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| Reviewed by Ed Krimen - June 2005 |
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Whether you decide to buy the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer, or transfer photos using another method, be sure to share your digital photos with your own online photo album on Photobird.com. Your photo albums on Photobird.com are easy to make, easy to use, attractive, and fun!
When shopping online, consider buying your SanDisk ImageMate USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer at B&H, the sponsor of this review on Photobird.com. B&H is celebrating over 30 years of quality, service, selection, and price.
Introduction
Taking digital photos with your digital camera is always lots of fun. Of course, it's very easy too. Most digital cameras have an "automatic" feature that tells the camera to make most of the decisions while you just press the shutter button to capture the photo. That's the fun part. You just click and click and click to your heart's content. Before you know it, you have hundreds if not thousands of photos. Then what?
Transferring photos to your computer from your digital camera, on the other hand, is one of the most tedious and daunting tasks! That is, you first need to know how to get your photos from your camera to your computer. Many people don't know how to do that, and they don't know what equipment they need. For some people, transferring photos is not a very straightforward procedure.
Of course, when sharing photos from digital cameras, you need to have a computer. And you need to transfer the photos from your digital camera to your computer. Most if not all digital cameras come with a special cable that connects the digital camera to the computer. (Yes, there should have been a cable in the box that your digital camera came in.)
You also need to make sure that your computer has the correct type of "port" or jack that will work with the cable supplied with your digital camera. If your computer is several years old, it may not have a USB port that works with the USB cable supplied with most digital cameras. In any case, if your computer is indeed several years old, you're probably due for a new computer anyway, especially if you want to see and share your digital photos in all their glory.
Even if you have all of the required equipment -- the computer, USB ports, USB cable for the digital camera, and the digital camera itself -- you'll probably find that it can be a pain transferring photos from your digital camera to your computer. First, you gotta find the USB cable for your digital camera. Where did you put it? What does it look like? Searching for it can be time-consuming and frustrating. You may not have the USB cable attached to your computer because your computer already has a lot of cables connected to it; you don't need another cable -- especially if there isn't a device attached to it all of the time. If your USB ports are difficult to reach on your computer, you may decide to procrastinate and prefer to work on your income taxes before you crawl under your desk looking for USB ports. That is, if you remember which port is the USB port.
After you find the USB cable and the USB port on your computer, you need to get your digital camera. Of course, you know where your digital camera is, but there's really not much room on your desk to work on it: attaching cables, reading digital camera manuals to figure out how to transfer photos (if you can find your manuals), and so on. As you know, getting the photos out of your digital camera can be extremely tedious, so you prefer to procrastinate and paint the house instead.
Fortunately, there's a better, easier, and faster way to transfer photos to your computer from your digital camera. Similar to film in the olden days, you know that your digital camera allows you to remove, replace, and swap the memory cards that it uses for storing your photos. The better way to transfer photos to your computer is to simply remove the memory card from your digital camera and plug it into a device called a memory card reader. Memory card readers attach to your computer and will read and transfer the photos from your memory card to your computer. This memory card reader device effectively allows you to use your memory cards like "digital film".
One such memory card reader is the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer memory card reader works with 8 different memory card types: CompactFlash, CompactFlash II, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card, and MultiMediaCard. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer works with computers that have either USB 1.1 or the faster USB 2.0 ports. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer is also a "writer", meaning that it can also transfer photos and other computer files to memory cards.
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer box includes the following items:
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer -
On the left, you can see 4 different views of the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer. In Photo 1, the reader is positioned vertically in its docking station cradle. You can easily see the individual slots where the memory cards are inserted. Photo 2 shows some memory cards inserted in the reader.
Docking station cradle -
In photos 1 and 2 on the left, the docking station cradle is the part with the large cylindrical base. The docking station cradle has a 3-foot long USB cable that you connect to your computer.
Extra travel USB cable -
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer also comes with a 6-inch travel USB cable that you can use when traveling without the docking station cradle. The travel USB cable is shown connected to the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer in photos 3 and 4.
Installation CD -
If you use Windows XP or Mac OS X, your computer already has drivers and works well with the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer. If you use Windows 98SE/2000 or Mac OS 9, you'll need to install the drivers that are included on the installation CD.
