iPorter xSD Memory Card Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

April 18, 2005

Product Requirements:
Device:
Lose xD, SD, MMC or Memory Stick Duo cards

Last year when we visited the Four Corners area, I very quickly found out how easy it is to fill a 512MB card before the end of a day. Sure, I had a spare xD card buried in my bag somewhere, but that was back at the truck! So there I was...stuck on a trail with no more digital film. Too bad I didn't have the iPorter along at the time.

The iPorter is a 1.75" tall x 1.5" wide x 0.5" thick case that holds up to three xD, SD, MMC, or Memory Stick Duo flash memory cards.

Upon first glance, the iPorter looks like a plastic kid's PDA, such as the type you might receive from a bubble-gum machine; it's actually supposed to resemble a digital camera. I will be the first to admit that when I first received it,  I couldn't imagine ever carrying it - pretty snobby of me, I know. However, once I really examined and then started to use the iPorter, I realized that there was more to it than my first dismissive impression.

According to the ePorter Inc. site, the iPorter's plastic "contains an an anti-static additive in the plastic to minimize shock risk to the card and prevent dust collection." The iPorter is opened and closed by flipping the plastic clip on the front.

Instead of an open receptacle like I was expecting, the interior of the case contains three card holders that are similar to the pages of a book. Smaller memory cards are held in the slot formed between each page and it's cut-out flap.

There is a spring ring on the exterior of the iPorter which can either be attached to the owner's key ring or to another convenient spot.

While it's simple form may not look very strong, I found after much rigorous squeezing and torquing that the iPorter is actually a lot tougher than one might expect. Nothing I did would make the front lock pop open unintentionally, and I was not able to squeeze the case enough to ever feel that the cards inside might be in jeopardy. Not too shabby!

The iPorter is a very simple product that does exactly what it is supposed to do - it allows the owner to safely carry up to three additional memory cards without worrying about whether they will be lost or damaged. While I don't necessarily need to carry extra flash cards on my key ring daily, I will be attaching the iPorter to my hiking bag - which will ensure that I never again am standing in front of the perfect shot with no way to capture it.

Price: $9.95 for two (give the spare to a friend!)

Pros:
Small
Safely holds up to three memory cards
Can be attached to key ring or to another convenient spot

Cons:
None