Comparison Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter 4K vs Kingston Card Reader MicroSD

— Card Reader. Devices designed primarily for reading various types of memory cards. They may have USB ports (see "USB inputs"), but usually less than one (very rarely two). There are both external and internal (see "Purpose").

— USB hub. He's a "splitter". A variety of peripheral devices designed to increase the number of working USB ports in the system. The hub has several own USB inputs (usually at least 4), and only one such port is used to connect it to a computer. Thus, by connecting, for example, a 4-port hub to a computer, you will get 4 instead of one USB port. Such devices can be useful for those who have to use many USB devices at the same time, as well as for owners of compact laptops where there are few standard connectors. However, keep in mind that the power of one port may not be enough to power all the peripherals connected through the hub, for more details see "Connecting the power supply". Models of this type are only external(see "Purpose").

— Card reader / USB hub. External (see "Purpose") devices that combine the functionality of the two types described above: they have both slots for memory cards and USB ports, which allows them to be used as both card readers and hubs. However, it is worth noting that USB ports in such models are usually fewer than in full-featured hubs, and some even h...ave only 1 USB input.

— External. Card readers and USB hubs connected to a computer as external peripherals, usually via a USB interface. This category also includes compact devices with an ExpressCard interface. Most external models are large enough to accommodate slots for several different types of cards (in the case of card readers) or for several USB ports (in the case of hubs).

— External adapter (connector on the case). Adapters that are connected to the external USB port of the computer. Usually have a compact form factor and are the most convenient to transport, but due to their small size, such card readers are usually designed at best for 2-3 different types of cards of similar sizes - there is simply no room to place more slots there. Among hubs, this type is rare - in most cases, it is more convenient to use classic external models with a wire. Nevertheless, full-fledged hubs with a connector built into the case do exist.

— Built-in. Devices installed in a PC case in such a way that their set of connectors is displayed on the front panel of the case. They are designed for use exclusively with desktop computers as a permanent component of the system and do not provide for frequent reconnections. Although technically possible, this is difficult and not justified, and it is generally impossible to use them with laptops. Usually, built-in solutions support a...fairly wide range of cards. There are internal devices that are installed in a 3.5" slot (for a floppy/disk drive), and models for a 5.25” slot — a regular “landing place” for optical disc drives (for example, DVD).

— USB A. The classic, widely accepted USB port, which has recently been losing ground to the more advanced USB C port.

— USB C. This connector differs from the classic, full-size USB by its much smaller size and its reversible design, which allows the plug to be inserted either way. This interface is rarely found in desktop PCs but is becoming more popular in laptops, tablets, and phones. Note that the Type C standard only describes the connector's design; the USB version (interface) is described in the section below.

The main difference between interface versions is bandwidth — or speed.

— USB 2.0. The outdated version 2.0 provides data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps. It is found only in USB A ports.

— USB 5Gbps (3.2 gen1). Previously known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0 (quite the confusion). Unlike 2.0, this version provides 10 times higher maximum speed (4.8 Gbps) and more power supply capability, enabling the connection of energy-intensive devices and extensive hubs.

— USB 10Gbps (3.2 gen2). A further improvement on the USB 3.2 gen1 standard (and as usual, its previous names USB 3.1 gen1 and simply USB 3.1), achieving a maximum speed of 10 Gbps and even higher power supply for external devices.

— USB 20Gbps (3.2 gen2x2). As the name suggests, this interface supports speeds up to 20 Gbps.

— USB4 40Gbps / Thunderbolt 4. Connecting a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 hub to a PC allows simultaneous data transfer at speeds up to 40 Gbps via a single cable, connecting multiple monitors (e.g., two 4K or one 8K display), using high-speed storage with PCIe, providing device power up to 100 W, and connecting peripherals such as network cards, audio interfaces, and chargers, turning a single USB-C port into a multifunctional docking station.

— Lightning. Apple's proprietary interface used in its compact devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) since 2012. Application-wise, it is fully analogous to the microUSB described above, with the adjustment that it is only found in Apple gadgets and not used by other manufacturers.

— Internal USB. A variety of the USB standard used for connecting internal card readers (see "Type," "Purpose"). It differs from external USB by the connector; a card reader with such a connection can only be connected to connectors on the motherboard and is incompatible with external USB ports. Other characteristics are fully similar to the corresponding external USB standard (see above).

