CardReader
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Sonnet's Qio eSATA controller / all-in-one card reader
Sonnet's a fun little company -- when not hustling iPod chargers and transmitters, it's providing the world with more sober, serious hardware, such as its RAID storage solutions. Among the company's newest kit is Qio, a media card reader / writer that includes a E4P SATA host controller, four eSATA ports, and the usual array of P2, SxS and CompactFlash slots. If that weren't enough, this device also includes an adapter so that your SD and XF cards don't feel left out. Available for both desktop (PCIe) and laptop owners (ExpressCard), the HDD controller supports port multipliers allowing users to access up to 20 drives. Available sometime next month, pricing to be determined.
Magic Cube all-in-one card reader rotates, impresses
Multi-card readers? Sure, they're usually kind of a snooze... but this one's pretty cute. The so-called Magic Cube All-in-One reader -- which looks not a little like a Rubik's cube -- is a 56-in-one jack of all trades (microSD, SDHC, SD, xD, you name it) which tranfers up to 480Mb per second, and comes with a USB to mini USB cable. You can own this puppy (for Windows and Linux) for $9.99.
USB extension cable arrives with inline card reader
You know, sometimes it's just the simple things in life that really bring a smile to one's face. Take this cable, for instance. At first glance, it's really nothing more than a USB extension cable (USB A Male-to-mini USB) with an odd protrusion in the middle. Sort of like a snake that's only halfway done digesting its latest meal. Gross analogies aside, that bulge is actually an SD card reader that's also capable of handling SDHC, miniSD and microSD formats. The whole cord measures 2.43 feet long and costs just $11.99 -- can you say "geek stocking stuffer?"
SanDisk ships first ever multicard readers with style
Okay, so maybe you've seen a multicard reader or two in your day that wasn't unsightly to the nth degree, but it's a rarity, let us tell you. Furthermore, SanDisk's latest bunch are amongst the first we've seen that we'd actually feel somewhat proud to have sitting on our desks, and considering that there's only so much added functionality you can give these things, aiming for high fashion was probably a good move. The new line of ImageMate readers are currently shipping out to retailers in North America, with the All-In-One reader listing at $29.99 and the Multi-Card reader selling for $10 less.%Gallery-45872%
Micro Innovations's bamboo lineup might just save the world... from generic computer peripherals
Our Panda-like obsession with bamboo is really paying off of late, what with the hundreds of bamboo ASUS laptops scattered around the Engadget HQ, the few dozen cubicles we've built out of Dell Studio Hybrid sleeves, and now this complete line of bamboo peripherals from Micro Innovations. Sure, they're ugly and a little low on tech -- the speakers, card reader, webcam, USB hub, keyboard and mouse couldn't be any more generic in specifications -- and as far as we can tell there's nothing particularly "green" about the typical-seeming internals, but apparently the (undisclosed) pricing is right. Most of this stuff should be available through your electronics retailer of choice in April or May.
5-in-1 multi-function MP3 player could use a plug from Billy Mays
In theory, we can't really harsh on a diminutive little gizmo that can play back MP3s, record voice notes, capture live video, snap a few stills and double as a card reader in a pinch, but there's just something about this thing that screams infomercial. As for specs, it's got 2GB of built-in memory, a microSD expansion slot, USB 2.0 connectivity, a rechargeable Li-ion and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. Unfortunately, the thing's selling for an almost astronomical $60 before shipping, which definitely pushes it into "won't ever sell without Billy Mays' endorsement" territory. Seriously, check the vid after the jump if you think you're immune to coercion.
Griffin intros Simplifi iPod dock / card reader / USB hub
Griffin may occasionally help out those that like to complicate their lives, but it also thankfully caters to those of us that prefer to keep things simple, and it looks like its new, appropriately-named Simplifi dock should appeal to quite a few in the latter camp. As you can see, it'll not only accommodate a single iPod or iPhone, but your media cards of choice, and a pair of USB devices (the ports are on the back). It also includes an AC adapter for devices that required a powered USB port, which can be conveniently ditched if its not needed. You will pay a bit of a premium for clearing all that clutter though, as the device sports a somewhat hefty $70 price tag.
