Flash memory readers usually work on both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports. Read the product manual before installing. Verify the operating system on your computer. You will need to install a driver for the flash reader depending on the operating system. Each product comes with a separate driver for Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP and Mac OS versions. (b) If you are using Windows 98 and have plugged in the Viking InterWorks IntelliFlash USB Flash Memory Reader/Writer before running the driver setup.
If you're fed up with your digital camera downloads taking an age, try this. The CompactFlash card from the camera fits into a PC-Card adapter, which in turn then plugs into the USB Memory Reader. Plug the reader into the USB port and the card appears as a hard disk - read it, write it, format it, everything. Note, you'll need Windows 98SE or ideally XP for this to work properly. If you've a laptop - save your money. The PC-Card adapter part is all you need: this plugs into the PC-Card (a.k.a.
PCMCIA slot) in the laptop. The PC-Card adapter part is available seperately.
I installed the software as described, and all seemed well until I tried to read my first CF card. After downloading, I ejected the card, burning my fingers in the process! Upon reviewing the results of the download, I discovered that a number of the pictures did not transfer and were no longer on the CF card. When I called Viking, they informed me that they did not advertise their unit as working with Windows ME - obviously my mistake. When I asked how this could cause the obvious overheating, they could not give an answer - but more troubling - they didn't seem to care!
When I have a chance, I will retry with another computer with Windows 98 before I pack it up and send it back. If you're fed up with your digital camera downloads taking an age, try this. The CompactFlash card from the camera fits into a PC-Card adapter, which in turn then plugs into the USB Memory Reader. Plug the reader into the USB port and the card appears as a hard disk - read it, write it, format it, everything. Note, you'll need Windows 98SE or ideally XP for this to work properly. If you've a laptop - save your money. The PC-Card adapter part is all you need: this plugs into the PC-Card (a.k.a.
PCMCIA slot) in the laptop. The PC-Card adapter part is available seperately. I bought the Viking card reader after hearing how easy it was to install and use. It sure has lived up to that reputation. I just followed the instructions and it installed just like they said it would. I have Windows 98 on my iMachine. It was so easy to install that I thought I must have done something wrong as it was all automatic and quick.
I called Viking's technical support. They were very fast answering and very polite, and they answered all of my questions. I have now been using this for a few weeks and am very happy with the product and the original support I received.
They had suggested that I move the files onto my hard drive to avoid over-filling the card with temporary files before making changes to the pictures. I have been using the reader with the Kodak card, a USB-Ready card I bought, and a Viking card. I installed the software as described, and all seemed well until I tried to read my first CF card. After downloading, I ejected the card, burning my fingers in the process!
Upon reviewing the results of the download, I discovered that a number of the pictures did not transfer and were no longer on the CF card. When I called Viking, they informed me that they did not advertise their unit as working with Windows ME - obviously my mistake.
When I asked how this could cause the obvious overheating, they could not give an answer - but more troubling - they didn't seem to care! When I have a chance, I will retry with another computer with Windows 98 before I pack it up and send it back.