— microUSB. A smaller version of the external USB interface (see above): the size of such a connector is many times smaller than the full-size one, making it suitable for use in portable equipment, particularly smartphones and tablets. In fact, it is usually on such equipment that card readers and hubs are designed to be used with this interface. Note that normal operation is only possible if the main device can operate in USB host mode (this function is called USB On-the-Go).

— Wi-Fi. A wireless standard originally developed as a network-building technology; later the Wi-Fi Direct technology appeared, allowing devices to connect directly to each other. In card readers and hubs, this technology is chiefly found among models designed for use with mobile devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) that have a built-in Wi-Fi module. The advantage over wired interfaces is not only the absence of cables and corresponding freedom of movement but also the capability of connecting multiple devices simultaneously and exchanging data with them. Some Wi-Fi models can even be connected to computer networks as full-fledged network storage. The drawback is the need for its own power source — either connection to the network, accordingly limiting freedom of movement, or a battery that has a limited autonomous operation period (within several hours).

— ExpressCard. A compact peripheral connection standard primarily used in laptops. ExpressCard devices usually measure 75x34x5 mm and fit into a special slot in the computer's body. Depending on system specifics, it can provide speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, but overall is less universal and convenient than USB, which explains its significantly lower prevalence and ongoing loss of popularity. Found exclusively in card readers (see "Type").

— Proprietary connector. Connecting external card readers (see "Purpose") through an original connector, generally used in a particular manufacturer's equipment and not aligning with common standards like USB (see above). The application of such models is fairly limited; they are often released as additional accessories for specific models of portable equipment (e.g., tablets).

The number of USB inputs located on the body of the card reader or hub (see “Type”). This parameter determines the number of USB ports you will have at your disposal after connecting the device. "Pure" card readers and combined models usually have 1, 2, and even 3 USB inputs, while hubs typically feature 4 or more ports.

Number of USB Type C ports for connecting peripheral devices provided in the hub design (or a card reader with hub functionality — see "Type"). The port itself is small — only slightly larger than microUSB — with a reversible design that allows the plug to be inserted in either direction. This is why it has gained respect and is actively replacing the classic USB port. Despite its small size, USB Type C is used in both portable devices and desktop PCs and their peripherals. However, few such devices have been released so far; as a result, hubs typically include 1 USB C port or 2 type C inputs. The USB connector interface (version) primarily determines speed. — 2.0. The outdated 2.0 version provides data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps. Found only in USB A ports. — 3.2 gen1. Previously named standards 3.1 gen1 and 3.0. This version ensures a tenfold increase in maximum speed (4.8 Gbps) and higher power capacity, allowing for the connection of energy-intensive devices and extensive splitters. — 3.2 gen2. A further improvement of the 3.2 gen1 standard (and typically, with several renamings from the previous 3.1 gen1 and simply 3.1), achieving a maximum speed of 10 Gbps and even higher power capacity for external devices. However, the final speed depends not so much on the input port as on the USB version of the hub (card reader) connection to the PC.

The technology allows you to work at higher voltage, thereby increasing the transmitted power. USB hubs with Power Dlivery can not only charge smartphones faster, but also power more power-hungry devices, such as laptops.

HDMI is the most popular of modern multimedia digital interfaces. It is specifically designed for HD content and provides the transmission of high-resolution video and multi-channel audio through a single cable. HDMI outputs are mainly found in hubs connected via USB Type C and compatible with the Thunderbolt interface (see "Connection"). Essentially, to use HDMI, you will need to connect the device to a Thunderbolt v3 port — a "pure" USB Type C does not support video transmission. This capability may be useful if an external screen is intended for HDMI connection, but your PC or laptop lacks such ports, or they are occupied or unavailable for other reasons. HDMI can have different versions, which affects its bandwidth. For instance, to transmit 4K video at 60 fps, you need HDMI v 2.0 or 2.1. And multiple ports will allow you to connect more than one monitor.

— SD(from Secure Digital). One of the most common modern memory card standards, widely used in photo and video equipment, laptops, tablets, etc. The media has a size of 32x24x2.1 mm. A design feature is mechanical write protection in the form of a slider (however, its correct operation depends on the functions of the card reader, and not on the card itself). Support password protection and DRM technology. To date, there are three generations of cards of this standard: the original SD (up to 4 GB), SD HC (up to 32 GB) and SD XC (theoretically — up to 2 TB). Their physical size is identical, and the card readers support earlier generations, except for the main one. So, the device under SD HC will “understand” the original SD, and the reader under SD XC reads all three generations. At the same time, a "later" card will not be able to be read correctly by an "earlier" card reader.

