Customer Reviews

SanDisk Special Edition microSDHC & M2 USB 2.0 Slim Card Reader With 4 Storage Slots - Retractable [ Hassle Free Packaging ]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This credit card sized device could almost be a luggage tag. The USB end is retractable. It can store 2 microSD and one M2 card as well as one of either in the slot. The SIM card holder is only for carrying a second SIM. The main advantage is that M2 cards of the Sony type can be read. Most cell phones use the microSD card, but I have a Sony Ericsson phone that will not permit downloads of phone text pics to a Mac, only the internal camera pics. An M2 reader was thus my primary motivation to buy. It does that and loads very quickly.

It's about 5 times as thick as a credit card, but otherwise matches the remaining two dimensions. It has storage-only slots to hold 2 microSD cards very securely, one M2 card (untested), and one SIM card (tested, holds well). In a pinch, a microSD card can be slotted into the SIM card slot and will hold fairly well, but not as well as the intended slots. There is one reader slot that accepts M2 or microSD, and while it's not the nice spring-eject type, it does hold the card securely and could also be used to store an SD card. The male, full-size USB interface comes out of the card with a slide-button that locks in the extended and retracted positions (press in to unlock), but it's just the piece with the contacts and so fits entirely into the mated port. A small green LED lights when the unit is plugged in, and blinks while reading or writing. I read and wrote via the reader several times, no problems--didn't benchmark the card via it, though. It's all plastic, and feels neither incredibly durable nor flimsy--it should last a while with care. Overall, I'm a fan. :-)

In the short term I needed a uSD reader, but I didn't want another one-trick USB dongle, and at virtually the same price as such a device, I expect this reader/carrier will meet my needs for some time to come. In addition to the 2 uSD, 1 SIM and 1 M2 storage slots (all cards I currently use, though only one of each and usually in their respective devices), 1 more uSD or M2 can be stored in the reader slot. I do experiment with custom ROMs for my Android device, so I could certainly see more uSDs in my future.

I hadn't considered it when I ordered, but the reader is slim enough to slip in the cover flap of my Nook Color case, which I had thought impractical for anything but a wiping cloth or a few sheets of paper. In most cases with an ID pocket, it would fit neatly there, though in mine it makes the cover bulge when closed (I prioritized a slim fit for the case).

About the only con I see is that they probably could have made it smaller still--I suspect the center 1/4-1/3 of the width is wasted space inserted for that credit card form factor. At 3-5 times the thickness of a credit card, it's too large for many spaces designed for cards, and could be stowed many more places if it were less wide. Nevertheless, just about anyone should have some odd pocket where this item will always be handy.

Sorry but this order was a mistake. I am sure it would be good for those that need this item.