Lexar Professional ExpressCard CompactFlash Memory Reader

2012-03-27T21:00:00

There aren't many CF readers out there for ExpressCard slots (I only found 2). Using this technology gives much faster transfer speeds than USB or Firewire. Unfortunately this stopped functioning after a week. Now I have to deal with getting it replaced. Hope the next one is better. Lexar usually makes good products.

farmeron

2011-11-02T21:00:00

I tried using the Lexar express card reader several times whilst transferring files from my "Lexar" cards after shooting a wedding. Whilst it did work occasionally,I continually kept on getting Kernel panic problems where I was having to restart my computer. After this happened a few times I decided to get in touch with Apple as I have the Apple Care protection plan. After several diagnostic checks including hardware and software it was revealed that the Express card reader was causing the Kernel panic's. (I took my computer to an Apple store, not an Apple re-seller, an authentic Apple store where all the diagnostic checks were performed) I went out and subsequently bought another card reader and it works fine, no kernel panic. It's a pity because when this card reader works it's fast!

Stewart

2011-09-22T21:00:00

This is an excellent accessory, and I would even be inclined to call it a "killer product". First it works very well with an Intel MacBook Pro, once the driver is installed per instructions and you take care to manage ejecting correctly. In general this reader seems to transfer files at least 5 to 6 times faster than a USB 2.0 reader. This saves time considerably and has you editing sooner. Working with 8GB cards filled with photos now becomes very manageable. It takes about 3 minutes to transfer files from a full 8GB Sandisk Extreme III card, capable of 30 MB/s transfers. This actually exceeds the rated speed of the card. Make sure your cards are "up to speed". You will see a difference for example with 15 MB/s cards, which naturally transfer files slower. A couple of notes: 1) It will take a few seconds before your computer will initialize the CF card once inserted into this reader and make it available in the Finder. 2) You must eject the card properly. Simply pulling the reader out with a card in it will cause a hard system crash, at least on my Mac, requiring a full reboot. This is not like a USB reader, and unlike USB, it connects to a very deep part of your computer so you need to pay attention to eject properly to avoid crashing your computer.

instamatic

2011-09-03T21:00:00

I use this product to transfer RAW images from my camera to laptop. It worked flawlessly for three months at which time it broke. I don't know whether it was my fault (maybe I inserted incorrectly) thereby breaking some of the wires inside or that of product. Anyhow, I called Lexar who made it extremely easy to return which I did two days ago. They will send new, replacement to me. My daughter has same product and has had no issues with it. I would have rated 5 stars if it had not failed.

Lyle C.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

With all my research I failed to realize that not all card readers are USB capable. From reviews I had read this card reader seemed the best. Now it sits in it's box unused because I don't have a computer with an expresscard slot.

JACK H.

2011-02-19T19:00:00

Frequently I'm away from my main system and have only my MacPro. I like to backup my photos on a hard drive and possibly DVD while in the field or on an extended trip. The MacPro's express slot requires a device such as this one in order to transfer files from CF cards. In addition to my Nikon D2x, I purchased a point and shoot for casual use that uses SD cards which won't fit in this device without yet another adapter. This memory reader is pretty good although not very fast. I'm concerned about the plastic interface in terms of holding up over time, having to insert and remove the device as well as insert and remove CF cards frequently. It's too cumbersome to leave in the computer all the time as it will likely rub against whatever computer case is used so it has to be removed when not in use (my opinion). Overall it's ok but I hoped for something faster and sturdier.

NORMAN S.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

Great overall products however install can be a hassle

Helios

2011-01-11T19:00:00

I can't believe how much faster file transfers are with the Lexar ExpressCard Reader! The only drawback is aesthetic as the reader extends outside of the laptop.

EDWARD D.

2010-10-09T21:00:00

I used this adapter / reader daily on my trip to Yellowstone. I only cared about read speed from the Trancend 16GB UDMA 600x CF to my hard drive. I upgraded my notebook to a WD 300GB 7200 RPM high performance Scorpio Black hard drive for better performance with Windows 7. The reader copied (read) from the CF to the notebook hard drive at about 50MB/S for photos and about 75MB/S for larger MOV files. The photos were raw files from a Canon EOS 7D. Photos were around 35MB each. MOV video files were several times larger. Throughout the day, I kept the notebook in the car and downloaded the CF between stops. This allowed me to reuse the CF and take more photos on the fast CF card. I would like to have seen faster performance. However, I think the 50MB/S performance is due to Windows and not the Lexar adapter. I think the reader is a little flimsy where the plastic part meets the metal. I was careful and had no problem. However, it wiggles up and down more than I like. I also had to reinstall the device a second time for reliable operation. I have no clue why two installs were required. This reader is still faster than any USB 2.0 reader.

EDWIN B.

2010-06-27T21:00:00

I'm not sure what the other reviewer did wrong, but this thing works perfectly for me. You do have to load a driver first, but once you do, it works like a charm. Just make sure to use it like any other removable storage device: don't just pull it out, eject/safely remove it first. I'm running it on a Macbook Pro and I haven't used a card reader this fast before. The seek time is almost nil, even on a normal card. I've got a SanDisk Extreme Pro card on order, and am really looking forward to what this thing can do. If you shoot raw, this is a must. It will run faster than anything else you can plug into a laptop short of a RAID array plugged in via eSATA or similar. It even smokes my Western Digital 2TB Raid plugged in via FireWire. On top of that, it frees up a USB port for other important peripherals. Can't say enough good things. My only minor quibble is that the protruding part doesn't sit flush with my laptop. I'd guess that's intentional to make sure it works with other laptops though, so not a big deal.

Samuel M.

2010-04-23T21:00:00

I used this reader with my MacBook Pro and Aperture 3, and this thing has been one disappointment after another. First, Aperture 3 won't recognize any cards in this reader, so you have to import via the Finder. Then, after you eject the card, as an added bonus your system crashes. Lexar support was completely unhelpful. Not only will I be returning this reader but I won't be buying a Lexar product any time soon.

DrPete