THG 2003 Holiday Buyer's Guide

Flash Card Readers: Another Popular Low-Cost Gift

For the digital camera enthusiast, nothing will be more appreciated than a high-speed, multi-format flash card reader. Since the price of the flash cards that are used in a variety of devices continues to drop, the need for multi-format flash card readers continues to increase. These multi-format USB 2.0 and 1394/Firewire devices come in all shapes and sizes.

We favor the Pro 9 from Atech Flash. The Pro 9 features support for nine different flash card formats, plus the high-speed compatibility of USB 2.0, which will transfer your images to your computer at blazing speeds. While the Pro 9 can be used in an external configuration, it continues to be used mainly in a 3-½" drive bay, mounted internally in the PC, and connected to the USB ports on the motherboard.

The Atech multi-format card reader family: KB-Reader, Pro Gear, and Pro 9.

In addition to the Pro 9, Atech also offers the Pro Gear with support for nine different formats, as well with the unique offering of portability by allowing the media reader to be removed from the docking unit that resides in a 3-½" drive bay. This allows it to be used on a notebook computer or on any other computer with a USB port, for that matter. The Pro Gear is also USB 2.0 compatible.

The newest addition to the Atech family is the KB-Reader, a USB keyboard with a docking slot in the top of the keyboard for a media reader. With support for ten formats, this is a unique product. The feel of the keyboard is good and the fact that you can undock the media reader and use it with your notebook is a bonus. We have only been playing with this product for a few days, but it does look like Atech has another winner on its hands with the KB-Reader.

Many other multi-format devices are available, but performance and quality isn't always the same. Play special attention to this when you shop in order to select the best product suited for your applications.