Brando's 55-in-1 multicard reader doubles as Bluetooth, USB 2.0 hub

Leave it to Brando to upgrade its fine line of chintzy multicard readers yet again, this time adding an additional three cards to its mile long compatibility list and throwing in a USB 2.0 hub as well. Of course, we've already seen the unit acquire Bluetooth and rave lights, but the latest edition doubles as a Bluetooth dongle and provides an extra two USB 2.0 ports to daisy chain your favorite USB-powered gadgetry to your PC. Not a whole lot of reasons to upgrade to this one if you're a proud (or shameful) owner of past iterations, but if you've been looking for the least expensive way to convert your non-BT-enabled machine into one that speaks Bluetooth, all while finding a device that reads and writes to T-Flash, IBM MD, MAGICSTOR, and SDHC (just to name a few), Brando's whiz-bang conglomerate will run you just $29.

[tchiseen @ May 11th 2007 12:13AM]

I think this brief review might be giving this item a hard time. Calling it a "chintzy multicard reader", accurate it may be, might be a little rough. It's a $29, 2 port usb hub, with bluetooth AND card card reading. If you felt the need for one of these features and wanted something cheap, you'd do well to get this and then be rewarded with some nice extra features.

[myscrnnm @ May 11th 2007 1:07AM]

Agreed. As long as the quality's decent, you're getting a great value considering what kind of features it has.

[Dustin @ May 11th 2007 1:54AM]

True. Sounds like a jack of no trades, though. Do all of these 55 'features' work well?

[NeoteriX @ May 11th 2007 2:06AM]

"Do all of these 55 'features' work *well*?"

It just needs to "read" 55 different types of cards, it either works or it doesn't.

[James Crasta @ May 11th 2007 7:09AM]

> "Hmm... Is it just me... or does that look like one of those mug warmer things that keeps your coffee hot?"

Shhhh. That's planned for the next revision, the bluetooth coffee-warming USB 2 hub / card reader / disco light / airsoft desk rifle.

[Tim @ May 11th 2007 7:43AM]

sounds like a good deal to get all that packaged in

[James @ May 11th 2007 3:37PM]

Yes, if all the features work worth a damn it would be a steal at that price. (Though it is really a turn-off when they call a card reader with ~6 types of media support "55-IN-1 MEGA ULTRA OMNI CARD READER!!!1!" by enumerating every variant of every version of every standard that it supports)

[REDbULL Runner @ Jun 3rd 2007 4:27PM]

Hmm... Is it just me... or does that look like one of those mug warmer things that keeps your coffee hot?