A memory card reader, such as this CompactFlash reader by SanDisk, can make image transfer from a card to a Many users eventually turn to card readers for transferring images to a PC. There are several benefits to using a card reader. First, card readers do not require batteries; a card reader draws all the power it needs from your PC’s USB port. In contrast, when you dump images directly from your camera, its batteries drain relatively quickly. Second, if you or other members of your home have other devices with memory cards, you can reduce the number of drivers you must install. Device drivers can occasionally present conflicts. A card reader lets you transfer data from several devices without installing a driver for each. Last, if you have a card reader, you can perform some basic scanning and restoration operations on your memory cards should you encounter corrupted data on a memory card. When you select a card reader, make sure it supports the type of memory card your camera uses. If you have other devices that use different types of memory cards, you might want to buy a multiformat or universal reader, such as SanDisk’s ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer ($34.99; ), which can read CF-I/II (CompactFlash Type I or II), miniSD (mini SecureDigital), MMC (MultiMediaCard), MS (Sony Memory Stick), MS Duo/PRO/PRO Duo, RS-MMC (Reduced-Size MMC), SD, SmartMedia, and xD (eXtreme Digital Picture Card). Another option is PNY’s Multi-Slot 2.0 Reader ($39.95; ), which reads CF, MMC, MS, and SD cards. We used a SanDisk CF Type I/II ImageMate USB reader ($19.99; ) to transfer photos from Canon’s PowerShot G5. This card reader supports Hi-Speed USB (or USB 2.0). Our computer’s ports support Hi-Speed USB, but because the technology is backward-compatible, the card reader would have also worked with a Full-Speed
Products & Services
Flash Memory Cards
Flash memory cards provide electrically erasable, programmable, read-only memory (EEPROM) that can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time.
PCMCIA Card Readers and Writers
PCMCIA card readers and PCMCIA card writers allow a user to transfer data from or to a host computer to or from a PCMCIA card.
PCMCIA Cards and Accessories
PCMCIA cards and accessories follow standards developed by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), an international standards body and trade organization. PCMCIA cards, or PC cards as they are commonly known, were designed originally for adding memory to portable computers, but are now used in a variety of devices.
PCMCIA Bus Interface Cards
PCMCIA bus interface cards translate the data from the PCMCIA bus to another bus, and vice versa. They are used to connect two otherwise incompatible buses.
PCMCIA Networking Cards
PCMCIA networking cards allow a host computer to connect to a network for data transmission and communication.
Topics of Interest
CompactFlash® is a very small removable mass storage PC Card. SanDisk Corporation introduced it in 1994. CF™ cards weigh a half-ounce and are the size of a matchbook, with a thickness that is less...
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The barebone shell is the foundation of your custom-built notebook. When you choose a barebone shell, you’re also making a decision about the unit’s screen size, resolution, chipset,...
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