CardReader
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iPad, iPad 2 get unofficial CF card compatibility (video)
Given the impressive knockoffs and official camera kits we've seen, we'd say the iPad's definitely got the stuff to help out most shutterbugs, but up until now, uploading content from a CF card wasn't exactly easy. Well, our friends over at MIC Gadget recently showed off an iPad / iPad 2-compatible card reader that fixes that on the cheap. Simply called the CF card reader for iPad and iPad 2, the thing slips right into the slate's dock connector port and, as you can see from the video below, it transfers HD video and high-res images in a snap -- it also sports USB connectivity. Like its predecessor, the reader's available from MIC for $29.90, but you'll have to wait at least a month to get your hands on one. Oh, and a word of warning, you might want to make sure the iPad supports your camera's video format before shelling out the dough, as MIC found the slab couldn't playback video from a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Square has billboard in Times Square, still slowly delivering card readers
If you've been reading TUAW for any length of time, you've probably seen our posts about Square. This startup had the idea to develop a free credit card reader that could be used with an iPhone (later expanded to many phone models) or iPad, and provide a card authorization service with low enough rates that basically anyone in the U.S. could accept credit cards. The service works very well; I've moved from a traditional credit card authorization service to Square, and I'm saving money in the process. However, an informal Twitter poll showed that there are still a number of people (including our very own Dave Caolo) who are still patiently waiting for their readers over a year after signing up. Not good. That's apparently not keeping the company from shouting from the rooftops about how great their product is. The company received funding from a supporter to install a huge multi-panel billboard in New York's Times Square showing how anyone can accept credit cards with the Square reader and iPhone app. They've also teamed up with fashion designer Vivienne Tam to come out with a limited-edition high fashion card reader. We're happy to see that you're going places, Square -- just be sure to keep sending out those card readers to all those people who are still waiting.
j5 Create's device / data sharing peripherals leave us cautiously optimistic
We're dying to find out more about j5 Create's line of attractive and ambitious peripherals, but we're not entirely sure they actually exist. The company's website features six different data and device sharing products -- the JUC100 Wormhole KM Switch offers keyboard and mouse functionality across two devices; the JUA230 DVI Display Adapter connects up to six monitors with three different display modes; and the JUH320 Wormhole Station brings together shared keyboard and mouse access with two USB 3.0 ports and a memory card reader. j5's website promises stylish connectivity, featuring sleek product renderings and a flash presentation that provides, ahem, inspirational insight -- swans, flutes, ballerinas -- but no talk of finished products, price, or availability. Additionally, we haven't found any of these devices for sale online, despite the fact that the brand's parent company, KaiJet, is an established manufacturer of peripherals in Taiwan. So, yes, there's a chance that someone out there is hooked up to a Wormhole Station right now, but we wouldn't bet our diamond-encrusted iPhone on it.
AirStash wireless flash drive with media streaming and WebDAV update hands-on (video)
Remember our good friends from AirStash at last year's CES? Well, this year they're back with the same wireless storage dongle, but now bolstered with a new firmware and smarter ways of transferring files to and from your mobile devices. As before, the AirStash is essentially an SD card reader that can be accessed as an ordinary USB storage device, or a basic read-only file server via WiFi tethering, meaning the host device doesn't require a card reader or a USB host. Upon requests from many users, AirStash is now finalising an HTML5-based web app and a free native iOS app, both of which offer in-app image browsing and media streaming, including HD videos and Apple DRM content on iOS (associated with the appropriate Apple ID, of course). What really surprised us was the claim that the AirStash's minuscule 600mAh cell can do streaming for around five hours, regardless of the media type. That said, we were only given a demo with a standard-definition video clip, and even that took about 25 seconds to buffer over 802.11g WiFi, so you can imagine how many sunsets you might see while waiting for an HD clip to load. With about a full month away from release, AirStash thinks it can push the loading speed up in time for launch, so we shall see. Read on to see the other new features. %Gallery-112884%
Elecom's rotating USB memory card reader tries not to block your ports
It's still not a substitute for a built-in memory card reader in a laptop, but Elecom's new MR-C25 Series USB memory card reader might just be the next best thing. In addition to reading both SD and microSD cards, it's able to rotate a full 180 degrees to give you access to ports on either side of the card reader. From the looks of things, you may still run into some problems with ports that are particularly close together (and with bulky plugs or devices), but it should definitely prevent at least some unwanted USB swapping. Unfortunately, there's no still word on a price or release over here just yet, but it does apparently come in both black and white to better match your laptop.
Elecom's 47-in-1 MR-A005 card reader gains SDXC support, speed boost
Frankly, we've our doubts that this planet is even home to 47 different useful types of flash cards, but if you're Boy Scout instincts simply won't let you leave the house unprepared, there's Elecom's MR-A005. It's a familiar design, sure, but what it lacks in ingenuity it makes up for in compatibility. This is one of the first mega-multi-card readers to support SDXC, and we're told that this model is around 20 percent faster than its predecessor when writing to CompactFlash (not to mention 10 percent faster when writing to SDHC). And hey, it's available in four triumphant colors. Check it later this month in Japan for around 30 bones.