Nervian's CardReader Pro fits right in with PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro
As your never-ending quest to find peripherals specifically made to match beautifully with your PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro continues, we've one that'll surely shoot right to the top of your must-have list. Nervian's CardReader Pro slips just under the front handle of your tower, providing (almost) integrated card reader functionality without putting a damper on your rig's style. Better still, the USB 2.0 unit supports 52 different flavors of flash memory, ensuring that just about every card you toss in there will mount in short order. There's no word on how costly this will be when it ships in October, but those definitely interested can nab 15% off by signing up for details at the outfit's website.[Thanks, choco]
Crapgadget: brick satellite covers, ladybug card readers and more laughable abominations
You know what's lamer than the thought of just how close 7:00AM on a Monday morning is from now? These five gadgets. Things are really neck-and-neck in this edition of the world's poorest attempts in the consumer electronics space, with everything from a brick-colored satellite dish cover (is drunk designing the new drunk dialing?), a ladybug-shaped multicard reader and a carpal tunnel-inducing aircraft mouse. Oh, and lest we forget the "Big Time" watch table and cellphone wristband, both of which are also very worth candidates for this round's most pitiful. Give each a look below, and after you're through chuckling / vomiting, exercise your right to vote on the best (worst?) below.Read - Brick-colored dish coverRead - Ladybug multicard readerRead - USB aircraft mouseRead - Giant watch tableRead - Gadget wristband %Poll-17084%
SATA HDD dock becomes mutant card reader, scares pets
We're big fans of SATA HDD docks that let you quickly access whole drives like noisy, overgrown memory sticks. An earlier unit offered just USB connectivity to your Mac or PC, later adding eSATA before rounding out its options with FireWire. Now we have a new model that still accepts bare 2.5- and 3.5-inch disks on top, but ditches the FireWire connectivity on the back in exchange for a card reader and two-port USB hub on the front -- perfect for plugging in storage of the smaller and quieter variety.
Delkin's ImageRouters daisy chain to read twelve UDMA CF cards at once
Been looking for the perfect card reader to complement that ExpressCard-less MacBook Air of yours? Well here's exactly what you aren't looking for, the ImageRouter from Delkin. This thing is built for professional photographers who need to dump pictures in a hurry, and one of these $149 monstrosities can read up to four CompactFlash cards simultaneously over a USB 2.0 connection. But wait, there's more! You can plug up to three ImageRouters into each other for a total of 12 CompactFlash cards in UDMA transfer mode all at the same time, perfect for all those 25 megapixel shots you've been snapping, or that RAID array you've been meaning to build. Delkin's shipping this thing in March, and it also comes in a $249 version with some bundled BackupandBurn software. [Via SlashGear]
Earth Trek's 2-in-1 mult-card reader has a USB twist
We've been bored by the entirely too utilitarian concept of multi-card readers ever since they were hosting our SmartMedia and xD cards, but Earth Trek seems to have revitalized the concept for 2008. The 2-in-1 rotary multi-card reader has a patented swiveling USB 2.0 connector to let you come at it from all angles -- not exactly going to revolutionize your memory card experience, but a nice touch. The reader also includes a plug and adaptors for charging your phone, which seems random but useful. No word on price or availability.
