12-27-2006, 05:00 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 18
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Proporta 2GB SD/USB Card & Aluminum SD/SIM Card Holder
Product Category: Memory Cards and accessories
Manufacturer: Proporta
Where to Buy: Proporta
Price: $109.95 USD for the 2GB SD/USB Card, $9.95 USD for the Aluminum Memory/SIM Card Holder, and $3.95 for the SD / MMC Keyring
System Requirements: A device with an SD slot, and a computer with a USB port.
Pros:
2GB SD card will work in USB port without an adapter; Card goes directly from PPC to computer; Aluminum card holder protects and organizes memory cards.
Cons:
2GB SD card is expensive considering current SD prices.
Summary:
If you've ever wished for a way to move large files from your computer to Pocket PC or from your digital camera to computer without cables or adapters, then you may be in luck - assuming that your camera and Pocket PC both use SD cards. Proporta has introduced an SD card that not only includes a generous 2GB of storage, but that also can be plugged
directly into a computer's USB port. In this review, I'll also take a look at the Proporta Aluminum Memory/SIM Card Holder and the SD / MMC Keyring.
Read on for the full review!
Does Your SD USB?
Anyone who has ever loaded multiple music or photo files onto his or her Pocket PC is probably familiar with the ritual of removing the SD card from the PPC, plugging the card into a reader connected to his/her PC, and then doing the necessary file transfers. Along those same lines, anyone who has ever transferred photos from their camera's SD card to a computer has probably followed a similar process. Proporta has introduced a hybrid SD card that does away with the need for cables and adapters, and can instead be directly plugged into either a USB or SD port. This is a very clever idea, one that anyone who has ever misplaced or forgotten their card reader will appreciate.
Figure 1: The Proporta SD Card with built-in USB.[/i]
Otherwise sized exactly like a traditional SD card, the Proporta version has notches cut into the card's end to form a basic USB plug.
Figure 2: The business side of the SD / USB card.
The USB end of the card plugs directly into any USB port, and it will be immediately seen as removable storage. Files can be directly loaded or removed, via high speed USB 2.0 speeds, without the need for adapters or cables.
Figure 3: The card plugged into a USB port.
It seems a little bit odd the first time the SD / USB card is inserted in a SD slot, because the slot is no longer filled by the end of the SD card. Instead, there is now a slug in the middle of the slot with gaps on either side.
Figure 4: The card plugged in an SD slot.
Ejecting the SD card, whether it be from a camera or PDA is done the same way as with a full-size card: the bottom is pressed to activate the spring release. It seems a little strange at first, due to the smaller size of the end being pressed, but it quickly becomes normal.
Figure 5: The SD / USB card ejected.[/i]
Using a card reader at a desktop computer is not a huge inconvenience, but there are still plenty of laptops and UMPCs that don't have them. Being able to move data directly between one's laptop and camera, or laptop and Pocket PC without the need to carry extra gear is truly something for which any road warrior will be thankful. The only caveat is the price. The typical 2GB card is selling for around $40 or less, and this one is priced at nearly triple that amount. Only you can decide if the added convenience is worth the extra cost.
A Card for Every Occasion
If you are a highly organized individual who likes to carry separate SD cards for music, photos and applications, or if you happen to carry additional SIM cards for any reason, you should know that there is a better way to transport these cards than in the bottom of your linty pocket. Proporta makes an aluminum card holder that is sized just like a fat credit card.
Figure 6: The aluminum skin has a raised Proporta logo on its bottom edge.
Measuring 3.38" long x 2.12" wide x 0.15"; thick, the Aluminum Memory/SIM Card Holder has three slots built into a plastic form that will fit SD, MMC, as well as SIM cards. Cards easily slide in place and and are held securely; removal is a simple matter of sliding the card forward.
Figure 7: If you had three 4GB SD cards, you could carry 12GB in your wallet. Sweet!
I really like this card holder and have been carrying it inside my gear bag since I received it. The aluminum gives it an edgy industrial style, and I love the instant organization that the holder provides.
Keyed Up
If you don't like the idea of carrying a dedicated card holder, or if you don't ever need to carry three extra cards, then you might like the convenience of a keyring that can do more than identify you keys.
Figure 8: The Proporta keyring has a secret...
The Proporta SD / MMC Keyring is a 2.25" long x 1.25" wide fob that has a tight pocket sewn into its backside for holding SD or MMC memory cards. Composed of black vinyl with an aluminum insert and contrasting white stitching, the fob will keep its rigid shape while protectively holding a spare memory card. The cutout at the bottom of the pocket is helpful when it is time to remove the card, as the pocket's fit is tight and the card will need coaxing to exit.
Figure 9: A built-in slot for SD or MMC cards.
This keyring is an inexpensive way to carry a loose memory card. The only weak point that I can see is the vinyl loop on the spring ring; my worry is that over time it will tear.
Conclusions
I love items that have multiple uses or that can simplify my daily routine, and it is obvious that Proporta is thinking along those lines.
Judie Hughes, who spent six years earning a reputation as a respected reviewer at The Gadgeteer, has now added "member of the Pocket PC Thoughts review team" to her list of credits. Her site, Gear Diary, continues her exploration of the gadget world with blog entries and reviews of all things geeky.
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12-27-2006, 11:36 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 866
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Those USB SD cards are a great idea!!! Shame the miniSD format isn't big enough to do something similar. I'd have one of these babies into my Treo 750v ASAP if I could!!
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12-28-2006, 12:50 AM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,616
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A USB/SD card plus the keyring... Not a bad idea.
As it is, I have a Vaja four card SD holder as well as a 4 sim holder. I got them with a gift certificate I won in a contest somewhere. Proporta's solution would be one less thing to carry around when you do need access to multiple sims.
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12-29-2006, 03:55 AM
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Editorial Contributor
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,411
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The three slot SD card holder, incidentally, fits just fine in most business card holders, which provides even a bit more lint protection. You can find a business card holder to suite most anyone, for very little money too.
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