Square payment system is coming back in full force by 'late summer'
Unsurprisingly, given the small company and big ambitions behind the project, the Square mobile payments system got off to a shaky start earlier this year. Hardware shortages were resolved relatively quickly, but setting up the proper fraud prevention infrastructure without transactional limits -- which, shockingly, were disfavored by merchants -- threatened to shelve the little credit card reader for a long while. Not to worry, though, as today the Wall Street Journal has word that Square is looking to be back in business, kicking ass and taking card numbers, before the summer is through. We're now at an advanced stage of said season, so it shouldn't be too long before those dongle-assisted microtransactions start flowing again.
Lenovo IdeaCentre A300 and Multimedia Keyboard review
Lenovo seems to have developed a clear two-pronged strategy: for business, it leans on the knowhow and tradition it purchased from IBM with the demure Think line, and for the consumer end, it's developed its own, oftentimes flamboyant, Idea range of computers. Prime example of the latter is the IdeaCentre A300, which features an edge-to-edge glass screen, chrome accenting aplenty, and an unhealthily thin profile. As such, it's one of the more unashamed grabs for the hearts and minds of desktop aesthetes, so we had to bring it in for a test drive and see what we could see. Lenovo also sent us one of its diminutive Multimedia Keyboard remotes to have a play around with. Follow the break for our review of both.%Gallery-95775%%Gallery-95777%
AirStash brings the WiFi, neglects the storage, for a cent under $100
When we last saw the AirStash, it was keeping its mystique about it and refusing to disclose any salient details beyond the fact that it'll function as a wireless SD/SDHC card reader. Today, the fog of war is lifted with the news that the AirStash is now officially on sale for $99.99, and will come with a battery good for five hours of continuous data streaming. Marketed primarily at iPhone OS devices, it creates a wireless network that allows any WiFi and browser-equipped computer to access the storage cards within it. The UI is built around HTML5 and recharging is done via a USB connection, which also turns the AirStash into a simple SDHC card adapter when plugged in. Check out our hands-on with it from CES over here and look for a full review coming up shortly. We do care so very deeply our portable storage.
Elecom introduces SDXC-compatible card reader, waits for you to afford SDXC cards
Panasonic's duo of SDXC cards should be shipping out this month, which means that you'll be needing a new card reader on the double. Of course, it's not like you're really about to pay upwards of $450 for 32GB of wicked fast Secure Digital storage (or $600 for the 64 gigger), but hey, it's hard to knock Elecom for being proactive. Said outfit has just released what looks to be the first multicard readers to openly support SDXC, with the MR-A001BK handling ten formats and the MR-A002 supporting a grand total of 32 -- some of which haven't been used regularly since Vikings ruled the north. Both are expected to ship in Japan later this month, with pricing set for ¥1,890 ($21) and ¥2,415 ($27) in order of mention.
zoomMediaPlus' zoomIt is the iPhone's long overdue SD card reader
Sorry if we're the sort of folks to look a gift SD card reader in the mouth, but while we're oh-so-happy that Apple finally opened up application-enabled hardware development in iPhone OS 3.0, we really wish an accessory like this had been available for the iPhone right from the start. The new zoomIt SD card reader from zoomMediaPlus adds a bit of external, swappable memory to the iPhone and iPod touch at long last, giving you the ability to store your iPhone's pictures on the card, or pull stuff off it onto your handset using the free zoomIt app. Interestingly, this is coming to light just a couple weeks after we saw Apple's own similar solution for getting cameras into the iPad mix -- the SD and USB-adapting iPad Camera Connection Kit, which will be a mere $30. There's no word if Apple's adapter will work with the iPhone (we doubt it) or if the zoomIt will work with the iPad (perhaps), but the $60 pricetag on the zoomIt is a bit of a turn off. Also, it won't be shipping until April (though you can pre-order now for a $10 discount), so Apple may very well make up our minds for us by the time March rolls around.
Addonics intros two eSATA-enabled multicard readers for the brave and gullible
There's no denying that the two newest multicard readers from Addonics can connect to one's PC via eSATA as well as the conventional USB 2.0 method, but frankly, we've our doubts about the honest-to-goodness speed benefits of linking through the former. The outfit claims that when its (external) Pocket eSATA / USB DigiDrive is hooked up with an eSATA cable, any flash media you insert can be used as a bootable device with read / write speeds of up to 150MB/sec, but of course you'll want to slap the quickest SDHC or CompactFlash card you can find in there to fully take advantage of the extra bandwidth. There's also an internal version for those tired of looking at the gaping hole where your floppy drive used to be, and considering that both retail for $59.99, you'll probably spend the next four or five hours just choosing which you really need.