Quick Start Guide -
SanDisk includes a 9-page quick start guide that helps you get started with the ImageMate 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer. The guide is written well and the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer is extremely easy to use, so you probably only need to read the guide once. The Quick Start Guide covers simple topics such as connecting, using, and disconnecting the device. They even have a section called "How do I find the USB port?", which is an admirable attempt to explain and show people how to find the USB ports on their computers; unfortunately, SanDisk's approach fails with confusion. Their photo of the USB port shows 2 USB ports stacked, which is found on some but not all computers; and not only that, the photo is very blurry. The photo resembles a few Lego blocks; you can't even tell that it's two USB ports, unless you already knew what a USB port looks like -- which defeats the purpose of this section titled "How do I find the USB port?" I suppose it was a worthwhile try.
Review criteria
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer is well equipped and is priced economically. It's hard to berate a device such as the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer because it's well-built and does what it should with a few different options for about $20.
In its docking station cradle, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer uses minimal desk space and operates intuitively: you just plug it into your computer, plug in the memory cards, and transfer your photos.
Conveniently, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer also allows you to detach the docking station cradle so the device is easily transportable in a briefcase, suitcase, or other travel bag.
One of the main reasons I like the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer is that it works better than the PC Card Compact Flash adapter I was using. PC Card Compact Flash adapters allow you to use Compact Flash cards in the PC Card slot on most laptops. Unfortunately, I found that the Viking PC Card Compact Flash adapter I was using on a Mac Powerbook often locked up the computer and always took a long time to recognize my Viking Compact Flash cards. Fortunately, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer always mounts and "ejects" the cards from the system quickly and effortlessly.
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer is extremely easy to use, especially on Windows XP and Mac OS X. You just plug the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer into your USB port, insert your memory cards into the device, and the memory cards will appear as removable media drives (next to your hard drives and other devices) on your computer's screen. Simply copy the photos from the memory cards to your hard drive as you would ordinarily copy files from one folder to another. It really doesn't get any simpler.
When you're done transferring photos, tell the computer to "eject" your memory card and then you can remove your memory card from the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer.
When using operating systems other than Windows XP and Mac OS X, you'll need to first install drivers so your computer can recognize the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer.
Unlike comparable removable storage devices, such as floppy disks and CDs, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer requires two-handed operation. It's difficult to insert memory cards into the device with one hand because the device can easily tip over. You need to push the memory cards in with one hand and hold the device with your other hand so it won't tip over. With a lower center of gravity, or with a method by which the device grabs the memory cards when they're inserted, a memory card reader similar to the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer should allow you to insert memory cards with one hand. Nevertheless, this isn't a big deal and shouldn't discourage you from considering to purchase the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer.
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer can't get much smaller. With all of the memory cards inserted, it's just slightly larger than each memory card.
The docking station cradle is a nice addition to the device, but I think it might be a little too tall, with too tall of a center of gravity. If the docking station cradle was a bit shorter or held the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer tilted back a bit, it would more easily enable one-handed use.
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer seems well built, but it could be more solid. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer might survive a few table-height drops to the floor and might survive being sat on a few times, but it might not survive much more. It's hard to ask for more though because the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer only costs about 20 bucks, and if you treat it right, it should last years. It will probably last as long if not longer than the memory cards it supports because it has no moving parts.
I also feel that the connection to the docking station cradle could be made tighter and more secure (although the device works well as is). While sitting in its docking station cradle, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer rocks a bit back and forth, which doesn't feel like a tight fit. Nevertheless, it's not a huge issue and shouldn't discourage you from considering to purchase the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer.
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer has a fairly basic design, and some might even call it ugly. It's not going to look fashionable and cool next to your Mac Mini, but it will certainly work with it. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer might not win any design awards, but the fact that SanDisk included the docking station cradle is a very nice touch.
In these speed tests, I wanted to replicate real world situations as much as possible. I used a Viking 256MB CompactFlash card and a Sony 256MB Memory Stick. The camera used in the tests is a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828, which works with CompactFlash cards and Memory Sticks. I tested USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports on Windows and Macintosh computers.
The Windows computer is a Windows XP machine with Service Pack 2, 512MB of RAM, a 2.4Ghz Intel Pentium 4 processor, Asus P4SDX motherboard, and a Maxtor 80GB 6Y080L0 drive. The Mac with the USB 1.1 port is a Powerbook 17" with 1GB RAM and a 1.0 Ghz processor running Mac OS 10.2. The Mac with the USB 2.0 port is a Powerbook 17" with 1GB of RAM and a 1.67Ghz processor running Mac OS 10.3.
