Exceeding our performance expectations, Transcend’s Compact Card Reader P6 is the top flash card reader available. The Compact Card Reader ranked higher and provided more options and features than every other flash card reader that we reviewed. As the winner of the TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award for flash card readers, this Transcend USB card reader is convenient, reliable and provides a high transfer speed that users can rely on.
We appreciated the small and durable build of the Transcend memory card reader. Measuring 0.9 x 0.5 x 2.6 inches and weighing 2.4 ounces, the external card reader is portable and convenient to take with you wherever you go. It’s considered a plug-and-play external card reader, which means that there is no software required for the flash card reader to work with your computer; you can easily insert the card reader into your computer’s USB port and immediately access all the files stored on the flash card.
The card reader comes equipped with a blue LED light that turns on and indicates when data transfer activity is taking place. Although it's a simple feature, the LED light is convenient because it allows users to see when file transfers have finished and when it is safe to eject the card reader.
There was one design issue that we had with the external card reader, but it did not decrease the functionality and speed of the device. The problem that we faced with the card reader is that the card slots are on the side of the device instead of on the back. This caused a dilemma when we chose to use the flash card with a laptop and found that the USB ports were too close together to have multiple USB devices in use at once, especially if one has flash cards sticking out the side. As long as you arrange your USB devices strategically, you should USB drives simultaneously.
Overall, we were very impressed with this card reader. We found many card readers that doubled as a card reader and card writer (including this one) but few that doubled as a card reader and a flash drive as this one does. The design and features made it the flash card reader top choice because it could be used for a wider variety of activities.
This flash card reader has the ability to read the following flash card formats:
- Memory Stick
- Memory Stick Duo
- Memory Stick Micro (M2)
- Memory Stick PRO
- Memory Stick PRO Duo
- Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
- microSD/TransFlash
- microSDHC
It can read more card types than any other reader we reviewed. This came in most beneficial for our users who had multiple camera types in a single household. We also found that many users appreciated that they could use the card as a flash drive to save or access files and simultaneously use it to gather pictures from family or friends.
The file transfer speed is up to 30MB per second, and it can write at 18MBps. We tested the speed of this card reader against other options and found a drastic difference. If you are using the USB 1.0 cord that came with your camera, you are more than likely waiting longer than necessary for your files to transfer. We recommend the Transcend memory card reader for speed and versatility.
The card reader is a plug-and-play reader, so you can plug the reader into a USB port and begin using it immediately. Drivers will automatically install and no software is required to use the device. One frustrating design aspect of this card reader is that the SD card needs to be loaded face down. We had to make a conscious effort each time we loaded the card to ensure that we were inserting it the proper way. Although that was frustrating, we appreciated the design and power of the card reader enough to overlook this small flaw.
Transcend provides a two-year warranty on all of their Compact Card Readers, which can be redeemed through their website. If a problem or question does arise regarding your device you can contact the Transcend customer support team via email or through a toll-free telephone number. The customer support team was knowledgeable and helpful regarding questions that we had with the product. The device also comes with a quick start guide to ensure that users understand all of the abilities that the reader can provide.
We found the Transcend Compact Card Reader P6 to be the most versatile flash card reader we reviewed. With its abilities to read and write to flash cards as well as act as a flash drive there is no other card that tops it. We were very pleased with the file transfer speeds as well as the size and portability of the device. In every category this reader receives high praise as the best all-around card reader available.
