Lexar Media USB 2.0 6-in-1 High Speed Reader Reviews

• Good value drive for file transfers

  
  By ACHTDPEQYSEQL on 2003-07-22
  I was thinking of purchasing a USB drive to transport large files from one computer to another, but I saw this drive and decided to take advantage of the compact flash memory I already owned for my digital camera. One of the great things about this drive (it is a reader and a writer) is its size. It is quite small and convenient to carry about.

  Once you plug the drive in, four new drive letters are added, one for each memory card slot. The Lexar drive has the same problem of all drives of this type in that the computer does not indicate which drive letter has the compact flash and which drive letter has the other media. But since the drive designations are the same each time you plug the Lexar drive into your computer, you can learn which is which. The first time that I plugged the Lexar drive into my XP computer, the computer kept telling me that I had added new drives which was a bit annoying. However, this only happened the first time and I have had no problems since.

  I chose this Lexar drive due to its being USB 2.0. My current computer does not have a USB 2.0 port, but my next computer will and so I wanted to plan ahead. Windows gives me a warning that I have plugged a high speed device into a slower USB port, but it works just fine, just at the slower speed. (I can only vouch for how the drive works with XP. I don't know how well it works with other operating systems).

  Overall, a great little drive to transfer files. I would recommend it to anyone with a digital camera or anyone who wants to transfer large data files between computers.
  
  

• May be incompatible with certain systems.

  
  By on 2004-02-28
  Purchased this item to transfer pictures from a Viking 128MB smart media card, to a PC running windows XP. The media card was being used in an Olympus camedia d40zoom digital camera. The reader plugged in, came right up as an additional disk drive. We easily transferred the pictures to the PC, no problem. We didn't try to format, transfer, or manipulate any information using the reader --- simply copied the photo files onto the PC. However, when I placed the card back into the camera, it would only give me an error message (wouldn't format, was no longer usable). Previously, that card had performed flawlessly, and I had previously successfully transferred several files from it using a Dazzle USB multi-reader (so I am pretty sure the card was fine). When I contacted Viking, they stated they had had similar complaints with people using the Lexar multireader, and that the card was completely ruined. We replaced the card with another Viking, and replaced the reader with another Dazzle, and it works perfectly. Sounds like from the other reviews, most induviduals have had great luck, so I wonder if it was the particular combination of hardware we tried to use??? Maybe the card coincidentally failed at that particular moment, but that seems unlikely. So if you have the same specific hardware/card combination, you might want to avoid buying this reader, and stick with the Dazzle. Other combinations may work just fine.
  
  

• Lexar USB 2.0 Driver Crashes Win2000 Pro

  
  By A2ASJTPLTJL6P0 on 2003-08-30
  Beware of possible Windows 2000 USB 2.0 driver issues with the supplied Lexar drivers. I receieved one of these readers recently, and found that the driver packed with the unit (which matches the one you can download from their site) will crash my Win2000 Pro Service Pack 3 system, with a 'SPINLOCK_NOT_AVAILABLE' kernel error, whenever I plug the unit into the USB connector.

  I emailed Lexar tech support and got no answer (except the automated one) after several days. I managed to get through to a live technician on their 24/7 online service this evening (after failing to raise anyone last weekend), and his advice was to *not* use any driver on Windows 2000.

  This is contrary to all the printed materials packed with the unit, mind you, as well as the version matrix found under drivers on the Lexarmedia web site. Perhaps the latter Win2K service packs supplant the need for a 3rd party USB 2.0 driver. It would be nice, of course, for the driver installer to sense this, and not install a conflicting driver, which appears to be the case.

  I uninstalled the driver, rebooted, and after telling the device manager to update the driver (it came up with an yellow exclamation point), it found a usbstor.inf file on my local drive, and installed it.

  Now, it works like a champ. Nice, stable, high speed transfers.
  By the way, I preferred the Lexar reader because I found (at least the older USB 1.1 ones) they run just fine on Linux, as well, so I can use them on either my desktop or my Linux laptop, running SuSE 8.1. I don't have USB 2.0 ports on my laptop, so I can't tell you if the RW018 runs under Linux, there, yet.

  On a related matter, I had a SanDisk Ultra 128 MB CF card go bad on me recently (couldn't write or format the card) and SanDisk replacemed the card for me under their 5 year warranty. They even paid UPS shipping both ways. The replacement card carries a lifetime warranty. Very responsive technical support, compared to Lexar, I must say.
  
  

• Does what a reader should do, though the design is wacked

  
  By A4WEZJOIZIV4U on 2005-01-17
  All in all this Lexar card reader does exactly what it's supposed to do read from almost any Digital memory card on the planet. So if you're looking for a quick multiformat card reader. This could be a good choice.
  
