Review on Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader - LRW400CRBNA: High-Speed Data Transfer and Multi-Card Compatibility by Philip Anderson

My favorite card reader so far. I've been a professional photographer for 25 years and have used card readers since the Nikon D1. Compact Flash cards and readers are becoming increasingly rare as SD is now the norm. But professional bodies still have CF cards, including my D4. Since my old one was only USB 2, I figured it was time to upgrade. I tried another USB 3 card reader but after 2 months it failed (pin was bent in CF card slot) so I searched again. There are various reviews of this Lexar reader, but upon closer inspection it turns out that there are at least 3 models of this reader (all of which are externally the same). I received model #LRW400CRBNA with the date 2015 on the box. I think this 400 series is the newest at the time of writing this article. It's really USB 3 with a USB3 cable that goes into the back of the device. I love that it has an interchangeable cord and that it comes with it. I can swap out other devices with the same cable, like my Pioneer BR external burner, another great product: http://www.amazon.com/Portable-External-CyberLink-Software-BDR-XD05/dp/B00HSHLZJ8 /ref= sr_1_8 ?ie=UTF8&qid=1434128497&sr=8-8&keywords=pioneer+bluray+writer It has a great form factor as the case can cover and protect itself. It stays open very well in use. When closed, the side buttons open the clamshell - it's very sensitive, almost like a mousetrap, and opens with a click! Nothing bad, but I was a bit surprised by his sensitivity. It can load TWO MAPS AT A TIME - my main reason for buying it. So you can insert CF card and SD card and charge at the same time. It's much easier to insert the CF card first because it's on the bottom. She reads both cards VERY FAST. Of course, this depends on your computer, USB ports, etc. But this is the fastest reader I've ever used (besides other formats like Sony's XQD). It has a nice rubber base that grips relatively well and stays in place. Seems trivial, but it's beautiful. Because it only has 2 card formats, it doesn't use a large number of drive letters on your computer like some of these 10+ format readers. If you only need SD and/or CF, this reader is for you. I don't have and don't care about other weird formats. Of course, if you need to insert a MicroSD card, you can just use an SD card adapter. The device was recognized instantly on both my computers, with no drivers to download or software to install. Oh what a relief - there is no crappy proprietary software to install on my machines. It just works fine. Reads cards from all cameras I've installed so far (Nikon D4, D7000, D300s, Fuji XT1, etc.) with no errors. Couldn't be happier when something works fine, no problem. I will update if I ever have problems or if the product breaks. Thanks for reading, I hope it was helpful to you!