Kingston 1GB DataTraveler Micro Reader Review

Kingston is one company that is constantly offering new products to make your data management a little more convenient.  First, Kingston created a Mobility Kit, then joined forces with eMusic, created a 4gb MicroSD card, and even developed a 19-in-1 Memory Card Reader.  Their latest gift to the data storage world is the DataTraveler Micro Reader.

The model talked about in this article is the 1GB version, but there is also a 2GB and 4GB version available.  This all in one unit combines the best of both worlds: flash media storage with the ability to maintain a MicroSD card.

Housed in a gray casing, this USB device is 100% plug and play.  With an on board storage of 1GB, users are free to read and write how they see fit.  However, this unit really shines through the use of the added MicroSD card slot.  Flipping open the unit reveals the tiny MicroSD card slot.  Using an optional MicroSD card gives this unit a ton of storage possibilities.

When inserted into a USB slot in your computer, two new drives will pop up: G: and H:.  One drive is dedicated to the built in 1GB of storage space while the other is created for the optional microSD card.  Even with no microSD card inserted, the extra drive will still pop up letting users know that the slot is available and that the device is working properly.

The unit as a whole is very small and comes bundled with a tiny cord attachment to make it possible to link to a key ring.  The detachable helmet for the USB head is easy to remove and install, but also has a possibility of being misplaced since it gets removed entirely from the unit.  Flipping open the MicroSD slot is easy to get to and locks firmly.

In terms of a MicroSD card, displaying a small size has both a positive and negative aspect.  Of course the smaller size is easier to maintain, but plugging in and removing the card is tricky.  This is has been my one major complaints with other Kingston products as well…although it’s not all their fault.  MicroSD card are very tiny (about the size of a pinky nail) so removing them can prove difficult when in larger hands.  This problem again holds true in when installing a MicroSD card into this flash drive.  In fact, it took me four tries before I successfully installed my MicroSD card.  Because these cards have a small size, I feel that I need to be extra delicate when handling them.  But once you do get your card installed, the unit works like a champ.

This flash drive, like all Kingston products, is very reliable.  This unit is even backed with a five year warranty.  I have been using a 4GB MicroSD card in my digital camera for well over a year now and have never had a hiccup ever.  Using a reliable media storage provider is key in this information age.  There is nothing worse than taking the family on vacation, shooting a ton of pictures, only to have your memory card fail for no reason as soon as your return. 

There is no problem traveling from PC to Mac, and USB 2.0 promises fast read and write times.  The gray casing gives the unit a sleeker and serious tone and will never bulge out of your pocket due to its small size.  For the price of about $19, this 1GB version offers a lot of reliable possibilities (the 2GB model sells for about $27 and the 4GB for $41). 

The act of actually plugging in your MicroSD card is the biggest challenge of this unit, removing it is actually very easily thanks to a eject tab.  If the card needs to be removed, simply slide the eject tab away from the unit and the card will firmly pop out, eliminating the need to use a strong finger nail.  A nice design.

Overall, this is a very convenient media storage tool that no MicroSD user should go without.  Yes, plugging in the card is a little difficult, but the look, price, and reliability out weigh this complaint.  Check out the Kingston website for more information.

 

Positives:

-Convenient device: flash drive and memory card reader in one

-Small size

-Reliable media storage

-Infinite storage possibilities

-Eject tab makes removing the card easy

-Decent price point

 

Negatives:

-USB cap is completely removable which can get lost

-Difficult to actually plug the MicroSD card into the unit

-No option to buy this unit bundled with a MicroSD card

 

 

Features/Benefits:

• Versatile — use as a USB Flash drive and/or as a reader for microSD, microSDHC, and MemoryStick Micro (M2)
• Convenient — pocket-sized for easy transportability
• Simple — just plug into a USB port
• Guaranteed — five-year warranty

USB Flash Drive:

• Compliant — with USB 2.0
• Speed rating** – 6MB/sec. Read and 3MB/sec. Write

Reader:

• Mobile friendly – reads microSD, microSDHC, and MemoryStick Micro (M2)
• Compliant — with SD Specification Version 2.00 (microSDHC)

Specifications:

• Capacities* — 1GB, 2GB, 4GB
• Dimensions — 2.52" x 0.78" x 0.41" (64.0 mm x 19.8mm x 10.4mm)
• Operating temperatures — -32° to 140° F / 0° to 60° C
• Storage temperatures — -4° to 185° F / -20° to -85° C
• Weight — 0.31 oz. (8.68 g)
• Compatibility Table: