memory card readers

I wanted to get a Compact Flash card reader for my Mac and I wanted it to be firewire, for those who have not used firewire, or doubt its worth, you must see it to believe it. The firewire connection is ridiculously fast for loading pictures onto my computer. (Google "firewire vs usb" for a comparison)

I have an older G4 desktop mac and the plugs are in behind the tower, other Macs have more readily accessible firewire outlets. Having to move the computer is a minor annoyance, but nothing big.

Once correctly connected the card reader pops up on the desktop as a small disk icon, open it and there is a folder with all of the pictures taken with my camera. Copying the pictures takes a few seconds max, compared to many minutes for a similar USB device.

One small complaint I have is the plug-n-play aspect of this device, sometimes after connecting, it will not appear on the desktop, a quick un-plug and re-connect solves this problem.

Also, you have to be very very careful inserting the cards, as other reviewers have noted the small metal connectors are delicate, but if you treat it nicely it will work just fine.

Pros: Quick for transferring files, makes USB look like a snail. Works seamlessly with my CF cards full of digi-cam pics.

Cons: awkward plug-n-play, sometimes have to re-connect.

Although the CF card reader worked well the first time i plugged it into my Powerbook, that was the last time it functioned correctly. I had to return it within 7 days of its first use.

I would squirt a couple of drops of WD-40 on the pins, no harm's done as WD-40 is electrically-friendly and reduces friction a lot. This will reduce undue stress on the pins from constant pull 'n push and make the reader last longer.

In my case, the USB connection on my Nikon CoolPix 5K is more robust than most USB connectors on digital cameras. So I use it and leave the CF card inside the camera all the time unless I really need to swap out the 256 or 512 mb cards when it's full (which is seldom). Or to show off the card to prospective digital camera buyers.