Review - SmartQ C620 MFI Lightning MicroSD Card Reader

[sparksd]

(I have cut and pasted my Amazon review)



https://www.amazon.com/SmartQ-Lightning-MicroSD-Connector-Transfer/dp/B0741CDDQT

I have two “must” requirements for this kind of device: play mp4 video files up to 7GB in size and display RAW format photos. This is the third such device I’ve bought trying to satisfy these requirements. The other two could each only satisfy one of my needs but this one works for both. I use it with a 10.5” iPad Pro on iOS 11.2.2 and the main uSD card I use is a 256GB Samsung EVO. It displays my videos and RAW files without a problem and I have also tested it with JPEG, PDF, .docx, and Excel files, all working without an issue and without any appreciable loading lag.

It works with the free PowerReader app from the app store (you’re cued to download it the first time you use the device and then to use it every time you plug the device in) but I had one complaint – each photo file, RAW or JPEG, had to be opened and closed individually – you couldn’t just swipe to see the next picture. But the same developer has a “PowerDrive – Files and Storage” app that also works with this reader and it supports swiping pictures to view. This app is also free and superior to the default app. However, you do have to keep the default app loaded as inserting the drive will always bring up the cue to open it but you can just cancel that open and manually open the PowerDrive app. Sharing files with other apps is also supported, as is downloading to the iPad. Using the share function in other apps (e.g., FileExplorer), I could save other files from the iPad to the uSD card.

All in all, this is an excellent device that does exactly what I wanted. Minor complaint – the uSD card is somewhat loose in the reader and that connection could be tighter (but it doesn’t fall out). A suggested improvement – add a pass-through power connection so you can charge the iPad or iPhone while using this device (one of the others I tried had this). Reasonably priced ($26.99) - I would give this a high recommendation.

 

[whokuni]

Have you tried this one http://www.meenova.com/st/p/dash_i.html and, if so, how did it compare? I’m very satisfied with my Dash-i but willing to try others if thy have better features. Thank you for sharing his information with us. Much appreciated

 

[sparksd]

Have you tried this one http://www.meenova.com/st/p/dash_i.html and, if so, how did it compare? I’m very satisfied with my Dash-i but willing to try others if thy have better features. Thank you for sharing his information with us. Much appreciated

Yes, I have the Dash-i and that's the device that won't play my video files larger than 4GB. Meenova says they "should work" but when I got a sample to them, they admitted it didn't. There was nothing non-standard about the format and I tried different cards, etc. and showed that a 3.95GB file worked but a 4.05GB file would not. They eventually said that the problem was in a library they purchased and had no insight into. I could take the larger files and run them through HandBrake, shrinking the size, and they would work. But other than that, the Dash-i worked well - I just wanted something where I didn't have to redo my videos. This device works as well and handles the larger files - I just wish it had the power pass-through for charging like the Dash-i does.

 

[whokuni]

Thank you for your answer and insight into the failing of Dash-i. I have a hearing impairment and so if I want subtitles I also have to redo my videos. I know of no workaround and it’s not the fault of Dash-i or the SmartQ should I buy it.

Thanks again

 

[Irin]

(I have cut and pasted my Amazon review)

View attachment 746696

https://www.amazon.com/SmartQ-Lightning-MicroSD-Connector-Transfer/dp/B0741CDDQT

I have two “must” requirements for this kind of device: play mp4 video files up to 7GB in size and display RAW format photos. This is the third such device I’ve bought trying to satisfy these requirements. The other two could each only satisfy one of my needs but this one works for both. I use it with a 10.5” iPad Pro on iOS 11.2.2 and the main uSD card I use is a 256GB Samsung EVO. It displays my videos and RAW files without a problem and I have also tested it with JPEG, PDF, .docx, and Excel files, all working without an issue and without any appreciable loading lag.

It works with the free PowerReader app from the app store (you’re cued to download it the first time you use the device and then to use it every time you plug the device in) but I had one complaint – each photo file, RAW or JPEG, had to be opened and closed individually – you couldn’t just swipe to see the next picture. But the same developer has a “PowerDrive – Files and Storage” app that also works with this reader and it supports swiping pictures to view. This app is also free and superior to the default app. However, you do have to keep the default app loaded as inserting the drive will always bring up the cue to open it but you can just cancel that open and manually open the PowerDrive app. Sharing files with other apps is also supported, as is downloading to the iPad. Using the share function in other apps (e.g., FileExplorer), I could save other files from the iPad to the uSD card.

All in all, this is an excellent device that does exactly what I wanted. Minor complaint – the uSD card is somewhat loose in the reader and that connection could be tighter (but it doesn’t fall out). A suggested improvement – add a pass-through power connection so you can charge the iPad or iPhone while using this device (one of the others I tried had this). Reasonably priced ($26.99) - I would give this a high recommendation.

Thank you for your reply. I will check it out.
[doublepost=1527628027][/doublepost]This is the one I bought right before my trip: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792VYF9K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I was able to copy the images from my PC into it so the USB side worked fine. Downloaded the app on my iphone 6+ and then connected the flash drive to the lightening input. The device was not recognized at all, so it was useless...

 

[sparksd]

Thank you for your reply. I will check it out.
[doublepost=1527628027][/doublepost]This is the one I bought right before my trip: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792VYF9K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I was able to copy the images from my PC into it so the USB side worked fine. Downloaded the app on my iphone 6+ and then connected the flash drive to the lightening input. The device was not recognized at all, so it was useless...

It's frustrating with these things. I also got this one:

https://www.adamelements.com/www/iklips/iKlips_mireader.html

Works great for streaming videos from an inserted card while being able to charge at the same time (oddly, the device accepts a micro USB charge cable). Also good for documents (Word , Excel) and photos (jpeg, RAW). One downside (of course) - if you try to copy multiple files from the card to you iPad, only one file is copied (the first one selected). I don't really care as I use it for streaming movies stored on a 256GB uSD card while also charging.