A flash card reader is a bit like a dishwasher. You certainly can live without it, but once you get your hands on one, you will not want to be without it.
We tend to just put memory cards into a digital camera, PDA, MP3 player, and forget about them. Until the inevitable moment arrives, when we need to transfer information from the device onto the computer, or vice versa. That's when a problem crops up. Actually, two problems:
* One, the process is slow. Often painfully slow.
* And two, we can not use our device (with a spare memory card) while it is busy communicating with the computer.
Card readers are there to speed things up, free the camera or PDA, and - as an extra bonus - save the battery power and general wear and tear on the device in question.
There are several considerations you should take into account when buying a memory card reader.
If you use only one kind of memory card, then there is no reason for you to buy a unit that reads a dozen different kinds of memory. Instead, go for a cheaper model that handles only one or two types of cards.
If you routinely dart from computer to computer, or own a laptop, you will doubtlessly want to go for an external card reader. They are easy to use and small - about the size of a deck of cards. Stick it in your pocket and take it anywhere. This portability is very handy when you are at work or a friend's house and want to transfer files or pictures.
Internal card readers come into two sizes, to fit into the computer's 3.5- or 5.25-inch slot. They will suit users who predominantly work at one computer, and therefore do not need to carry their reader around. The nice thing about internal card readers is that they some with additional USB, FireWire and media ports for the front of your computer.
So, to go back to the beginning, the question is: who needs a card reader? And the short answer is: anyone who has a device that uses a memory card: digital camera, PDA, MP3 player, and so on.
If you belong to that category of people, make your way to Frontier Electronics and choose the reader that's right for you. If you wish, you may first check all Frontier's card readers at http://www.frontier-electronics.co.za/stor_readers.htm.
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