Kingston announces USB 3.0 FCR-HS4 High-Speed All-In-One Media Reader
Nowadays, it is very common to have an SD card reader on a laptop. Well, maybe not Apple's new MacBook, but I digress. Some desktop computers have integrated card readers, but not all do. The problem is there is more than one type of memory card, and many integrated solutions are SD-only. Plus, they are often USB 2.0, making them slow.
Luckily, if you have a USB 3.0 port, you can add a reader or upgrade to a faster option, with more card options too. Today, Kingston announces such a device; the FCR-HS4 All-In-One Media Reader. Not only is it fast and versatile, but attractive too.
"Users can easily back up and transfer music, photos, videos and other digital data with USB 3.0 high-speed performance. This allows users to save time transferring files as USB 3.0 allows up to 5Gb/s data transfer speed – almost 10x faster than USB 2.0. The portable, small form factor reader has a brushed nickel case and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0", says Kingston.
Jean Wong, Flash memory business manager, Kingston explains, "HS4 All-In-One Media Reader is a great device to quickly move data between multiple devices whether at home or on the road. The higher-capacity CF Ultimate 600x lets avid photographers and videographers capture more content and when used with the reader, data transfer is simple and fast".
The company shares the following features and benefits.
- Ultra-portable: small size makes it an easy and convenient travel accessory
- Versatile: supports the major types of memory cards and the latest speed standards (UHS-I and UHS-II)
- Fast: USB 3.0 performance for an efficient and effortless data transfer
- Compliant: with USB 3.0 specifications, backwards compatible with USB 2.0
- Guaranteed: two-year warranty, free technical support
- Dimensions: 93.17mm x 52.68mm x 16mm
- Speed Rating1: up to 5Gb/s data transfer speed
- Operating Temperature: 32º to 140ºF / 0º to 60ºC
- Storage Temperature: -4º to 185ºF / -20º to 85ºC
- Supported card formats:
- Compact Flash: CF Type I & II (UDMA 0-7)
- Secure Digital: SD/SDHC UHS I-II/SDXC UHS I-II
- microSD: microSD/microSDHC UHS-I/microSDXC UHS-I
- Memory Stick: Memory Stick PRO/Duo/PRO Duo/ PRO-HG Duo
- Requirements: system with USB 3.0
- Built-In LED Indicator
- USB 3.0 Cable Included
The design is more focused on at-home or office use, with the idea that it will be kept on a desk. Still, while it is not built ruggedly, it should be fine to put in a bag for travel. Typically, if you are an on-the-go photographer or something similar, you probably only work with one format, and can buy a smaller device that focuses on it.
The reader costs $30, and will be available at stores such as Newegg, Amazon and from Kingston directly. With that said, it is not yet in stock at any of the retailers, but availability should be imminent.