To conduct the tests, I used the same, unmodified memory card in the camera as was used in the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer. Each memory card was filled to capacity with 2-megabyte JPEG photos, to simulate real world situations. The CompactFlash card had 244.2MB on disk with 8KB free and the Memory Stick had 227.6MB on disk with 64KB free.
As you can see in the chart below, the speed results are quite remarkable. When transferring data from the CompactFlash card using a USB 2.0 port on Windows XP, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer is about three times faster than the camera (42 seconds versus 124 seconds). When transferring data from the CompactFlash card using the USB 1.1 port, the transfer times are much closer, with only about a 20-second difference. (The times shown in the chart below are in minutes and seconds.)
|
Windows |
Windows |
Mac |
Mac |
| Transfer from: |
USB 2.0 |
USB 1.1 |
USB 2.0 |
USB 1.1 |
| CompactFlash in reader |
0:42 |
3:53 |
1:13 |
7:08 |
| CompactFlash in camera |
2:04 |
4:14 |
2:06 |
7:55 |
| MemoryStick in reader |
0:55 |
4:46 |
1:10 |
4:29 |
| MemoryStick in camera |
1:20 |
3:54 |
1:24 |
4:39 |
The speed results for the Memory Stick are interesting too, although not as dramatic as the CompactFlash tests. When transferring data from the Memory Stick using the Windows USB 2.0 port, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer is about 25 seconds faster than the camera. On USB 1.1, the camera is actually faster, about 50 seconds faster. I suspect that Sony has optimized its drivers well in the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 to handle transferring data from Memory Sticks; they probably didn't spend too much time on the CompactFlash drivers (since the Memory Stick was created by Sony).
For the USB ports on the Mac, the speed for USB 2.0 is a bit slower than Windows, and on USB 1.1 -- well -- they're glacial. Although I'm not certain, I suspect the older 10.2 operating system on the USB 1.1 Mac might have quite a bit of significance to the slower speeds. If it was running 10.3, the times might have been faster, probably closer to the Windows USB 1.1 speeds.
I should disclaim that your transfer speed results may vary from mine. Your digital camera and computing environment, including your computer's speed and operating system and your digital camera model and manufacturer, can contribute to different results than mine.
Overall, you can see that it pays to have a USB 2.0 port. And when transferring photos from a Compact Flash card, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer can improve speed tremendously.
The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer is available for around $20, so it's difficult to complain about the price. I paid about $10 for my PC Card CompactFlash adapter that only reads and writes to Compact Flash Type I cards, not Type 2 cards, and the PC Card CompactFlash adapter doesn't even work that reliably. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Reader/Writer also reads and writes to 6 other types of cards, so it's a much better deal.
When shopping online, consider buying your SanDisk ImageMate USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer at B&H, the sponsor of this review on Photobird.com. B&H is celebrating over 30 years of quality, service, selection, and price.
My Favorite Features:
Reliable performance
Reasonable price and good value
Convenient
Easy to use
Significant speed improvement
Works well with or without the docking station cradle
Good compact size
Less hassle than using your camera's USB cable
Works with 8 types of memory cards
Areas of Improvement:
Make it easier to insert memory cards with one hand
Transfer speed for MemorySticks could be faster
Construction is good, but could be more solid
More attractive overall design
Better picture of a USB port in the manual
If you have a digital camera or other device that uses memory cards, you should seriously consider using the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer. The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer allows you to use your memory cards like "digital film". The SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer is more convenient, less hassle, and easier to use than using the USB cable that came with your digital camera to transfer photos to your computer. In most of our tests, when transferring photos from memory cards, it was also much faster. At about $20, it's practically a steal. If you have more than one digital camera, especially with different memory card types, the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer is a must-have item. If you use memory cards other than the ones that the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer supports, consider the SanDisk ImageMate 12 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer, which supports 4 more card types than the 8 in 1 Reader/Writer.
Whether you decide to buy the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer, or transfer photos using another method, be sure to share your digital photos with your own online photo album on Photobird.com. Your photo albums on Photobird.com are easy to make, easy to use, attractive, and fun!
Related Links
Photos of the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer
SanDisk's ImageMate 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer website
Review of the SanDisk ImageMate 8 in 1 at Steve's Digicams
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Ed Krimen is an accomplished photographer who has taken thousands of digital photos. As co-founder and CEO of Photobird.com, Ed wants to make it truly easy for you to create attractive online photo albums to share your photos with your friends and family.
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