Flash memories are available in many different formats, each with its proper standard connector designed for specific uses. This wide variety can be a problem when it's necessary to move data between Flash cards and a computer or other devices, but in the market there are some multiformat readers that can solve the problem.

Kingston announced the new Media Reader, an external, hi-speed reader that supports 19 popular types of Flash memory cards: CompactFlash Type I and II, SD, SDHC, miniSD, miniSDHC, microSD, microSDHC, MMC, MMCmobile (DV RSMMC), MMCplus, MMCmicro, RS-MMC, Microdrive, Memory Stick Micro (M2), Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo. The built-in LED is useful to monitor the read/write activity of the device.

Product specifications are the following:

• Dimensions: 3.61" x 2.71" x 0.79" (91.72mm x 68.82mm x 20.06mm)
• Speed Rating: USB 2.0, up to 480Mbps data transfer speed
• Operating Temperature: 32º to 140º F / 0º to 60º C
• Storage Temperature: -4º to 185º F / -20º to- 85º C
• Weight: 0.1585 lbs (71g)
• Operating System Compatibility: Windows 2000 (SP3 and above), XP (SP1 and above) and Vista™; Mac OS (10.x and above)
• Guaranteed: Two-year warranty

As a side-note, it is a pity that Linux is not supported according to officially published specifications.