With the surge of digital cameras and other peripherals that use portable media, a card reader is a must to access your data. However, not all media are created equal. So to combat this, using a multi card reader like our Apacer 15-in-1 Card Reader, just might do the trick.

The card reader is going into my rack system since I need a quick and easy way to get data off a few different cards. One requirement I needed from a card reader was the ability to under Linux and Windows. The system currently has Windows 2000 installed but is slated to be reformated for Linux at a later date.

It comes packaged in bubble wrap, with a CD that has the drivers on it (just in case you have an old machine and it doesn't reconize the reader). It also has a black face plate, which would go well if you owned a black case.

Some features:

• USB 2.0 Interface, 3.5 " bay design
• Allows data exchange in different slots
• OS support: Windows 98/98SE / 2K / ME / XP, Linux 2.4+ & Mac OS 9.X +

The memory cards supported:

• CF I /CF II
• MicroDrive
• Magicstor
• SM
• SD / mini SD
• MMC / RS-MMC
• MS / MS PRO / MS Duo
• xD
• MagicGate (Access only)

First step will be to get the old face cover off and replace it with the black one. The top comes off easy as the screws that hold it on also hold the drive in the 3.5" slot. You will need to remove the board first because there is not enough room to release the clips. Nothing that can't be handled.