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Introduction
   Akasa Combo
   CnMemory 2in1
   Hama 19in1
   MSI StarReader
   Transcend 13in1
   TwinMOS 8in1
   Verbatim 11in1
Conclusion

Akasa Combo

The first card reader from our test is the Akasa Combo which not only reads and writes most common memory cards but also includes a three-port hub. You can even attach a power adaptor (included in the package) in case you want to attach USB devices which require a lot of power.

There are four red leds on the front. The first one lights up if a card is inserted and flashes when data is transferred. The other leds are used to show if a USB device is connected to one of the three ports. There is also a green power led but it's hidden behind one of the USB ports and is hardly visible.
If you turn the Akasa Combo to the left it looks just like a regular card reader with ports for the most common card types. There's an extra port for T-Flash (aka SD micro) cards on the bottom. On the right side you can find three connections: USB connection for the PC interface, 5V DC and one USB port. The other two USB ports are on the top.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Akasa
Model No.: AK-HC-01-RD
Controller: Alcor Micro AU6362.
Interface: USB 2.0
Dimensions: 102mm x 54mm x 18mm / 4.01" x 2.13" x 0.71"
Weight: 75g / 0.026 lbs
Price: 20 EUR / 26 USD

Compatibility

Compact Flash (CF) I
Compact Flash (CF) II
Secure Digital (SD)
Secure Digital (SD) Mini
Secure Digital (SD) Micro
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
Memory Stick (MS)
Memory Stick (MS) Pro
Memory Stick (MS) Duo
Multi Media Card (MMC)
xD

Extra Features: three port USB hub

Performance

Secure Digital (SD) TwinMOS 2GB 150X

Secure Digital (SD) PQI 2GB 150X

Compact Flash (CF) TwinMOS 4GB 140X

Extra features

We tested the hub by attaching a card reader on each port and running some benchmarks.
All devices performed flawlessly.

Verdict

Build Quality: 75%

The build quality of the Akasa Combo is about average. Not particulary solid or weak.

SD performance: 20%
CF performance: 13%

With a maximum read speed of 3.8 MB/s and a maximum write speed of 4.5 MB/s this card reader is one of the slowest of this roundup.

Conclusion

We're not giving any points for looks but if we did the Akasa Combo would get the top rating. It's a real beauty and actually looks like an expensive MP3 player. It even comes with a carry bag so you can carry it around without having to worry about scratches.

Unfortunately not everything is positive. With a maximum speed of a mere 4.5 MB/s this card reader is barely faster than a USB 1.1 reader.
For this reason we don't recommend the Akasa Combo. It's just too slow.

You may still want to consider it if you don't care for speed or if you really want a card reader/USB hub combo.

48% (SD)

44% (CF)

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