What is Multi Card Reader?

Multi-card readers have become commonplace due to the number of memory storage devices that have been introduced to satisfy the need of digital cameras, MP3 players, etc. With each major manufacturer attempting to capture the next standard in portable and compact memory, a need was created for the average computer user to be able to read from and write to many different types of memory storage.

Multi-Card Reader Types

Multi-card readers are manufactured in two basic types: internal, which are designed to be installed inside a desktop computer, and external, which are designed to connect to a desktop or notebook computer with a cable to be used wherever the user feels is convenient.

Interfaces

The USB interface has nearly exclusive dominance in this technology currently even though there are a few Firewire multi-card readers available geared toward Apple Macintosh computers and the newer e-SATA interface, which is faster than either of the previous interfaces mentioned. Another legacy interface allows for the use of the floppy drive controller to connect a multi-card reader. As floppy drive controller and the floppy drives themselves are now becoming largely obsolete, it is questionable how long this type of multi-card reader will continue to be offered.

Memory Card Compatibility

Multi-card readers support some or all of the following memory card types:
Compact Flash CF I, CF II, CF Ultra II
MicroDrive
Smart Media Card
xD
Secure Digital: SD, SDHC, SD Ultra, miniSD (with adapter), microSD
TransFlash (with adapter)
Multimedia Card: MMC I, MMC II, RS-MMC, HS-MMC
Memory Stick: MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, MS MG, MS MG Pro, MS MG Duo, MS MG Pro Duo

Installation

External USB multi card readers are reasonably straightforward to install, usually requiring the end user to plug the device into an open USB jack on the computer (this, unlike several non-USB devices, can be done with the computer powered up) and then allowing the system to go through the process of finding the new hardware and installing the device driver automatically before using the device.
Internal USB multi-card readers are moderately challenging to install and require that the computer case side panel(s) be removed, a 3.5" drive bay (or alternately, when required, a 5.25" drive bay) be opened up, the device be slid into the newly opened drive bay, the Phillips head screws provided with the device be screwed into the multi-card reader (from the side) to secure it in place, the internal USB cable be plugged into the receptacle on the motherboard (please note, not all motherboards have this receptacle.) and the case side panel(s) be replaced. This operation does require the computer to be powered down. When powered back up, the system will find the new hardware and provide the necessary drivers so as to make the device usable.

Options

Multi-card readers are provided with a plethora of choices as to the different types of card they will handle, how many type of cards they will accept and if other devices will also be included as part of their function.
There are even multi-card readers that allow for extenal hard drives written to and read from as external backup devices.
Another related peripheral device provided by a few of the printer manufacturers is an integrated multi-card reader built into color printers so that pictures taken using digital cameras can be directly loaded to the printer for printing without the need to a computer at all.

Resources

• Integrated Dual SATA HDD dock and multi card reader