— miniSD. Smaller version of SD cards (see above). It is identical to them in almost everything, except for the size (22x20x1.4) and write protection, due to which it can also be read in SD-card readers when using a special adapter.

— microSD. Another smaller version of the SD standard, 15x11x1 mm in size. Almost completely identical to the original, except for the dimensions and write protection. Due to its compactness, it has become widespread in portable technology, espe...cially mobile phones. It can also be used in SD card readers when using an adapter, and in some models even without it. — CompactFlash. This standard appeared one of the first and has survived to this day in a slightly modified form due to its good capacity (up to 512 GB) and high write speed — which is especially important in professional digital photography and video filming, where these cards are still quite widely used. The disadvantage is significant dimensions: 42x36 mm with a thickness of 5 mm (CompactFlash Type I) or 3.3 mm (CompactFlash Type II). The compatibility of both types in fact is directly related to the size: the Type II card simply won't fit in the Type I reader, but vice versa is quite possible. In addition, Type I and Type II differ in speed.

— XQD. A format developed by the CompactFlash Association as a potential replacement for CompactFlash and intended for devices with high requirements for read and write speeds. Actually, the data exchange speed, depending on the version, can reach 1 GB / s in the original XQD and 2 GB / s in cards supporting the CFexpress standard, with the prospect of further increase to 8 GB / s and even higher. At the same time, the cards themselves turned out to be smaller than СompactFlash, although they are still quite large — 39 x 30 mm with a thickness of 3.8 mm.

— MemoryStick. Sony's proprietary memory card format is used primarily in its devices, such as camcorders and handheld consoles. Such cards have a size of 50x21.5x2.8 mm (original version) or 31x20x1.6 (various Duo modifications), and the volume can reach 32 GB. Although cards are produced not only by Sony, the standard is officially closed, and therefore only cards of the original production can be guaranteed to comply with it.

— Memory Stick Micro (M2). A smaller version of Memory Stick cards (see above), have dimensions of 15x12.5x1.2 mm and a capacity of up to 32 GB. Compatible with readers for original Memory Stick using special adapters.

— xD-Picture. A specialized format jointly developed by Olympus and Fujifilm for their own digital cameras. They are distinguished by the absence of their own memory controller, which, on the one hand, ensures compactness and reliability, on the other hand, reduces performance. In addition, according to Olympus, using this card allows you to work with some of the camera's own effects. The theoretical volume of such cards is up to 8 GB. Another disadvantage is their high price. Due to this, xD-Picture is used quite rarely, and even manufacturers themselves transfer their products to other standards.

— MMC. Universal memory cards, similar in size to SD — up to the point that they are compatible with SD readers, and on some modern devices (cameras, camcorders, laptops ...) "SD / MMC" is directly indicated. At the same time, SD cards simply won't fit in MMC card readers. MMCs have low power consumption, but are expensive and not very fast in operation. Their maximum volume is 4 GB.

— MMC micro. A smaller version of MMC standard cards (see above) — they have dimensions of 12x14x1.1 mm, otherwise they are almost identical.

— cfexpress. Incredibly fast high-capacity drives with an eye for long continuous recording in intensive mode. They are the best suited for shooting video in 4K resolution and higher with a frame rate of 120 fps. So far, they are not so common in photo and video equipment. There are two types of CFexpress drives: Type A with dimensions of 20x28x2.8 mm and Type B with dimensions of 38.5x29.8x3.8 mm.

— SIM cards. Ability to use a card reader to work with SIM-cards used in mobile phones. In modern mobile phones, the SIM card is responsible not only for the number on the network — it can store a lot of different information, such as contacts, messages, settings profiles, etc.; as a result, the loss of a SIM due to loss or theft can turn into serious difficulties. The SIM card reader is designed primarily for such situations: with its help, you can save a backup copy of the data from the SIM card on a computer or external media, and later, if necessary, restore them without any problems.

The main material used for the body of the device.

— Plastic. Plastic is light, cheap, quite practical, incl. has good strength properties. In addition, it allows you to create cases of complex shape and almost any color.

— Metal. As a rule, aluminium-based alloys are used for metal cases. Such cases are much stronger than plastic ones, and also have a stylish appearance. On the other hand, in terms of impact protection, this material has no advantages over plastic, but it costs more, and it can weigh much more.