  A few things to keep in mind though: the first is the design. The door opens by being pulled down, that wouldn't be bad, but it's a curved piece of plastic so the card reader is held off the table by the cover, take a look at the pictures, and you'll see what I mean. Also, the USB cable attaches to the side and not the back. So if you're looking for a card reader to sit on a table next to your computer. All neat and tidy you my will look elsewhere. I think this was more designed for on the go. Throw in a backpack etc.
  
  Those were a few things I wanted to mention.
  Have some fun and get it done
  
  

• Better than I expected

  
  By A2GPP28VAMCJ5I on 2003-09-06
  This little compact unit performed flawlessly just by plugging it into my USB2 port on my WindowsXP operating system. Instantly I was presented with six additional drives; each card slot shows up as a different drive. I could actually insert multiple cards and read them all, or transfer from one to another. It easily fits into pocket or camera bag. And it's fast!
  
  
• Great reader, great support
  By A1OOYFPHDGVVXV on 2004-08-03
  I had Rev A of this reader (purchased about a year ago). While it worked great with my Transcend 256MB card, it didn't work well with SanDisk cards (both Ultra II and the new standard cards). While I could copy files off the SanDisk cards, I was unable to write TO them using the Reader.
  
  I called up Support, and they took care of me. They didn't ask me where I purchased, when I purchased, etc. They had me ship them my Rev A, and they sent out, for free, a Rev D. All I can say is: Wow. Reading the cards with Rev D is so much faster than the Rev A (twice as fast). And writing to them works perfectly.
  
  Please, call up Lexar support. Tell them the reader doesn't work with SanDisk cards. They should take care of it.
  
  
• A comparable multi-format USB 2.0 reader/writer
  By on 2003-08-09
  Speed-wise, comparable to other USB 2.0 reader/writer that I've tried. Size-wise, small enough to fit in a shirt pocket.

  Pro: accepts the new xD media type in addition to the other types such as CompactFlash, SmartMedia, SecureDigital, MemoryStick...
  Con: does not have a built-in plug for direct connection to USB port, thereby requiring you to always carry a USB cable.
  
  

• My favorite card reader
  By AU597EB5LXFNH on 2004-11-25
  Wow! I love this card reader!
  
  I have used it extensively for over 15 months now and have had no problems. I have used it with SanDisk CF cards (x3), SimpleTech CF cards (x2), a Viking CF card, Fuji xD cards (x2), and a Kingston SD card. It has been completely successful with all of these.
  
  It works very fast for both downloading and uploading to all of my cards. I have used it primarily for digital photos, but have also transferred hundreds of megabytes of files through this reader. I primarily use it with a Dell Inspiron 600M notebook running Windows XP Pro. I also carry the reader with me frequently to transfer files to/from other computers.
  
  I have successfully used it with Windows 2000 on multiple computers, and occasionally on Windows 98, when necessary. It has never let me down on any of these machines.
  
  It is sleek - the appearance is great. The USB cable unplugs from the 'box' - this facilitates packing the reader into small pockets in a computer carrying case. I have been very happy with this card reader.
  
  
• Don't buy this
  By A26N7L1TO01LOU on 2005-01-26
  This won't read my POI 256mb or PNY 512 mb cards. Spent forever online with Lexar who suggested I try a Lexar card. I don't want to go out and buy another card just to try it and when especially its supposed to work with all cards. He then suggested I contact the card manufacturers despite the fact that the cards work just fine in my Coolpix 8700. It will be on its way back to Amazon tomorrow. Wasted enough time already and really ticked off.
  
  
• Lexar did not work with my 1 gig IBM Microdrive
  By on 2004-04-30
  The Reader would not read my I Gig IBM Drive. I notified Lexar Tech Support. They where very nice and replaced the Card Reader. The second Card Reader would not read my 1 gig Microdrive. I notified Tech support again. They suggested to check my IBM Microdrive. The Microdrive functions properly in my Canon G3. The Microdrive functioned properly when downloading to Windows XP Prof machine with, G3 Camera,2 seperate PQI USB 2 Readers( 1 I borrowed to check if my drive will work with the PQI, 2nd PQI reader was the reader I purchased because the Lexar Reader would not work), E film Reader -2. All the mentioned readers would read and download properly to my computer. The only reader that would not function with my IBM Microdrive was the Lexar Reader. My advice buy a PQI Reader. The PQI comes with an USB 2 extension cable and a little travel bag to protect the reader. PQI is will worth the money. NOT LEXAR.
  
  
• Swiss Army Knife of USB memory readers...
  By A3EHNXQL1M4D6A on 2003-11-01
  The Lexar Media USB 2.0 6-in-1 High Speed Reader is one of the only USB flash memory readers around that will read Fuji/Olympus xD memory cards and all other popular forms of flash memory. In a household with PDAs, digital still and video cameras and MP3 players, having a tool that handles all types of flash memory is >really< worth [the money]! The Swiss Army Knife of USB memory readers, Lexar wins this category hands down.
  
