FAQ About Memory Card Reader
If you've maxed out the memory on your camera, action cam, or smartphone, then there's a good chance you've invested in a memory card. Just one catch -- your laptop might not have a compatible port to speak with your memory card. That's where a card reader comes in. These handy go-between devices transmit data between a memory card and your computer. Let's answer some common questions about memory card readers.
What are memory card readers?
As the name suggests, a memory card reader is a device for accessing data stored in a memory card. These devices are especially helpful for when your desktop or laptop computer doesn't contain an integrated memory card port. The reader acts as the interpreter, if you will, between the memory card and your hard drive.
What type of cards can you read with a card reader?
Most card readers are highly portable and versatile in their ability to read more than one type of memory card. The most common types of memory cards are Secure Digital (SD), microSD, SDHC, microSDHC, CompactFlash (CF), Memory Stick (MS), MS Duo, Mini SD, and MMC. Before buying a reader, make sure it's compatible with the memory card you are using.
What should I look for before buying a card reader?
An important feature for memory card readers is the speed with which they can transmit data. Readers with USB 3.0 compatibility will be faster than USB 2.0 technology (as long as your computer has a USB 3.0 port). As mentioned earlier, there are various types of memory cards, so having a reader than can communicate with more than one interface will be beneficial, especially if you find yourself using multiple memory cards.