If your PC didn't come with an inbuilt memory card reader, adding one makes it much easier to download snaps from a digital camera and transfer files from PDAs or mp3 players.

Mediagear's latest is compatible with no fewer than nine different formats, including Compact Flash, SD, Memory Stick Pro and XD picture card formats.

A compact and lightweight design means it's ideal to take on the move with a notebook and the unit will happily work with both PCs and Macs. Transfer rates via USB2 were excellent and data can be copied to and from the host in, well, a flash.

The only snag we found was that initially some cards were difficult to insert, though we quickly got the hang of it. The unit comes with a 3ft extension cable and a one-year warranty.

Contact:
Mediagear 0800 013 0330
www.crucial.com/uk