Card Reader

A card reader can primarily be classified into a memory card reader and a business card reader. A memory card reader is used for accessing data/information from a smart card or a flash memory card. A memory card is a data storage device that is used for handheld and laptop computers, cell phones, digital cameras, music players, video game consoles as well as other electronics products. A memory card has a small form factor and provides power-free storage. A memory card is usually a flash memory card. Memory card formats include PC Card, CompactFlash I, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Multimedia Card, microSD Card, miniSD Card, xD-Picture Card, etc.

A memory card reader usually has a USB interface for accessing data on a memory card. Often, these card readers also provide write capability. Variants of the memory card reader include single card reader, multi-card reader and series card reader. Certain cards are also equipped with USB functions that don’t require a card reader and can be directly plugged into the USB slot. A business card reader is used for scanning and electronically saving business cards. Other card readers include Smart card readers and Magnetic card reader. The Smart card reader reads information from Smart cards that are pocket-sized cards with embedded integrated circuits for processing information. The Magnetic card reader scan cards with magnetic data strips.