Transcend TS-RDF5K USB 3.1 SDHC/SDXC/microSDHC/SDXC Card Reader, Black

Great, cheap card reader! When I built my mid-high end machine in August, I was planning on getting a card reader for one of the slots in the front, just under the Blu-Ray drive I decided to put in... However, it would have put me just above my budget, and internal cables may have been problematic...So, with the several USB 3.0 ports I had available, I figured I'd find a USB card reader. I wasn't expecting a 3.0 device to be so cheap, but I guess I was wrong! Speeds are fast. I want to say... 50-60 MBps. That's with the Sandisk Class 10 card I have in my point and shoot camera... I'm just ballparking it. But it's running at actual USB 3.0 speeds, and not the 10-20 MBps I would normally get when transferring something via USB 2.0, especially when using a USB cable to transfer directly from the camera. But that in itself is another plus. You don't waste battery doing transfers from your card to your computer when using a card reader.So what's bad about it? Not much at all. However, some things to mention... The card doesn't spring/lock into place. It's a friction fit. For someone who is going to be transferring every day, the fit may become really loose on the part of both the card, and this card reader... However, I usually do transfers a couple times a month, sometimes more, depending on what I've just used my cameras for. And that is my primary use. Transferring my videos and pictures from my cameras. So for a hardcore photographer, this may not be the best option... However, for someone who is simply looking for an easy way to transfer their casual pics and videos to their computer, this may very well be the solution you're looking for...Another thing to know... After transferring a ton of files, this thing will get fairly hot. It's not something I would use to transfer files, and then use it to watch the videos directly from the card. When doing that, it gets hotter than I'm comfortable with. I'm sure it's not even a concern, but it is something worth noting. Don't play a bunch of files off of it, and do large transfers. I personally don't trust the heat.Bottom line... If you're a moderate SD card user (or micro SD as well), and want something cheap, fast, and compact, then this may very well be what you're looking for! It MAY have potential downsides, but I haven't run into any problems. If I do, I will try to remember to report back. But for the last several months, it's been a great little accessory that replaces a whole card reader drive-thing to take up a slot in my computer. Not to mention, it does it's job and it's cheaper. Definitely give it a try!P.S., I lost the cap. It was hard to get off anyway, so I'm sure I just threw it somewhere... No worries, though!

Fantastic, it's small and works great and very inexpensive. Highly recommend.

This worked very well for the USB 3.0 results I was looking for. I bought this to use in conjunction with a (Class 10) 64GB SD XC card. The laptop I have has both an SD card reader and a USB 3.0 slot. By mounting the SD card in this Transcend Card Reader (and plugging it into a USB 3.0 port) I saw a noticeable improvement in speed when reading and writing (2GB to 4GB) files over using the built-in SD card reader. I also used this Transcend Card Reader to play MKV and MP4 video files from the SD card on my Samsung (Smart) HDTV. Excellent alternative to using just a USB thumb (flash) drive.I also have read some of the other positive reviews. Please read them as well. I will agree that the SD cards get a little warm to the touch when in use. I will also agree with some claims witnessing increases in transfer speeds that almost double alternate or previous methods. There are many variables that come into play (buffering, channels, IO, controllers, etc.), so I'll just say that the increase in speed is quite noticeable over all the alternate methods I've explored. Yes, I will agree that this card reader takes up some of the space around the USB port and the purchaser should take that into consideration, as with any USB device, the dimensions and product usage. I've purchased a couple of USB "pigtails" and have them on-hand for dealing with USB "real estate" issues. Reading reviews is a great way to learn more about a product, it's pros & cons, it's limitations, and features. When I put an SD card in the reader and plug it into the USB port on the back of my HDTV, it's very snug. Attached is a picture demonstrating how the card reader can interfere with a laptop's DVD RW drive's tray. But all I have to do is attach a USB "pigtail" and problem is solved. This card reader outperforms the other card readers I own and have used. I like it, even if I have to use an USB extension cable. I still give this product the max, 5 stars. I hope this review was helpful.The SD XC card I used (formatted as "exFAT"):o) 64GB SD XC Class 10 SCT Secure Digital Ultimate Extreme High Speed SDXC Flash Memory Cardo) Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YL8GLWThe Samsung Smart HDTV:o) Link: http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN32F5500AFXZA