Lexar Media’s New 32-Bit Card Bus Reader

Earlier this year Lexar Media introduced a 32-bit CompactFlash (CF) Card Bus reader, designed to enable the quick and convenient transfer of digital images to notebook (laptop) computers.  Most every PC based notebook computer built in the past seven years, or so, have a PC slot (formerly called a PCMCIA card slot) and all Mac Power Books have the built in slot.  Just plug the card reader into the slot and it becomes totally concealed internally.  There is nothing dangling out and no wires to fuss with.  When you are ready to down load your CF card just plug it into the reader and away you go.

The Lexar 32-bit Card Bus CompactFlash reader boasts high-speed data transfer rates similar to FireWire and USB 2.0 readers, and 4 to 6 times faster than 16-bit PCMCIA card adaptors, which are commonly used with laptop computers.  Lexar's 32-bit Card Bus reader offers support for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, extending the portable, high-speed solution to Macintosh users for the first time.

The 32-bit Card Bus reader looks like a Type II CompactFlash PC card adapter, but when inserted into a laptop's PCMCIA slot, it supports read/write speeds up to the maximum CompactFlash protocol interface, just over 16MB/s.  True data transfer speed is determined by the speed of the computer and the CompactFlash card.  High-speed cards, like Lexar's Professional Series CompactFlash, will transfer data considerably faster than slower memory cards on the market.

“Mobile photographers will benefit tremendously from this new, convenient solution which is now available for both Mac and PC users,” said John Omvik, Director of Professional Products Marketing, Lexar Media.  “Our Card Bus reader can be carried or stored in the PC Card slot of a laptop computer, so it minimizes bulk in an equipment bag.  The compatibility and convenience, combined with fast transfer speeds, make our 32-bit Card Bus reader a cutting-edge solution for professional photographers who need to quickly and easily transfer their images.”