Overview : The Lexar Professional Workflow CFR1 Card Reader for CompactFlash Cards is a USB 3.0 reader designed for use within the Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 or HR2 Hub. The compact form fits within one of the four bays of the HR1 or HR2 Hub to enable its use along with up to three additional Professional Workflow Card Readers. Alternatively, this reader can be used independently of the hub as a standalone reader along with the included USB cable.
Features :
- USB 3.0 CompactFlash UDMA 7 Card Reader
- Compatible with Lexar HR1 or HR2 Hub
- High-speed transferring up to 5 Gbit/s
- Can be used independently or with hub
- Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 or later and Windows 7/8 operating systems
- Warranty: Two-year limited warranty on all products
Quality/Usability : I've gone through a bunch of card readers whether it's just individual readers for SD, CompactFlash or microSD or even 24-in-1 readers. These are great for traveling but I wanted something that was more for staying at home and work station even though my desktop already has a card reader for various memory cards. But I wanted something that was more accessible instead of me bending down looking for the card slot on the desktop.
Lexar released a Workflow Hub which allows you to have multiple card readers all in one location. One of the first card readers that I picked up for the Lexar Professional Workflow HR2 4-Bay Thunderbolt 2/USB 3.0 Hub was the CFR1, a USB 3.0 CompactFlash reader.
The CFR1 includes the reader, USB 3.0 cable and a slot cover. The USB cable is high quality and is used only when you want to use the CFR1 separately. The same can be said about the quality and durability of the CFR1.
The front has a gloss finish front that houses a CF card slot and a LED status light. The rest of the reader body has a matte finish. The back is also glossy finish and features a USB 3.0 port and the bottom has rubber padding to prevent the CFR1 from sliding if used separately.
The included cover is made of rubber. This cover protects the card slot from dust and particles if you're carrying it around.
The CFR1 is best suited when it is used with the Lexar Professional Workflow HR2 4-Bay Thunderbolt 2/USB 3.0 Hub. The Lexar Hub holds up to four readers or storage devices.
In addition to the CFR1 CompactFlash reader, Lexar has the following readers available. They range from SDHC/SDXC to microSDHC, CFast 2.0, XQD and even Storage Drives.
Readers:
- Lexar Professional Workflow CFR1 (CompactFlash USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow CR1 (CFast 2.0 USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow CR2 (CFast 2.0 Thunderbolt/USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow SR1 (SD/UHS-I/USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow SR2 (SDHC/SDXC UHS-II USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow XR1 (XQD USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow UR1 (three-slot microSDHC/microSDXC UHS-I USB 3.0 reader) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow DD256 Storage Drive (256GB) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
- Lexar Professional Workflow DD512 Storage Drive (512GB) - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
As I mentioned above, one of the great things about the Lexar Workflow readers is that all of the components can be used individually outside of the hub via USB 3.0. So if you wanted to take just a card reader or SSD drive on a trip, you could, and leave the hub at home. When you get back home, just pop the reader/SSD drive back into the hub and start transferring pictures.
Conclusion : Overall, the Lexar Professional Workflow CFR1 CompactFlash/USB 3.0 Reader is best suited with the Workflow Hub. To use it as a standalone card reader is pricey but, it is USB 3.0 as well as USB 2.0 backwards compatible.