SanDisk SmartMedia ImageMate USB

Performance of my SanDisk SmartMedia ImageMate USB card reader under Win 98,ME and 2000 very spotty. would work one moment and tell me drive not found the next. So terible just used the serial connection from the camera.

Under Windows XP it works flawlessly every time. Installation is a snap. Drivers come with XP. installs in less than 30 sec. so only use the Sandisk if you have Windows XP, PERIOD!

I bought the SanDisk because it is sold everywhere, and is very popular. It was inexpensive and easy to install and use with Windows 98SE. However, after using it with FujiFilm cards problem-free, I tried Olympus cards. It would only read 1/2 the card (30 out of 60 pictures). I exchanged it for another identical model: same problem. I then exchanged it for a Dazzle card reader, which read both Fuji and Olympus cards fine. The price was $10 higher, but the retailer refunded the difference when it went on sale the following week. It has a smaller "footprint" on my desktop and since the cards are inserted at a downward angle, it doesn't slide backwards like the SanDisk did.

I have mailed Sandisk for support, and that is a LAUGH, to say the least.

The last time I phoned the Support Tech. told me my Computer was no good, and I should get a new Computer. He didn't know what to say when I told him I had just received my new Computer that morning.

Plugged hot into usb port xp installed the software and had the thing working within 30 seconds. when I plug a card into the reader it launches the wizard and my pics are and my computer. Great item

On my system running ME I have to disconnect the Sandisk Smartmedia Imagemate, reboot the PC and then reconnect. Numerous E Mails to Sandisk for assistance have not been answered, the FAQs do not address the problem(s) - No mention of ME but loads for 2000.

The Driver Download - Technical Support page suggest that you DO NOT USE THE INSTALLATION DISK provided with the Unit!, but use the 'native Drivers' built into ME!. Instils loads of confidence doesn't it.

I only wish that I found this site before I purchased the Imagemate SDDR-31, I then would not have bothered with the Sandisk System.

I bought this thing cause I need faster and easier image transfer to my PC. My digital camera has serial cable.

After half day I didn't get it working. Bad drivers?

Didn`t help me much...

This product is one of the worst products i have ever worked with and the drivers do not work at all.

Installation was a snap. I just plugged it into a USB hub connected to my USB-upgraded PowerCenter Mac clone, installed the provided software, and rebooted.

I had a minor scare the first time I tried inserting a SmartMedia card into the reader. I got the dreaded "could not be read" dialog. However, when I clicked the "Eject" button and the driver told me to take the card out, I just pulled it out and shoved it back in again. When I did that, an "untitled" volume showed up on my desktop. I was then able to open the volume like any other Mac volume, drag the picture files onto my hard drive, drag them again to the trash, and empty the trash.

For the most part, the driver works well. However, a couple of times when I tried emptying the trash after dragging the files there, the Finder quit with an error and restarted after I acknowledged it. I have found that the Finder crash does not occur as long as I close all of the volume's Finder windows before emptying the trash.

I originally chose this reader/writer because it was inexpensive compared to most others. I have not regretted the decision at all.