Cardette USB Type-C provides an easy option for data transfer with USB-C
When I decided I wanted the new MacBook Pro, I didn’t quite realize all the concessions I’d be making in relation to using my devices. With the MacBook Pro being 100% USB-C for inputs/outputs, I had to adjust the way I was working with my laptop and adapt by using various adapters and cables. Fortunately, some accessory companies were ready for this and began manufacturing and designing products that would work for people like me. Moshi has been producing high-quality USB-C accessories for the past year or so and I’ve been fortunate to test out quite a few of them. This year, they have debuted the Cardette Type-C, Moshi’s 4th generation multi-card reader.
The Cardette Type-C is a wonderfully designed accessory. It allows the user to transfer data from many different types of media to your computer through ultra-high speed technologies. It connects to not only the new MacBook Pro but also MacBooks and most next-generation laptops that utilize USB-C. And, most importantly, the Cardette also works as a USB 3.0 hub (backward compatible to USB 2.0). When you plug it into your computer, the tittle above the lower case ‘i’ in Moshi lights up with a white color. Once a memory card is connected to the Cardette and is ready for data transfer, the tittle glows blue. It’s a very subtle, but stylish indicator light.
Cardette Type-C works with the following types of media:
- CompactFlash (CF Type I)
- Memory Sticks (MS, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo)
- M2
- MultiMediaCard (MMC)
- SecureDigital (SD)
- Micro SD/TF
- eXtremeDigital (xD-Picture)
- SecureDigital High Capacity (SDHC)
- SecureDigital eXtended Capacity (SDXC)
- SDHC/XC UHS-1
One of the things I really like about this accessory is that you have so many options with it. My primary reason for wanting this was so that I could transfer photos from my DSLR to my MacBook Pro without any hassles. Moshi made this device with simplicity in mind. The USB-C extension is safely hidden beneath the sliding case (or trap door as I like to call it) so that when it’s not in use, you can transport the reader without damaging the cable. When the sliding door is open, you can also see the labels of the card slots. It’s quite handy so that you don’t have guess and chance getting a card stuck where it shouldn’t be.
In testing the Cardette USB Type-C I found that I had a solid connection and was able to transfer data (photo files) from my SD card to the MacBook Pro without any problems. Transfers were done very, very quickly. As a test, I captured 129 random images from around my house for the purpose of testing transfer speeds. The files totaled 78.6 MB in size. I timed the entire transfer process from plugging in the memory card to the files copying over to the desktop of my computer. It took approximately 20 seconds. This timing included a couple of fumbles from me clicking through folders/menus. All in all, I would say that it’s a successful test. In a regular setting, I usually transfer 10-12 pictures at a time (10 MB or so) and that transfer is almost instantaneous.
The Cardette USB Type-C is a wonderful accessory for MacBook Pro users. I can’t imagine my workflow without it. It’s compact, stylish, and very easy to use.
For more information, visit moshi.com/cardette
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