SanDisk ImageMate 5 in 1 Reader/Writer: Mini-Review

SanDisk ImageMate 5 in 1 SD/MMC Reader/Writer

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SanDisk ImageMate 5-in-1 Reader/Writer
(Using Sandisk 1GB Ultra II SD Card)

Mini-Review
December 4, 2005

SanDisk ImageMate 5-in-1 Reader With Compatible Media Cards

The SanDisk ImageMate 5-in-1 is a compact multi-media card reader which can extend the life of your digital camera. This particular ImageMate model is very affordable, not to mention small enough to fit in the smallest of camera bags and cases.

Save Battery Life

You may not have realized it, but using your digital camera as the means to transfer files to your computer, will dramatically lower battery life. By using the a media reader such as the Sandisk ImageMate, your digital camera's battery will not only keep its charge, but will also have a longer overall battery life. The more times you have to charge your camera battery will eventually translate into fewer charging cycles of the battery's life. The SanDisk SDDR-99 model (the "5-In-1" reader) can be purchased for less than $20, which is half the price of a typical camera battery.

SanDisk ImageMate 5 in 1 Reader/Writer Specifications

USB2.0 Hi-Speed (USB1.1 compatible)

Reads data from your card as well as writes data to it if necessary

Accepts SD, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and xD media cards

Dimensions: 20mm (H) x 81mm (L) x 61mm (W)

Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP

MAC OS 9.2x+, OS X v10.1.2+

2 Year Warranty

MSRP: $19.99

ImageMate 5-in-1 Latest Price

Using The 5-in-1 Reader/Writer SDDR-99

The following tests were using the SDDR-99 hooked up to a USB1.1 and USB2.0 port. The method of testing was having a variety of images and video on a SanDisk 1GB Ultra II SD card, and using HDTach RW (version 3.0.1.0) for monitoring and performing tests.

SDDR-99 Hooked Up To A USB1.1 Port

The transfer speeds using a USB1.1 port were not that fast, but better than using the camera's own power. HD Tach RW came up with 1MB/s speeds. Random access speeds were 6.1ms.

SDDR-99 Hooked Up To A USB2.0 Port

Hooking up the ImageMate to my USB2.0 port, HD Tach RW came up with 9.5MB/s speeds. Random access speeds were 1.6ms.

Conclusion

Pros

Affordable slim media card reader and writer

USB2.0 Speeds

Compact and designed for portable use

Generous 5ft (60") USB2.0 cable length

Cons

None observed

The SanDisk ImageMate 5-in-1 Reader/Writer (SDDR-99) performed very well, and the tests proved as much. The read and write speeds were very consistent and in HD Tach, I had virtually perfect lines going across the test graph--which indicates a well-built product.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you have any media card over 256MB in size, I recommend a USB2.0 connection. It's simply so much faster. USB2.0 PCI cards can be found for under $10, so you shouldn't have an excuse, even if your pc is a little dated.

SanDisk has other media card readers which have even more features and accept more media formats. If you think you can't afford a hi-speed, high-quality reader/writer, think again. The SanDisk SDDR-99 should be a part of your data transfer needs.