News

Universal reader for memory cards from Sandisk

If only it were portable! This device pretty much would eliminate the need for a diskette drive: it takes eight different varieties of flash memory card, from SD to CompactFlash. But which pocket would you put it in? Well, now, you can do it.

The trend to lighter and smaller notebooks, and the proliferation of pocket PCs and Palms, has just about killed the diskette. And yet, when you meet other people who say: "Oh, you need the new drivers - I'll give you a copy of them off my PC ... " it always turns out that they have a Memory Stick socket, and you have a SmartMedia card.

So sort-of, hooray for Sandisk. It has a virtually universal card reader and writer, which plugs into any USB socket.

Swap photos, drivers, powerpoint presentations - ok, skip that! - and other files - most of these formats now come in 128 megabyte sizes at least, so you can even share short movie clips. Wonderful! - except, who wants something this size?

Sandisk got the message - the ImageMate 8-in-1 reader comes with a docking station that provides a convenience factor for desktop owners - but for travel, the multi-card reader can be removed from the docking station and used with a short cable included with the reader/writer that allows for easy plug-in to the USB port of portable computers.

The 8-in-1 reader/writer also boasts power and activity lights that indicate to users when the device has power and if the cards are properly plugged into the memory slots and ready for use.

The new reader has a suggested retail price of $39.99 and should now be shipping.

Full details are in the press release on Sandisk's web site.