Placement
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External. Card readers and USB hubs connected to a computer as external peripherals, usually via a USB interface. This category also includes compact devices with an ExpressCard interface. Most external models are large enough to accommodate slots for several different types of cards (in the case of card readers) or for several USB ports (in the case of hubs).
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External adapter (connector on the case). Adapters that are connected to the external USB port of the computer. Usually have a compact form factor and are the most convenient to transport, but due to their small size, such card readers are usually designed at best for 2-3 different types of cards of similar sizes - there is simply no room to place more slots there. Among hubs, this type is rare - in most cases, it is more convenient to use classic external models with a wire. Nevertheless, full-fledged hubs with a connector built into the case do exist.
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Built-in. Devices installed in a PC case in such a way that their set of connectors is displayed on the front panel of the case. They are designed for use exclusively with desktop computers as a permanent component of the system and do not provide for frequent reconnections. Although technically possible, this is difficult and not justified, and it is generally impossible to use them with laptops. Usually, built-in solutions support a fairly wi
...de range of cards. There are internal devices that are installed in a 3.5" slot (for a floppy/disk drive), and models for a 5.25” slot — a regular “landing place” for optical disc drives (for example, DVD).USB А
The number of USB inputs located on the case of the card reader or hub (see "Type"). The number of USB ports that you will have at your disposal after connecting the device depends on this parameter. "Pure" card readers and combined models, usually, have 1,
2 and even
3 USB inputs, while hubs have
4 or more ports.
Power Delivery
The technology allows you to work at higher voltage, thereby increasing the transmitted power.
USB hubs with Power Dlivery can not only charge smartphones faster, but also power more power-hungry devices, such as laptops.
USB cable compartment
A special compartment on the case of the card reader or hub (see "Type"), in which the USB cable is placed during non-working hours. Such models are compact and easy to transport due to the fact that the wire, which tends to get confused and interfere, is hidden inside the device. For objective reasons, only devices with an external connection can have
a cable compartment(see "Intended use").
Material
The main material used for the body of the device.
— Plastic. Plastic is light, cheap, quite practical, incl. has good strength properties. In addition, it allows you to create cases of complex shape and almost any color.
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Metal. As a rule, aluminium-based alloys are used for metal cases. Such cases are much stronger than plastic ones, and also have a stylish appearance. On the other hand, in terms of impact protection, this material has no advantages over plastic, but it costs more, and it can weigh much more.
