Crucial, a division of Micron, is probably the best known name in memory. If it's memory you need, Crucial probably has it. Micron makes memory of all types for just about anything and everything. They even have their own version of the Radeon 9700 Pro video card. Just recently, they announce a new product line - memory card readers. Although memory card readers are not quite as exciting as a video card, they are very handy to say the least. Crucial has sent over two version of their new card readers for our reviewing pleasure. The one I'm reviewing today is called the 6 In 1 card reader designed just for the desktop.

Specifications

     The 6 In 1 Card Reader is designed to sit on top of your desk or computer. However, it is still small enough that you can pack it with your laptop computer or toss in your luggage for downloading or uploading files or pics. It doesn't require an extra power cable because it receives power through the USB cable. Speaking of USB, the reader is only USB v1.1, but will work just fine with USB 2.0.

     When it comes to testing, my main concern is my OS recognizing the card reader and installing the drivers automatically without any problems. As with all Crucial products that I've tested in the past, the card reader worked flawlessly. Windows XP recognized the reader and automatically installed the drivers (no drivers disk needed). Pleased with my results, I decided to try the card reader on four more systems that are based on the nForce2, VIA KT400 and the VIA KT333 chipsets. Again, the card reader work flawlessly on all four test systems. For testing the read and write capability, I used three different brands of compact flash. Once again, the card reader performed perfectly and had no problem reading from or writing to the flash media.

     For those who do not use the Windows XP operating system, you will need to use the drivers disk, which is included. Unfortunately, there is no driver support for operating systems other than Windows and Mac.

Conclusion

     Although Crucial's 6 In 1 card reader is the largest model I've tested, it is now my favorite. It is ideal for the desktop and is far more rugged than many other models. With all the media ports in the front of the card reader, this model is by far the easiest to use as you don't have to fumble for the media port you need. Excellent design, perfect for the home.

     Those on the road may find this reader a little bulky. There are other models out there that are designed just for the traveler like Crucial's own USB micro compact flash reader that is not much bigger than the media itself.

Pros:

• Rugged construction

• No external power source needed

• Media ports in the front making it perfect for the desktop

• Great looks!

Cons:

• Somewhat bulky for the traveler

• Driver support for Windows and Mac only