03-25-2005, 07:00 PM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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iPorter xSD Reviewed
Product Category: Memory Card Case
Manufacturer: ePorter Inc.
Where to Buy: ePorter Inc.
Price: $9.95 - 2 Pack.
System Requirements: Compatible memory cards.
Pros:- Durable, anti-static plastic;
- Simple book-style flip design;
- Compatible with different types of memory cards;
- Key ring loop.
Cons:- Incompatible with CompactFlash.
Summary:
Earlier in the year, I made a news post on ePorter's range of memory card cases. Recently, I was given the opportunity to have a look at the iPorter xSD myself. But the question is, was I impressed?
Read on for the full review!
So, What Are They Good For?
I own a plethora of memory cards and it was a recipe for disaster - that is, until the iPorter xSD was introduced to me. Each case holds a maximum of three memory cards (SD, MMC, MMC-RS, miniSD, MS Duo, and xD), but unlike most cases, you aren't limited to only one type of card. If you wanted to store them in different combinations (e.g. one SD, one xD and one MS Duo), you can!
Figure 1: Front-on view of an aqua iPorter xSD.
Solid As A Rock!
If I told you that the iPorter xSD was made of plastic, you would probably think it wasn't very durable. Think again! These cases are lightweight and as solid as a rock - this means extra protection for your precious memory cards. The plastic has an anti-static additive which helps reduce any static and dust build-up inside and outside the cases. The case itself is kept closed by a clasp located on the side, and once opened, it's easy to see that the case has a smart book-style design. When you first receive the case, you may notice that it requires a little extra effort to bend the card holders on the inside. This is normal, since the added stiffness is owed to the durable properties of the plastic. Some have said that the case may be a little thick. However, if you take into account the fact that it holds three memory cards, this rant can be easily disregarded. The dimensions of the iPorter xSD are 45mm(H) x 36mm(L) x 13mm(W), which still makes it very pocket-sized.
Figure 2: An open iPorter xSD.
Each memory card is kept in place by a smart slide-in mechanism. The plastic projection on each holder helps secure the memory cards. The case also features a key ring loop which allows you to attach it to your keys or even your jacket zipper. In Figure 3, you can see one of the cases attached to one of my computer keys.
Figure 3: A copper and aqua iPorter xSD side-by-side.
Personalize Your Case!
ePorter Inc. allows you to print your own logo and information on the product. Since my review samples were only prototypes, they don't have any logos printed on them. However, if you wanted the feature, all you would have to do is let ePorter Inc. know when you order. Simple! The cases are also available in three main colours - copper, silver, and aqua. You can choose which colours you want when you order the iPorter xSD 2-pack for $9.95.
Figure 4: Two cases - one open, one closed.
Conclusions
With these lightweight cases, I no longer have to worry about losing any of my memory cards. Perhaps one point worth noting is the fact that it does not hold CompactFlash cards, and for some Pocket PC users, this may be a negative feature of the case. However, by not supporting CompactFlash, the iPorter xSD is kept small in size, so in reality, there is the compromise. That aside, it was a joy being able to review these cases. This affordable solution is definitely a worthy companion for your Pocket PC, and should appeal to many of you who own a truckload of memory cards.
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03-25-2005, 09:53 PM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,616
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Interesting. However, I have four SD cards that I like to have with me  .
Vaja did have a six card case for a short while, but I don't see it on their site anymore. Does anyone have it or know what happened to it?
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iPhone 4! ☠☠☠ Mid-2010 15" MacBook Pro! ☠☠☠ Gateway LT2102h! ☠☠☠ Dell XPS M1210!
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03-26-2005, 05:48 AM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by ctmagnus
Interesting. However, I have four SD cards that I like to have with me . |
Is that four including the one you have in your Pocket PC, or are you talking about four extra ones on top of the one already in your Pocket PC (so in reality, you have five)?
I'm sure if the latter applies, you'd be willing to lug one less card around, so these cases would suit you very well in that case. 
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03-26-2005, 06:04 PM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,616
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 ops: That's including the card in the PPC. I have a LowePro case that's designed for 2CF and 1 PC card (ie, it's a bit too big to carry around with the Pocket PC) and I keep the three extra SDs plus the blank that shipped with the iPaq in the CF slots, so everytime I open the case I see four things and think "four in here and one in the Pocket PC".
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iPhone 4! ☠☠☠ Mid-2010 15" MacBook Pro! ☠☠☠ Gateway LT2102h! ☠☠☠ Dell XPS M1210!
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03-28-2005, 12:50 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,079
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SD cards -like most of those this case is for- are small enough to fit in your wallet, or the case many people buy for their PDA.
Anyway I'd rather put my cards in my wallet than in a case that hangs out and could be snapped by anything or anybody... but that's just me 8).
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03-29-2005, 11:33 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1
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Wallet
The trouble with carrying the cards in the wallet is my wallet is thick enough without adding cards. I also don't want my flash cards banging around with coins. It may also be possible the card would be damaged if I keep the wallet in my back pocket and sit on it. Another draw back to the wallet is, the card may get lost in the wallet and fall out inadvertantly when I am pulling a credit card out or looking for change.
On a different note, I was recently in Japan, and the gentlemen I was with was taking digital images with his phone, but he used an extremely low resolution, because he didn't want to run out of memory. This is the perfect product for someone who wants to take higher resolution images and not be afraid of running out of memory space, because they know they have a spare card handy in their iPorter. His phone used a mini SD which also fit nicely inside the iPorter.
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03-29-2005, 11:56 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1
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International Shipping
Hi, just wanted to let everyone know, ePorter Inc., will ship your orders anywhere around the world except Latin America for no additional charge. All orders ship out first class mail and take about 7 to 14 days. So if you live in Japan or Singapore, and would like an iPorter xSD, go ahead and order a 2 pack or two 2 packs. Click Here to place an order. 
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