Digital Concepts SD/MMC Card Reader Our Rating:

Here we have a useful accessory. This converter drive allows you to read and write to an SD or MMC memory card via USB. While it gets the job done, it has many flaws.

First off, it is bulky. When plugged into my laptop, it so wide that it prohibits the use of my other USB port right next to it, from both sides. There is no way that I can use this and another USB device simultaneously. Also, the plastic cap on the end of the drive easily broke off in days. Another issue is the read/write speed. It is very slow. This is works decently enough for transferring pictures from a card used in a camera and such, but if you plan on using it often for lots of storage, this is not the device for you. We suggest that you consider another card reader.

HP Photosmart C4280 All-In-One PSC Our Rating:

This is one awesome printer. It’s packed with features and prints like a dream. As the name suggests, it can print, scan, and copy in full color. Also, as part of the Photosmart line, it accepts many memory cards and can print directly from them. How neat!

The user interface is nice. It features a 1.5-inch color screen to view print options, printing warnings or errors, or to view pictures on a memory card. You can insert a Compact Flash card, Memory Stick or Memory Stick Duo, SD, MMC, or xD-Picture Card. It then scans it for pictures that you can print with the touch of a button.

This printer has great print quality. It is also customized to print photos. You can easily set it to print a borderless photo on photo paper up to 8×11 inches. It also will print fast, with up to 30 pages per minute in black and white.

While it contains so much, it is also compact. It takes up little space, and its flatbed scanner on top is easy to access. It is also readily compatible with Windows and Mac OS. The software accompanying the printer is also good, which has features to edit and organize your pictures.

However, this machine is not perfect. The first disappointment is right when you open the box – no printer cable is included. That must be purchased seperately. Fortunately, if you are replacing an older USB printer, the old cable should work fine. Another negative aspect is the small cartridge size. Those things are tiny, which means they have to be replaced often, and we all know how expensive those things are. In the end though, we recommend picking one of these up for a nice and reliable printer, copier, and scanner, and for an affordable $99 price tag.