Fujifilm DCR-161 review

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Verdict:

If you need this dual functionality, the Fujifilm DCR-161 manages it well

Review Date: 3 Mar 2006

Price when reviewed: (£29.78 ex VAT)

Reviewed By: Kenny Hemphill

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

Fujifilm's DCR2-161 is a USB hub and multi-card reader in one box.

You connect it to a power supply and then to your Mac via USB 2, after which the DCR2-161 provides two powered USB 2 connections on its rear and one on top. The latter is particularly useful for iPod shuffles, pen drives and Bluetooth adaptors.

In addition to its function as a USB 2 hub, the DVR2-161 has a card reader on its front with support for 16 card formats: SmartMedia, CompactFlash types I and II, Microdrive, SD, MiniSD, MMC, RS-MMC, MMCmobile, MMCplus, TransFlash, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, and xD.

In our tests, the card reader worked perfectly with a selection of cards, including a Memory Stick PRO Duo from a Sony K750i mobile phone. Inserting a card from a digital camera launches iPhoto.

This hub and card reader combination isn't the most stunningly attractive piece of kit you'll ever see, but it's low, flat design means it will sit happily on top of a Mac mini or Power Mac, providing easy access to its top slot. And there are plenty of status LEDs that light up at various points if you like that sort of thing. However, at 136 x 67mm, it does take up a fair bit of room compared with other hubs or readers, which is worth bearing in mind if your desk is already looking a bit on the cluttered side.

There have never been more options for hubs, card readers and combined devices and, at £34.99, this one isn't cheap. However, if you need this dual functionality, the Fujifilm DCR-161 manages it well. Furthermore, the USB slot on the top means you don't have to go reaching around the back to plug in and unplug cables. And that, in our book, is always a bonus.

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