Vertu V makes no concessions: $730 BT headset, $490 card reader, and $330 ballpoint pen
Because nothing says "I ain't afraid of no recession" like plopping down an excess amount of Benjamins for a Bluetooth earpiece, Vertu has unveiled its V accessories collection. $780 gets you a Bluetooth 2.1-compliant earpiece with 6 hours of charge time (same one we saw hit the FCC recently, we suspect), $490 for a USB memory card reader that as a consolation prize comes with a 2GB microSD card, and as for the ballpoint pen, asking price is a cool $330. For all three purchases, it's recommended you purchase the special leather case for protection -- and if these gifts are already comfortably in your price range, hey, why not? [Thanks, Shayjd]
Elecom's simplistic multicard reader mounts nicely on walls, desks
Still using that heap from 1999 that shipped sans a multicard reader? We know, it's tough. As does Elecom, who has just pumped out a foursome of new flash card readers for those less fortunate among us. The token one, however, is the sticky guy pictured above, which can actually be mounted on one's wall or desk side in order to maintain your precious desk space up top. You know -- 'cause all that paperwork scattered about is so critical. Mum's the word on a price or release date, but if we had to guess, we'd say "cheap" and "soon enough." [Via Akihabara News]
Kingston's MobileLiteG2 card reader makes your thumb look huge
There's diminutive, and then there's Kingston's MobileLiteG2 card reader. The second-generation of this here reader supports a wide variety of formats (SD, SDHC, microSD, microSDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and Memory Stick Micro), and it also boasts retractable covers on each side to protect the USB connector and the memory card. At just 2.45- x 1.16- x 0.646-inches in size, there's an 87.425 percent chance that you'll lose this before the MobileLiteG3 comes out, but honestly, that's probably a-okay with Kingston. Those looking to downsize in a big way can order this bugger up for $11 (for the reader itself), $28.50 (bundled with a 4GB SDHC card) or $46 (bundled with an 8GB SDHC card).[Via OhGizmo]
Samsung N310 renamed Go, befriends bacteria
Pre-order availability of this netbook has turned into a full-blown US-wide shelf invasion. BestBuy and Newegg are ready to ship you one right now, with the latter offering the better price at $449. Now known as the Samsung Go, the N310 pimps the oh-so-standard Atom N270, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD internal spec with a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 resolution display. There's also a 1.3-megapixel webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, MMC/SD card reader, and a pebble / chiclet / isolation keyboard. What seems to be missing from the Euro version is the anti-bacterial keyboard coating, which may be an accidental omission or it may indicate that using Silver Nano Technology proved more costly than a gimmick ought to be.[Via Portable Monkey]
Brando's latest HDD dock adds HDMI into the mix
There are apparently an awful, awful lot of people out there with shoe boxes full of spare SATA drives. Somebody is buying all these new HDD docks, and while most surpass the previous editions by adding support for another obscure format of memory card, Brando's latest seems like an actually useful update, adding HDMI and component ports through which it can output video at either 1080i or the always popular 576p. Standard resolutions may not be its strong point, and sadly there's no mention of which video codecs it can unravel, but it does at least support the major flavors of audio files (MP3, WMA, AAC, etc.) and of course will read memory cards and thumb drives to boot. No, a bare drive may not look particularly appealing while rattling away on your entertainment center, and at $69 you're not far from the price of a Windows Media extender or the like, but don't let such practical concerns dissuade you from adding this unique focal point to your home theater.
Multicard-lovin' dual SATA HDD dock keeps the dream alive
It's funny, really. Years back, we figured this SATA HDD dock was a one-off device that would get swept under the rug as quickly as it reached prominence. And yet, here we are in May of 2009 looking at the latest iteration of a product that won't ever stop reinventing itself. Brando's Dual SATA HDD Multi-Function Dock with One Touch Backup (yeah, seriously) doubles up on elder models by holding two 2.5- or 3.5-inch hard drives, and it also accepts a litany of flash cards. Lastly, this adds an eSATA connector to the traditional USB 2.0 socket for a bit more flexibility, but we still can't justify the $89 price if you already own a predecessor (or three).
Dexim MHub mixes up an iPod dock with a USB hub
We're actually sort of surprised that we haven't seen many more iPod dock / USB hub / card reader hybrids, but the Dexim MHub here is the only one we can recall seeing apart from the Griffin Simplifi. At a steep $70, it's certainly not the cheapest way to add three USB ports and an SD card reader, but it certainly does look nice. Should be on sale now.[Via Gear Diary]
EagleTec's NanoSac MicroSD Card reader makes mouse balls look big
We've got a thing for size, who doesn't? So check this USB 2.0 NanoSac MicroSD Card Reader from EagleTec. You can casually carry it around in any empty USB slot and then slip in your MicroSD/MicroSDHC card when you need a quick read/write. It's like EagleTec's Nano flash drive except with removable flash. For $18, we say why not. Hot NanoSac in the jack action after the break.[Via Brando]
