NeoGrandizer
Android Expert
Okay, I've only had this for 2 days and testing it out. Thought I would share my thoughts on it.
It was on sale and I paid $65 Cdn (including taxes, S&H) for it. What I got was a 64GB microSDXC (class 10/UHS-1), standard SD adapter and a USB microSD card reader. The latter is what I was really interested in. It is compact and looks like a miniature USB flash key.
In terms of durability and reliability, well, I'll have to wait and see. Currently there are users complaining about the microSDXC card failing after 1-2 months of use. Though I am not sure how legit most of these claims are as there are fraudulent cards floating around as of late. Also most users experiencing issues were using Samsung Galaxy S3s or S4s. I will be using this with my Note 2. So definitely be interesting to see how long this card will last. It's too early to say and these things are usually temperamental at best.
First off the speed of the card is not stellar. Transfer rates range between 8-8.5MB/s write and around 18-19MB/s read in actual application. Their site states up to 20MB/s write and 30MB/s read, but I really didn't expect those speeds anyways. I would say for a Class 10/UHS-1 card, the performance is rather subpar compared to others.
The USB microSD card reader is pretty compact and uses USB 2.0. When the microSD card is inserted into the reader, it is flush with nothing poking or sticking out of it. So it won't add any extra size to it or fear of knocking the card out. Though depending on some cards, it can be a tight/snug fit. It should also be noted that one has to be cautious when plugging it into a USB port. Since the USB contacts are not encased, it's very easy for someone to jam it into the port incorrectly. It should also be noted that the reader can get extremely hot when doing heavy data transfers. This is another thing I worry about as I wonder if it will ultimately shorten the life expectancy of the card. This is probably the biggest shortcoming of any USB microSD card reader.
Though for smaller file transfers, it seems to do well and not overheat. Using an USB OTG cable with my Note 2, the reader gets warm, but not extremely hot. Though, it's probably due to smaller data transfers and not like the heavy data transfers used with the PC.
There is a hole located opposite the USB contacts to use a lanyard key ring to it. Though I wouldn't really want that as it doesn't look that durable to be honest. I would prefer it better in a case. Unfortunately, Patriot doesn't include one in its packaging, so I had to find one of my older cases (good thing I kept them) to put it in.
Overall, I would probably stick with a SD card adapter for now and only use the USB reader only if there is no card reader present on a system. Again, my greatest fear is the heat being generated off the reader.
Finally, here are a few screen shots I benchmarked.
Patriot Signature LX 64GB microSDXC Class 10/UHS-1
USB reader in USB 3.0 port/hub
USB reader in USB 2.0 port
Galaxy Note 2
USB OTG
Samsung 32GB microSDHC Class 10
USB reader in USB 3.0 port/hub
USB reader in USB 2.0 port
Galaxy Note 2
USB OTG
SanDisk 32GB microSDHC Class 10
USB reader in USB 3.0 port/hub
USB reader in USB 2.0 port
Galaxy Note 2
USB OTG
It was on sale and I paid $65 Cdn (including taxes, S&H) for it. What I got was a 64GB microSDXC (class 10/UHS-1), standard SD adapter and a USB microSD card reader. The latter is what I was really interested in. It is compact and looks like a miniature USB flash key.
In terms of durability and reliability, well, I'll have to wait and see. Currently there are users complaining about the microSDXC card failing after 1-2 months of use. Though I am not sure how legit most of these claims are as there are fraudulent cards floating around as of late. Also most users experiencing issues were using Samsung Galaxy S3s or S4s. I will be using this with my Note 2. So definitely be interesting to see how long this card will last. It's too early to say and these things are usually temperamental at best.
First off the speed of the card is not stellar. Transfer rates range between 8-8.5MB/s write and around 18-19MB/s read in actual application. Their site states up to 20MB/s write and 30MB/s read, but I really didn't expect those speeds anyways. I would say for a Class 10/UHS-1 card, the performance is rather subpar compared to others.
The USB microSD card reader is pretty compact and uses USB 2.0. When the microSD card is inserted into the reader, it is flush with nothing poking or sticking out of it. So it won't add any extra size to it or fear of knocking the card out. Though depending on some cards, it can be a tight/snug fit. It should also be noted that one has to be cautious when plugging it into a USB port. Since the USB contacts are not encased, it's very easy for someone to jam it into the port incorrectly. It should also be noted that the reader can get extremely hot when doing heavy data transfers. This is another thing I worry about as I wonder if it will ultimately shorten the life expectancy of the card. This is probably the biggest shortcoming of any USB microSD card reader.
Though for smaller file transfers, it seems to do well and not overheat. Using an USB OTG cable with my Note 2, the reader gets warm, but not extremely hot. Though, it's probably due to smaller data transfers and not like the heavy data transfers used with the PC.
There is a hole located opposite the USB contacts to use a lanyard key ring to it. Though I wouldn't really want that as it doesn't look that durable to be honest. I would prefer it better in a case. Unfortunately, Patriot doesn't include one in its packaging, so I had to find one of my older cases (good thing I kept them) to put it in.
Overall, I would probably stick with a SD card adapter for now and only use the USB reader only if there is no card reader present on a system. Again, my greatest fear is the heat being generated off the reader.
Finally, here are a few screen shots I benchmarked.
Patriot Signature LX 64GB microSDXC Class 10/UHS-1
USB reader in USB 3.0 port/hub
USB reader in USB 2.0 port
Galaxy Note 2
USB OTG
Samsung 32GB microSDHC Class 10
USB reader in USB 3.0 port/hub
USB reader in USB 2.0 port
Galaxy Note 2
USB OTG
SanDisk 32GB microSDHC Class 10
USB reader in USB 3.0 port/hub
USB reader in USB 2.0 port
Galaxy Note 2
USB OTG
