Now that I've retired my iMac 27 (which had a built in card reader) and replaced it with a mini M4 Pro I need a new way to read my SD cards. Open to suggestions and some future proofing and does it matter if the card reader is attached to the Apple display or the mini itself?
Thanks
iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18
I prefer to attach my Card reader to the Mac mini instead of the display. Not sure if it makes any difference it's only my feeling. I believe the important thing is you select a reader which is at least USB3 and not USB 2.
Many manufacturers claim to have readers with a faster read speed. This can be true or not: try to find a reputable internet page to read a comparison. Another point is the kind of CARD you have and its speed, to avoid the use of a reading device with speed which are not supported by the card or the contrary. One of the main difference is between the type UHS I and UHS II - the first has 1 single line of contact pins while the second has 2 lines of pins. This is also depends by the model of camera you use.
Hope this helps
I prefer to attach my Card reader to the Mac mini instead of the display. Not sure if it makes any difference it's only my feeling. I believe the important thing is you select a reader which is at least USB3 and not USB 2.
Many manufacturers claim to have readers with a faster read speed. This can be true or not: try to find a reputable internet page to read a comparison. Another point is the kind of CARD you have and its speed, to avoid the use of a reading device with speed which are not supported by the card or the contrary. One of the main difference is between the type UHS I and UHS II - the first has 1 single line of contact pins while the second has 2 lines of pins. This is also depends by the model of camera you use.
Hope this helps
I believe the interface is generic as in one size fit all and even usb-a readers would with with an usb-a to usb- c adaptor
… just check the type of connector you can/want to use (and is available) on your mac, above all if you aim to connect it often or permanently. Chances are it’ll be usb-c, but just another consideration.
Apple sells one: USB-C to SD Card Reader - Apple
+1 Most any USB-C to SD card reader from Amazon, BestBuy, Office Depot, Target, Walmart, etc... will do.
see > usb-c sd card readers
This is what I use with my Mini M4 pro. Very compact and I use one of the front slots on the Mac.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NW8RPYN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
SD card reader for M4 mini