  
• Great Multi-Format Digital Media Reader and WRITER!
  By A2S2DKFA6FZO6Q on 2003-06-17
  This is a great digital media reader and WRITER! I know it is advertised only as a reader, but I have used it to write several things to various mediums. And at [this price]... it's a GREAT DEAL, PLUS it's USB 2.0! Can't get any better than that. :-)
  
  
• Works great on Mac OS X Power Mac G4
  By on 2004-02-21
  I have used it on my Power Mac G4 OS X and it works great. I use a USB hub that is powered (plugged in to an outlet.)
  
  
• PIECE OF CRAP STOPPED WORKING THE SAME DAY
  By A1AEIVBRIOXBR on 2006-03-08
  I got this Item and it worked for about 4 hours, then stopped working, I tried the reader in 2 different computers nothing... I contacted Lexar customer support and they couldn't help me, save your money and buy something else.
  
  
• SO glad I bought this
  By A32VZ1X93BQXUH on 2003-11-01
  I remember the last couple years thinking I would never need a card reader. recently I bought a 1 Gig compactflash card for my digital camera and I read that these card readers can read the info faster than the camera. Not only is that true, but I don't have to use the rechargeable batteries in the camera to get my pics onto my pc. Not that it was that much of a problem, but this is much easier to use.

  Anyway, this unit is light, small and tremendously convenient.
  
  

• Not compatible with WIndows 98SE; HELP not good!
  By A2RSI22LD4NOPQ on 2004-04-09
  I bought this unit to work with WIndows 98SE as listed on Amazon; it does NOT! I contacted Lexar HELP and they sent a new driver file that would not load.
  The device would NOT show up as an added drive. My PC recognized the device when attached to the USB port but the driver software, after a declared "succesful" installation, was "not found."
  I do not recommend this device with WIndows 98SE!!!
  
  
• Waste of time
  By A2VUO80HGMSCWX on 2006-02-25
  I used this reader for a week before it stopped working. It worked OK for the week that it worked at all. It would not read xD cards though. It did not detect that a card was inserted at all. I tried inserting the card fully, partially and even tried jiggling it a little. It seemed like the contacts on the card were touching the contacts on the reader but it would not recognize that a card was inserted. It did, however, work with my compact flash card. Then, inexplicably, it stopped functioning entirely. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and scanned for hardware changes in Device Manager but the card was dead. I tried plugging it into another computer and it was not detected at all. Lexar support left a lot to be desired. I explained the problem in detail and the response I got was a generic "Try restarting the computer, etc, etc." Then, they wanted me to pay for shipping to RMA their defective merchandise. I sent it back to Amazon instead and got my money back. I'm willing to assume that I just got a lemon, but the piss poor tech support convinced me to get a refund rather than a replacement.
  
  
• Dead On Arrival...
  By A1QP8Y9RS96PEE on 2006-04-29
  While I read the reviews on this machine, it is clear to me that Lexar has some serious quality-control problems. For some people it worked, for others it was a miserable failure. I am in the latter group. Sigh.
  
  Mine was dead on arrival. I tried the device with *BOTH* of my Windows-XP machines and in both cases, it was unrecognized. Lexar tech support subsequently proved to be a contradiction in terms as they would not return my email requests for help.
  
  
• 1 GB. downloaded in just 4 minutes!
  By A17TLK5MIJSDAN on 2005-07-25
  I downloaded to my G5 a 1GB. 80x Lexar CompactFlash in just 4 minutes! SWEET!
  
  
• Works with Win98!
  By A84YF31MNX1YY on 2005-11-25
  My biggest concern when looking for a card reader was that it work on my Win98 (not SE) machine. Ive only used it with Compact Flash but it reads and writes several brands and capacities just fine. No install problems either, even though the machine/OS is pretty old.
  
  The "pop down" door is a little goofy, but I just stick a pencil in the door to keep it from closing. This props it up on the desk so it is a bit easier to get the cards in and out.
  
  
• Speedy
  By A2ZP6121OQBWO7 on 2006-03-06
  Compared to other card readers I have experienced, this one is quick and easy. much preferred method of transferring digital images. gets the job done.
  
  
• lexar 6 in 1 card reader
  By A251I794RCX1GB on 2003-12-27
  Very professionaly shipped. Arrived carefully packaged and in a very timely manner before Christmas although I only got the order in on the 17TH Very Good Effort. I would definitely purchase from here again.
  
  
• Just what you need!
  By A2DN7RUNX06BZ1 on 2005-11-23
  Compact, portable and works with all the popular media cards: cf I/II, sm/mmc, sd/xd and mms/mmsp. I have one at home and one at the office, both you can take anywhere and doesn't take up alot of space. Easy to use, plug & play. Nice cover opens up and keeps the slots clean from dust when closed. The lid opens and acts as a stand for the reader, a nice angle for putting in the cards.
  
