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Review: EDGE Dock & Multi Flash Card Reader for iPod

ipod-dock-flash-card-reader.jpgEdgeTech’s new Dock & Multi Flash Card Reader for iPod is like a traditional iPod dock with the additional functionality of being a flash memory card reader. If you keep a flash media reader on your desk, the $45 dock provides a nice way to get rid of an extra peripheral and clean up some of the clutter on your desk.
The Dock & Multi Flash Card Reader charges and syncs the iPods, nano, mini and photo. It’s USB powered and has an S-Video output for viewing photos on a TV. The main difference between it and the Apple iPod dock is that it reads most flash memory cards including: xD Picture Card, SD Memory Cards, MultiMedia (MMC) Cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, SmartMedia Cards, Type I/II CompactFlash Cards, and IBM Microdrive.
Unfortunately it doesn’t act like Apple’s iPod Camera Connector accessory and allow you to transfer images directly from your digital camera’s memory card to an iPod. Maybe in version 2.0.
I was a little disappointed that it won’t sync my iPod with the included standard USB cable (despite the fact that all iPods are now USB only). Instead it requires using Apple’s expensive, proprietary 30-pin “docking cable” (which I’d rather keep in my bag). The standard USB cable is reserved for the card reading functionality only.
All-in-all it’s a good iPod dock for users that also use a lot of media cards and don’t want an extra accessory cluttering up their workspace. However, if you only use a single style of media card or if you usually cable up your camera or use a PC card reader to sync your photos, you’d be better off with Apple’s US$39 Universal Dock.


ipod-dock-flash-card-reader.jpgEdgeTech’s new Dock & Multi Flash Card Reader for iPod is like a traditional iPod dock with the additional functionality of being a flash memory card reader. If you keep a flash media reader on your desk, the $45 dock provides a nice way to get rid of an extra peripheral and clean up some of the clutter on your desk.
The Dock & Multi Flash Card Reader charges and syncs the iPods, nano, mini and photo. It’s USB powered and has an S-Video output for viewing photos on a TV. The main difference between it and the Apple iPod dock is that it reads most flash memory cards including: xD Picture Card, SD Memory Cards, MultiMedia (MMC) Cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, SmartMedia Cards, Type I/II CompactFlash Cards, and IBM Microdrive.
Unfortunately it doesn’t act like Apple’s iPod Camera Connector accessory and allow you to transfer images directly from your digital camera’s memory card to an iPod. Maybe in version 2.0.
I was a little disappointed that it won’t sync my iPod with the included standard USB cable (despite the fact that all iPods are now USB only). Instead it requires using Apple’s expensive, proprietary 30-pin “docking cable” (which I’d rather keep in my bag). The standard USB cable is reserved for the card reading functionality only.
All-in-all it’s a good iPod dock for users that also use a lot of media cards and don’t want an extra accessory cluttering up their workspace. However, if you only use a single style of media card or if you usually cable up your camera or use a PC card reader to sync your photos, you’d be better off with Apple’s US$39 Universal Dock.

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.