There are countless brands available for SD Card Readers today. Many prominent ones offer remarkable warranties, security features, LED Light Indicators and more. But to buy the right kind of SD Card reader, it is pivotal to look past all these gimmicks. It is important to consider what matters in the SD Card Readers. Here’s a quick guide to help you pay attention to the important factors before you buy an SD Card Reader:
Different USB Versions
We have come a long way in USB Innovations. You can find USB Type A, Type B, and Type C. Then there are Mini or Micro USBs, and you also have versions like USB 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Unfortunately, the same categories exist for the SD Card Reader, and it can be daunting to find the right one. So, let’s try to cut it short and give you a straightforward answer:
Get an SD Card Reader that supports USB Type C, as it is the new standard for universal USB Connectivity. If you opt for USB Type A, make sure that it supports USB Version 3.0, as it will offer maximum transfer speed. USB 1.0 is just not worth it, while a few people on a budget might still consider USB 2.0.
Speed & Performance Factor
Just like how different displays and TVs have varying brightness levels, sound performance, etc., your SD Card Reader will have speed ratings. The USB Consideration should take care of the speed and performance issues in most cases. For example, USB Type C is best in class, while USB 3.0 Type A also offers remarkable performance. Still, some brands tend to offer USB Type C or 3.0 as just a compatibility option, while the card readers won’t provide maximum read and writing speed.
Therefore, you need to make sure to always check the card reader’s performance and speed before buying it.
Memory Card Support
There are different kinds of memory cards available in the market. There are SDXC, SDHC, Micro SD, Macro SD, and many more. Their size and form factors are often different. Therefore, you need to find a Card Reader that can support all, or at least the most prevalent memory cards available in the market.
If you run a business where you will have to connect different kinds of memory cards to your device from time to time, this is an important consideration. However, if you plan on using an SD Card Reader just for your device and its memory card, you can limit the support.
Number of Card Slots
There are many different models of SD card readers available on the market. Even if you browse the SD Card Readers on RS’s official website, you will come across multiple options. Getting an SD card with multiple slots might sound like a viable option, but that’s not always the case.
If you connect too many memory cards in an SD Card Reader at once, it might divide and slow down the transfer speed. So, the first consideration you should make is that you have a high-speed SD Card reader and then consider the number of card slots. Usually, two or more are great. A few card readers have multiple slots to meet the criteria for multiple memory card compatibility. That’s fine, too.
The Device Compatibility
SD Cards also tend to have device compatibility issues. Many people tend to think that they will work with all the devices. While most modern SD Card Readers come with such convenience, it is still pivotal to consider compatibility. Always check the SD Card Reader’s device compatibility section on the packaging before buying it.
