Lightweight, portable multi-card reader makes file transfers easy.
Not too long ago, I invested in a multi-card reader for my desk setup. It’s pretty basic interface-wise, but it still connects using USB-A to a computer. This does not work for me because my primary computer is a MacBook Pro with USB-C input ports. Therefore, I use a dock for most of my stationary connection needs. When I’m on the road though and need to download my CF card from my Canon DSLR, I find myself attaching a portable dock in addition to the card reader to my computer simply because of the difference in connection ports. When I found out the XCELLON had a USB Multi-Card Reader that connected via USB-C, I jumped at the opportunity to check it out so that I would no longer have to haul around multiple devices just to download images from my camera.
DETAILS
The USB Multi-Card Reader (CR-M10) is compatible with SD/SDXC cards, microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and CompactFlash Type I. The case is built with aluminum to keep the reader cool when in operation. The reader will support read speeds of up to 280 MB/s. All three card slots can be used simultaneously and you can transfer files between cards. The reader does have a status LED located on it beneath the dust cover and it comes with USB Type-C & Type-A Cables.
SPECS
- Memory Card Slots: 1 x SDXC (UHS-II [312 MB/s]), 1 x microSDXC (UHS-II [312 MB/s]), 1 x CompactFlash Type I (UDMA 7 [167 MB/s])
- Host Connector: 1 x 10-Pin USB Micro-B (Female)
- Bus Power: USB
- Operating Temperature: 32 to 122°F / 0 to 50°C
- Dimensions: 3.0 x 0.7 x 2.0″ / 7.6 x 1.8 x 5.1 cm
- Weight: 2.2 oz / 62 g
USER EXPERIENCE
Even though this card reader came with a user manual, I didn’t really have to use it. There are no complicated drivers that have to be loaded or anything like that. You simply choose the interface cable you want to use, plug it in, and start transferring files. I chose to use the USB 3.0 to USB-C cable so that I could connect to my MacBook Pro without any additional docking station in between the two devices.
I decided to test out the speed of this card reader using an SD Card and a Micro SD Card. I have used these specific cards several times before for speed testing so I knew where they should rank with the Blackmagic Speed Test, which is the main test I use. The SD card I used was by SanDisk (SanDisk Ultra 30MB/s Class 6). I ended up with an 8.5 MB/s write speed and a 43.5 MB/s read speed. The second test I ran was using a Micro SD card by Transcend (Transcend Premium 400x Class 10). I got a 12.1/91.0 MB/s write/read speed reading. As far as transfer speeds go, these were pretty strong and I was very happy with the card reader’s performance.
CONCLUSION
One of the main things I love about this card reader is that it stays cool while you are using it. That is probably due to the aluminum used for the case but I’ve had experiences with several different card readers that do heat up quite a bit. This one stays cool and continues to work very well. I love how lightweight and compact the design is – it makes it easy to travel with – and the USB 3.0 to USB-C cable that is provided makes this a huge win in my book.
For more information, visit xcellongear.com.
