11. IMONO SIM Plus MicroSD/Trans-Flash Reader/Writer

These days we rely on so many technical and non-technical devices using USB; multi-purpose USB devices are popping up in all kinds of interesting places (notebook PCs, add-in 3.5" bay devices, and standalone units like this one). Though this iMONO offers no earth-shattering revelations to the world of USB peripherals, it offers at least one unique advantage over other such devices. In fact, the iMONO SIM + micro SD/T-Flash (MSD/TF) card reader/writer plugs directly into any USB 2.0 port and appears inside Windows as a mass storage device. To be sure, no differences other than nomenclature exist between micro SD and Transflash (the former being the official name recognized by the SD Card Association, the latter a brand name in pretty wide usage). SIM cards are another matter entirely, and it's the inclusion of this capability that makes the iMONO SIM stand out from ordinary USB-based memory card reader/writers.

The real attraction for this device is its ability to back up cellphone SIM cards.

This particular unit accommodates SD/T-Flash cards without an adapter, and comes complete with a SIM PhoneBook editor (version 3.0) so you can add, edit and delete contact entries in your GSM phone. For what it's worth, the software included is Windows-centric, and supports versions from Windows 98 to Windows XP; it doesn't yet appear to work with Vista, at least not officially, though we couldn't verify this for sure.

A protective rotary cover swivels over the USB connector when not in use, while the opposing end features a snap-open lid that guards the spring-loaded MSD/TF slot; it appears to make a tight fit. An LED lights up to signify progress during use. Perhaps the device's most utilitarian feature, however, is that it offers as a method to copy SIM card contents to your PC for backup or archive. Oddly, the software can also add SMS messages to the SIM card from the PC. This may or may not be useful, but it's there should you need it.

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