB port is the slot for the second unit, the portable card reader. Finally, to the right of slot is the eject button that ejects the portable card reader from the base.

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A plastic shell with silver paint on the inside encases the portable card reader. The front has two slots: the top one for CompactFlash and Micro Drive; the bottom one for SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital and Memory Stick. Needless to say, it looks like only two memory cards can be installed simultaneously.

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To the right of the card slots are the power and access LEDs. The top of the portable card reader features the company name, logo, "USB 2.0", "6-in-I CARD READER", and a listing of supported memory cards. Towards the top is another power LED.

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In the back of the unit a USB plug is neatly tucked into its own designated housing. To the right is a USB type B female port that is used when the card reader is inserted into the base unit.

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Next (Setup, Testing, & Conclusion)