  I got mine for less than $10.00, so it's definitely worth it! Lexar has great quality and good design. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Buy Sandisk Instead
  By A3V2DB4ACQEQ1U on 2006-01-17
  I recently received this as a Christmas gift, and it didn't work from the start. After much time wasted with their "tech support" the device was deemed defective. Their tech support is very poor - all they could say, "try another Xd card". The device kept freezing my system, the driver that came with the software didn't work, a very frustrating experience. If the tech support was more informative or supportive, Lexar might have redeemed itself. I recently purchased the Sandisk 5 in 1 reader and it works like a charm, right from the start. Their quick start guide is much more detailed, and their software works! Save yourself a headache and buy Sandisk.
  
  
• Great.
  By A3K4S4M486B9WH on 2006-07-04
  High speed reader that works flawlessly and at high speed. All you need for your card and computer.
  
  
• Wow
  By A1OQJEJ9CUOUIU on 2004-02-16
  I feel like I have come out of the Ice Age into the new century. Much faster than my older USBI reader (now that I have a newer PC), but more importantly I did not have, until this product, a reader for the Smart Media cards used by my Olympus digital camera... I'd estimate the Lexar High Speed Reader loads these 1.3mb images about 25X faster than using the camera-to-computer serial link.

  With the XP operating system on my PC, I just plugged it in and didn't need to load or download any software. I wish everything was this easy!
  
  

• Performs flawlessly, attractive package, and reasonable price!
  By A3IPSECQAUAT8V on 2005-06-29
  I had a generic CF reader, but needed a more versatile media reader with the arrival of my Canon SD500 which uses SD cards instead of the CF used by my other Canon camera.
  
  This little gem is beautifully put together. It is made of plastic but nicely appointed with a power LED and very useful flashing LED to indicate when files are being transfered.
  
  I've only tested the CF and SD capabilities of this unit but have no doubt it works flawlessly as designed with other types of media.
  
  This is a USB 2.0 device and transfers files very quickly and reliably with no errors during any of the transfers. I've transered files both from the cards and to the cards (downloading and uploading) with no problems whatsoever.
  
  The unit is immediately recognized by Windows XP as a generic storage device and requires no additional drivers. No installation difficulties or hassles whatsoever.
  
  The USB cable attaches to the left SIDE of the reader at the back. It would have been better had it attached to the BACK of the media reader, but this is only a minimal problem that can easily be worked around. in arranging the device on your desktop.
  
  
• UNHAPPY CAMPER
  By A1HLAXXL0XUR26 on 2005-08-12
  BECAUSE THE READER WOULD NOT READ MY MEMORY STICK PRO I HAD TO RETURN THE READER TO LEXAR WHO GACIOUSLY AGREED TO REPLACE THE READER FROM AMAZON WITH A CURRENT PRODUCTION MODEL - ONE THAT WOULD READ MY MEMORY STICK. SO WHILE THE PRICE OF THE READER FROM AMAZON WAS FINE WHEN YOU ADD THE SHIPPING CHARGE TO RETURN IT TO LEXAR THE COST WAS DEFINITELY NO BARGAIN.
  
  
• A great reader if you need portability
  By A20LBZ1LJOLANZ on 2005-10-23
  I needed a reader that would read both CF and SD cards and that was portable. This unit from Lexar fits the bill nicely. It is more compact than other multi-readers I have seen, and it has a flap that closes over the ports making it more secure for travel. As one reviewer mentioned, the flap also functions as the footpad, so if you are looking for a reader to just sit next to your desktop and never move, I would get something else with better stability. For a portable reader, though, it is hard to beat. The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is that I would have preferred it if the USB cable that comes was shorter. An even better setup would have been like my old CF card reader: it had a very short USB cable attached to it for on the road when you just need to plug into you laptop, bit also came with a 6' extension for plugging into a workstation. I am looking to see if I can find a shorter cable that will plug into the Lexar unit.
  
  I should also mention that even with a standard-speed CF card, USB 2.0 is *much* faster than USB1.1. If you have a high-speed card (like the Ultra II fron SanDisk), then you definitely want a USB 2.0 reader.
  
  
• Doesn't work with new CF cards
  By AI6ZJFGCHIY7K on 2004-05-09
  I have the RW-018 Rev.B model. I even upgraded the firmware from the www.lexarmedia.com website. However, it will not work with my two Sandisk Ultra II 512mb cards! This reader takes many minutes to write large multimegabyte files, and when reading back the file it is corrupted! Many others with the same problem have reported this problem, and so far there is no fix but to get another brand USB2 card reader. Too bad. I am very disappointed.

  (The reader works fine with my 25x Transcend 512mb card, which was made almost 2 years ago.)
  
  

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