We were very impressed with the Koutech USB 2.0 Mini Card Reader. First of all, it comes with the ability to read seven different types of flash cards in a single slot. The Koutech all-in-one card reader received the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award because of its versatility and product warranty. One of the greatest benefits users will receive with the external card reader is the ability to read a large variety of flash cards. While many external card readers focus on one specific card type, this flash card reader can handle a variety. It also provides the longest available warranty in this product field and is guaranteed for five years. We would have liked to see the flash card reader provide a more durable cover for the USB drive because it could easily bend in your pocket or backpack.
Offering a small size that is comparable to other flash card readers we reviewed, the Koutech IO-RC420 card reader measures 3 x 1.75 x 0.5 inches. It is made out of a plastic material to protect the device. Although the design is functional, it is not aesthetically pleasing. In addition to the look of the external card reader, we were also unimpressed with the design of the cap. There is a cap for the USB plug; however, the cap doesn’t fully protect the plug from being broken but only keeps it clean. We would have preferred a cap that fully engulfs the entire USB plug instead of one that just acts as a cover. This design may not be sturdy enough to protect the device from snapping if it gets bumped or pushed around in your pocket or bag.
The Koutech flash card reader is a plug-and-play design that will automatically install drivers onto your computer the first time you insert it in your USB drive. There is no software needed so the reader is easy to use wherever you happen to be. It weighs less than an ounce and is an excellent device to store in your camera case for a fast and easy memory upload.
The Koutech USB 2.0 Mini Card Reader is compatible with the following flash card formats:
- Memory Stick
- Memory Stick PRO
- MultiMediaCard (MMC)
- Secure Digital
- Secure Digital High Capacity
- Secure Digital eXtended Capacity
- Extreme Digital (xD)
With Adapter:
- Memory Stick Duo
- Memory Stick PRO Duo
- microSD
- miniSD
- RS-MMC
- Transflash
We were impressed with the number of cards the Koutech flash card reader is compatible with. The device worked as expected and read each of the flash cards we inserted quickly and flawlessly.
The external card reader was simple to use without instruction. Users simply place the flash card in its designated slot in the reader and plug the USB plug into the computer’s USB outlet. From there prompts will be given allowing the user to open or upload the files found on the USB card reader. We were pleased with the ease and the simplicity of the reader and recommend it for all users who have a flash card that’s compatible with the device.
Koutech provides one of the top customer support departments we have dealt with. They are prompt to reply, provide helpful information and offer a five-year warranty on their flash card readers. Their website has a Facebook Discussions Page where users have the opportunity to post questions or comments to get feedback or responses from other Koutech users or from the Koutech Support Staff. We read the discussions found on the Facebook Discussions page and were able to gain a great deal of knowledge on Koutech products. The discussions are not categorized by product type so the best thing to do would probably be to start a new discussion regarding your comment or inquiry. In addition to answering users' questions about their products, Koutech also starts their own discussions regarding new products and reviews.
In addition to being thoroughly impressed with their discussion page, we were also very impressed with their customer support team. Users have the option of contacting Koutech customer support via email or a toll-free phone number. We emailed the Koutech team and within an hour we had a response that addressed each of our questions completely. Users should be aware that Koutech technical support is only available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, so response times will vary.
Although we never had to use it, a final aspect that we appreciated regarding the Koutech flash card reader is that Koutech provides a five-year warranty with the product. This warranty is longer than every other flash card reader warranty we reviewed. We believe that type of warranty and service makes a statement about the product as well as the company. Koutech will stand behind their product, offer support and strive to please their users.
Overall, we were very impressed with the Koutech USB 2.0 Mini Card Reader. It provided ease, quick uploads, card versatility and a small, lightweight design that makes it easy to travel with. We gave this card reader the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award because of its excellence in each of our review categories.
