Kingston 19-in-1 Memory Card Reader Review

Like most consumers in the world, I want everything to be convenient.  Kingston’s 19-in-1 memory card readers helps alleviate some of this mild frustration by putting everything you will need into one nice small package.

Technology has given the world a way to store tons and tons of data.  However, accessing this data can be cumbersome without the right tools.  Recently, I purchased a brand new Casio 10.1 megapixel camera that works off of SD cards.  Using my proudly owned Kingston high speed 4gb MicroSD card and corresponding SD card adapter, I was taking tons of photos without the worry of storage space and long write times.  However, my trip with my new toys came to a screeching halt when I tried to use the 9-in-1 memory card reader built into the motherboard of my PC.  Unfortunately, because of the newer high speed and micro technology, my PC was unable to read or write to this wonderful memory card due to my system’s hardware limitations.  Luckily, Kingston has solved this problem…well actually, kind of. 

Because I was having the most difficulty with my Kingston MicroSD card, this was the first slot that I tested out in my new Kingston 19-in-1 reader.  Unfortunately, when I plugged this same MicroSD 4gb card into the memory card slot of the reader, nothing happened.  I received no error message, nor was I able to access my data.  However, after plugging this 4gb MicrosSD card into the full sized Kingston SD card adapter first, then inserting into the full sized SD card slot rendered the memory card true, allowing me to add and delete data quickly.  Currently, I only own Kingston brand MicroSD cards, so I was unable to test out this memory card slot with another brand.  So unless my computer was acting funky, I could not get this MicroSD card slot to read. 

I also tested out the Memory Pro Duo side of the memory card reader.  At first attempt, I was quite puzzled on which slot I should stick my PSP’s memory card into.  Even though I could clearly read the “DUO” text next to the corresponding slot, it seemed as though I could not get my memory card to properly fit.  And like most memory card users, I am well aware of the fragility that the material of the memory card is made from, making sure to be extra careful with every ounce of pushing pressure I inputted.  Though scared of cracking my Memory Stick, I overcame my fear and pushed the card in properly.  Once inserted, everything worked like a champ; fast and accurate.  

The unit itself carries a decent sense of innovation as the entire unit slides within itself.  Surrounding the reader hardware is a gray plastic casing.  However, the inside hardware has the ability to shift back and forth about a half an inch or so.  This feature was implemented to house the attached USB cable seamlessly, giving the unit an overall more flush and cleaner look while increasing portability.  Once the USB head pops out, the user simply can use a finger to pop out the reader side towards the front of the unit.  Also bundled with the reader, is a USB extender cable.  This allows the reader to be used from several feet away.  Without this extender cable, the user would only have about 1-2 inches of cord length to work with.  With the extender cable, the user has about 1 yard worth of length. 

Once the USB head is inserted into an open slot on your PC, 4 new drives will automatically appear.  Each section of the reader is divided into one of four of these slots, each designated with its own name.  And even though four drives will pop up, there was only a second or two read time for my PC to recognize everything.  Plus, there is no need to install drivers of any kind. 

When any type of card is inserted, the red Tiki head Kingston logo on the top of the unit actually glows a furious red, indicating that a card is plugged in and ready to be used.  Once you see this glow in action, you won’t realize how cool it really is.  It is a little feature that can be very well overlooked, but it is definitely a highlighting point.

The 19 media card formats supported include: CompactFlash Type I and II, SD, SDHC, miniSD, miniSDHC, microSD, microSDHC, MMC, MMCmobile™(DV RS-MMC), MMCplus, MMCmicro, RS-MMC, Microdrive, Memory Stick Micro (M2), Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo.  The unit uses USB 2.0 but is also compatible with 1.1.  Each reader also comes with a 2 year warranty and 24/7 technical support. 

If you own multiple types of memory cards, then there is no reason not to buy this.  Selling for under $20, this is definitely one of the best memory card readers on the market today.  The only negative aspect of this unit is getting comfortable with it (and my lack of ability to get the MicroSD card slot to work properly).  Learning through trial and error is really the only way to figure out exactly how to push and eject different types of memory cards.  It many sound like a stupid and meaningless task, but I want to be extra careful with my memory cards, no matter how cheap or expensive they may be.  Once you figure out the right amount a pressure and technique to use when inserting the different types of cards, you will wonder how you ever did without this little device.  It is encouraged to visit the official webpage for this device to for the extra info you might need when using this convenient device. 

Visit http://www.kingston.com/default.asp to learn more.  Even though I had slight problems with it, I still recommend this unit. Check it out.