Kingston Announces DataTraveler Micro Reader

Kingston has announced the DataTraveler Micro Reader, a USB drive that can store, transfer, and read content on a variety of mobile memory cards.

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This accessory will feature onboard Flash memory up to 4 GB, as well as an expansion slot to read microSD, microSDHC, or Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards.

The Micro Reader will able to quickly transfer files with USB 2.0, and will even support Windows ReadyBoost.

It will be 2.5 in. by 0.8 in. by 0.4 inches (64.0 mm x 19.8 mm x 10.4 mm) and weigh 0.31 oz. (8.68 g). 

The 1 GB version will ship this month for $19.95, followed later by the 2 GB ($28.25) and 4 GB ($42) versions.

Hands-On Preview

This accessory is on display now at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and Brighthand's Kevin O'Brien was able to spend some time with it. 

He said:

For the bit of time I had to play with the Kingston DataTraveler Micro Reader I would have to say this device seems very useful.

It is roughly the same size as a standard USB memory stick, with the only difference being the access hatch to insert a microSD card.

Since you get two devices in one for about the same price as a basic memory stick, it's a no-brainer decision to pick one of these up. Considering the amount of effort it takes to pair my phone with my notebook, enter in the password, and then enable disk use just to read or write to the internal card, this makes life so much easier.