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Introduction
   Akasa Combo
   CnMemory 2in1
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   MSI StarReader
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Conclusion

MSI StarReader

The MSI StarReader is a standard multi-format card reader which can also handle SIM cards.

The MSI StarReader is the only card reader from the test which uses a standard USB plug instead of a mini USB plug. If you pull out the connector you will have a small cable of about 5cm/2". That's very short but luckily MSI added an extension cable with the package.

The card reader is made out of black plastic which is slightly transparent. You can see the red power led but the blue led which lights up if data is transferred is hardly visible.

Specifications

Manufacturer: MSI
Model No.: StarReader
Controller: Myson Century CS8819A2-110.
Interface: USB 2.0
Dimensions: 87.5mm x 53mm x 16mm / 3.44" x 2.09" x 0.63"
Weight: 61g / 0.134 lbs
Price: 14 EUR / 16 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: reads SIM cards

Performance

Secure Digital (SD) TwinMOS 2GB 150X

Secure Digital (SD) PQI 2GB 150X

Compact Flash (CF) TwinMOS 4GB 140X

Extra features

The MSI StarReader is one of the first card readers which can read SIM cards. SIM cards are the small cards for cellphones which store information such as telephone numbers, SMS messages, etc.
After installing the bundled software, SIM card editor 3, you can perform the following tasks with the SIM card:

Read and copy SMS messages to the PC.
Read and copy phone numbers and names to the PC.
Delete information from SIM card or copy information to it.
Change the PIN number.

Unfortunately the program cannot retrieve the date from the SMS messages but other than that this feature worked very well.

Verdict

Build Quality: 65%

The MSI StarReader is made out of hard plastic and feels very solid. Unfortunately after a few days of light use the metal plate became loose.

Also inserting cards didn't go very smoothly. The slots are a bit too small.

SD performance: 30%
CF performance: 54%

The SD performance was not very good. This card reader is not made for high speed SD cards.
A maximum read speed of 6.5 MB/s and a maximum write speed of 5.9 MB/s is barely fast enough for standard SD cards.
CF performance was a lot better. Maximum speeds of 11.3 MB/s (read) and 10.9 MB/s (write) puts it high on the CF performance charts although it still doesn't come close to the rated speed of the CF card.

Conclusion

The MSI StarReader looks very nice but the build quality could be better.
The ability to read SIM cards is a very nice feature for people who want to back up data from their cellphones.
Performance is a mixed bag with this reader. SD performance is low, CF performance is good.

There are better choices if you're using SD cards. If you don't care about SD performance or if you really want to read SIM cards you may want to consider the MSI StarReader.

48% (SD)

60% (CF)

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