Tiny inexpensive memory card reader from GE

If you're reading this you probably have one or more digital cameras. If you have a recent desktop PC, it probably has slots for loading the common types of digital memory cards ("electronic film") that these cameras use. These slots are less common on laptops, so it's necessary to use an adapter ("card reader") that plugs into a USB port.

The adapters are not very big, but most of them are designed to sit on a desk, and are not really right for stashing in a laptop case. GE has one that's versatile, works well, is small enough to fit in a big mouth, and is so inexpensive, it's almost free.

You might expect to see the GE name on light bulbs, nuclear reactors and diesel engines, but not PC accessories. GE doesn't actually make or distribute the card reader. It comes from accessory maker Jasco, who pays GE to use its brand name. That's common in the consumer electronics industries. Sometimes new companies even resurrect the names of dead companies.

Anyway, the GE/Jasco 97942 can read or write to FIFTY-FIVE KINDS OF CARDS. Data transfer speed is said to be 40 times faster than standard USB. It comes with a six-foot USB 2.0 Mini cable and has an LED in-use indicator.

I've seen it selling for $29.95 plus $9.59 shipping on eBay, but I got one for just TEN BUCKS at BJ's Club.