Review: USB Copy Cruiser Plus from Aleratec

The USB Copy Cruiser Plus is a USB copy devicelogo turns solid color to indicate the device is selected.
with the additional convenience of an 8-in-1 cardNext you arrow 'right' to enter the device, then easily
reader. The unit will copy from one memory device toselect files or folders to copy via the center circle
another or from one memory device to a USB flashbutton, which is the enter key. I believe the user
drive without the need of a PC. This OTGinterface is very logical given all the requests and
(On-The-Go) USB technology is very useful and thecommands needed to perform a task. Once started,
USB Copy Cruiser Plus proves to be just that, useful.the USB Copy Cruiser Plus displays the exact file
For the small foot-print and compact size, just biggerbeing copied and a time-bar indicating when that
then your palm, the product performs well, is easy tospecific file will be complete, then moves on to next file
use and provides clear and precise feedback.to be copied. Upon completion the device will display
When I received the USB Copy Cruiser Plus I was"Finished." To copy from memory card to memory
surprised at how small and light the unit was - addcard you must use the "duplicate" command rather
three AAA batteries and I was off playing and testing.then the "copy" command which is used when copying
The feel of the USB Copy Cruiser Plus is nice, fits wellto a USB flash drive.
in your hand and custom push-button navigation setupThe data transfer speeds where again, acceptable
is easy to use and has a nice tactile feel. The LCD is aand good for the right application and use. Since the
4x20 display which is easy to read in medium or lowUSB Copy Cruiser Plus is not USB 2.0 High Speed
light, bright light might prove to be a little challenging, butwhen transferring from memory device to memory
expected for LCD without back lighting.device I saw the following during our informal testing:
The memory card slots are on the top left of the unitMemory Stick to USB flash drive; 321Kb/sec, Compact
which can be accessed via the top-side of the USBFlash to USB flash drive; 296Kb/sec and when
Copy Cruiser Plus. There are three USB ports on theconnected to a PC transfer rates where in the
bottom left side where by two ports are used toneighborhood of 2.2MB/sec. I did see a significant slow
connect to standalone devices such as MP3 players,down when copying from memory card to memory
cameras, flash drives and other mass storage devicescard, for example from Memory Stick to Compact
and a third USB port is used for PC connection.Flash, transfer rates dropped to 4.6Kb/sec. Although
The USB Copy Cruiser Plus is USB 2.0 High Speedspeed is not the first priority with this product, it is clear
compatible when connected to a PC/MAC and beingthat convenience and ease-of-use is a priority and
used as a card reader. I noticed you cannot accessAleratec has succeeded in that endeavor.
USB devices through the USB Copy Cruiser PlusThe USB Copy Cruiser Plus is a good product for
when connected to the PC, during this operation onlysomeone on the go. It's ability to copy from numerous
the card reader is functioning and at 2.0 High Speed.USB devices to flash memory, or visa versa makes
Often times there are limited USB ports on laptops andfor a "must have" for professionals on the go. The
it would be nice to use not only the card reader ports,copier simplifies the process for many tasks including
but also access USB devices through the Copyphotographers looking to off-load data from their digital
Cruiser when connected to a host computer. The cardcamera, quickly share data between people without
reader supports Compact Flash Type I/II, MicroDrive,booting up a computer, or use as a one-to-one USB
Smart Media, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Multiflash drive duplicator.
Media Card and Secure Digital cards. The USB CopyIn conclusion, if you are going to invest money into a
Cruiser Plus will support and recognize all FAT filememory card reader you should spend a little extra
systems (FAT12, FAT 16 and FAT32) but not NTFS,money and purchase the USB Copy Cruiser Plus from
which makes sense since FAT files systems areAleratec. Along with the fast USB 2.0 High Speed card
universal and NTFS is only Windows compatible.reader, the USB Copy Cruiser Plus also provides a
The USB Copy Cruiser Plus performed as expected.host of copy and duplicating features which you will
The menu screen is very easy to read and navigate.quickly find to be a valuable tool. Ideal for the
The display will immediately tell you when a memoryprofessional on the go and price right at around
card or USB device is connected via logos on the top$65USD, this small USB and memory card copier and
of the screen. From this point, the arrow keys arereader is a good investment to your office arsenal of
used to navigate into a device and once there, the topdigital products.