Turbocharge your image and video transfers by connecting multiple SD, microSD and USB devices simultaneously
(Image credit: Kingston)
CES 2021: Kingston has announced a new modular desktop card reader dock, named the Workflow Station, and a selection of compatible card reader modules. The aim is to speed up your file transfers by enabling multiple memory cards or USB storage devices to simultaneously transfer content to a PC or Mac.
(Image credit: Kingston)
The Workflow Station connects to your computer via a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connection, and each card reader module slots into one of the dock's four bays, each of which contains its own USB Type-C plug. This enables you to use the reader modules as conventional standalone card readers linked via a Type-C cable, though each reader module can only transfer at 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed.
(Image credit: Kingston)
At launch three types of Workflow modules are available: an SD reader containing two UHS-II SD card slots, a microSD reader - also with dual slots - and a USB miniHub featuring one USB-A and one USB-C port - useful for adding to the USB ports on a laptop.
(Image credit: Kingston)
The Workflow Station dock measures 160.27 x 70.27 x 55.77mm, so is best suited to desktop use rather than life on the go. But at 63 x 17 x 50mm, each reader module is much more portable.
It should be noted that this modular/dock concept isn't new - Lexar's Professional Workflow card reader ecosystem was a very similar setup launched back in 2013. However, Lexar released many more types of reader modules in addition to SD and microSD, expanding its appeal to professional photographers. We can only hope Kingston releases CFexpress/XQD, CompactFlash or even CFast 2.0 modules in due course to extend the Workflow Station's versatility.
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