Hama PhotoPlayer 1080i digital picture viewer
Hey there Ansel Adams -- we know you're shooting all your news pictures in an ultra-detailed, millions-of-megapixels format. Unfortunately for you, it's hard to show off your breathtaking work to friends and family. Well, a company called Hama hopes to change all that with its PhotoPlayer 1080i, a curious device that serves one basic function: it allows you to view your photos on an HD television. Basically, the little contraption is a 35-in-1 card reader which also outputs images (via component hookups) to your favorite 1080i-equipped display. The PhotoPlayer comes with a tiny remote for flipping through your majestic vision, and also includes a USB jack (for hard drives and the like), so you can go for a really, really long haul during your presentations. We can hear the "oohs" and "ahhs" already. Available now, no word on price.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
Xs-Drive Vision 2500 stores your stuff, won't get you dates
Looking for storage you can take with you? How about ugly storage? Well, prepare to be semi-covered on all ends with the fancy new Xs-Drive Vision 2500. The mysterious box rocks all kinds of funky options, like a 60GB or 160GB internal hard drive, a 320 x 240 LCD display, support for CF type I and II, Memory Stick, SD, miniSD, microSD, MMC, and xD cards, video in / out player and recorder, MP3 playback, ADPCM voice recording, plus JPEG viewer, TXT reader, and USB 2.0 connectivity. No word on a street date, but the whole fantastic fantasy starts with the price tag of £139 (around $285) for the 60GB version.
Elecom's MR-C12 card reader: a single-slot NAND stash
At first glance we thought, "sweet, a makeshift SSD for all of our disparate memory cards." That is, until we figured out from the machine translation that the MR-C12 series of card readers from Elecom has more in common with a cigarette case than a solid state drive. So in addition to providing a convenient-if-bulky place to tote all your memory cards around, it also features a baked-in USB 2.0 cable and single media slot which accommodates all the most popular formats. No accidental jamming your memory card into the wrong slot here kids. In Japan mid October for ¥2,520 or about $22 in dear departed presidents. [Via Impress]
Lindy's Data Dock hot swaps all kinds of junk
Do you ever find yourself staring down at your drive bays, watching as the lazy, single purpose hard drive does its work and think, "Man, I wish I could swap that thing out for a USB hub when it's done spinning."? Well, the clever folks at Lindy have answered your prayers by creating the USB 2.0 Data Dock. The premise is simple: the Dock installs into your standard, 3.5-inch bay and provides two open "slots" which you can use for either a 2.5-inch swappable drive enclosure, a four port USB hub, or a multi-format card reader -- all of which are provided. Additionally, once the modules are swapped out, they can be plugged directly into another system (or the same system) via a typical USB connection. Available now for £49.99 (about $101).[Via SlashGear]
Marubeni Infotec knocks on wooden input peripherals
While we doubt a vast majority of you have gone and purchased a wooden PC just yet, a natural tower isn't necessary to enjoy the stained goods that Marubeni Infotec was showing off at Computex. While details concerning pricing, availability, and construction were all but nil, AVing's crew did manage to get its camera up close and personal with some of the wares. On display was a USB keyboard (complete with Scrabble-influenced keys), a number of colorful USB 2.0 flash drives, a multicard reader, and a four-port (we agree, the fourth port is hiding) USB hub. Click on through for shots so close, you can smell the sap.
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.
OCZ Trifecta SD card pulls triple duty
Although it's far from being the first USB-enabled SD card to grace store shelves, we're giving OCZ a bit of a break considering that its rendition of the multi-faceted flash card also handles microSD on the side. The aptly-dubbed Trifecta purportedly functions as any standard SD card should in your camera, PMP, or toilet, but it also acts as a flash card reader or USB thumb drive without any extra fuss. The three-in-one device will be shipping in both 1GB and 2GB flavors before any additional expansion via microSD, will sport a 66x read rate, and will be covered by a five-year warranty to boot. Unfortunately, we've no idea when to expect these little guys to actually arrive, nor how much they'll run when that day comes.[Via EverythingUSB]
TrekStor's DataStation maxi t.uch drive does it all
As if you needed any more card readers and USB hubs in your life, TrekStor is busting out this new DataStation maxi t.uch hard drive at CeBIT this week, with a 9-in-1 card reader and a pair of USB ports in tow. The drive comes in 250GB and 400GB versions, and is capable of automatically backing up its own data. This should provide a nice bit of convenience for photogs looking for a quick and convenient way to offload pics from flash memory cards, and the powered USB ports are always nice, but neither addition is earth shattering. You'll be able to pick up a a drive soon, with the 250 gigger going for €120 ($158 US) and the 400 gig at €175 ($230 US).
