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Your laptop lacks an SD slot? Anker’s USB-C reader is the simple fix

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

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If your laptop has no SD-card slot, Anker’s USB-C 2-in-1 Card Reader (A8370) adds one full-size SD slot and one microSD slot through a single USB-C connection. Plug it into a compatible data port, insert your card, and your operating system should show it as removable storage without installing a separate driver.

The headline’s $10 price should not be treated as a universal current price. Anker’s cited Canadian listing shows CA$17.99, while regional promotions and currency differences can change the amount.

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What the A8370 adds to your laptop

The compact reader is designed for cameras, drones, phones, handheld consoles and other devices that use removable flash storage. Its two slots accept the common card formats directly:

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  • Full-size SD: for standard SD, SDHC and SDXC cards used by many cameras and laptops.
  • microSD: for the smaller cards common in phones, action cameras and drones.

You connect the reader over USB-C, so there is no need to replace the laptop or use a bulky expansion dock just to copy photos. Anker advertises transfer rates up to 5 Gbps for the A8370. That is a maximum interface claim, not a guaranteed file-copy speed: the card’s rating, the laptop’s USB implementation, file sizes and other activity on the system all affect the result.

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Check compatibility before buying

Your USB-C port must carry data

A USB-C connector describes the shape, not every capability. Some USB-C ports provide charging only, while others support USB data, video, or both. Check the laptop’s specifications or its manual for USB data support. A data-capable port is required for the reader to appear in the file manager.

Supported examples and a stated exclusion

Anker lists compatibility examples including MacBook, MacBook Pro, Chromebook, Dell XPS and Samsung Galaxy devices with suitable USB-C ports. The product information specifically lists Nintendo Switch as incompatible, so do not assume that every USB-C device will work.

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  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
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Operating-system support is normally handled by the computer’s built-in USB mass-storage system. If the port supports data and the card is healthy, the reader is intended to work without a special application.

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How to transfer photos and videos

  1. Confirm that the laptop’s USB-C port supports data, then insert the reader firmly.
  2. Insert either a full-size SD card or a microSD card. Avoid forcing a card into the wrong slot.
  3. Open File Explorer on Windows, Finder on macOS, or the equivalent file manager on your operating system.
  4. Open the newly mounted removable drive and copy files to a folder on the laptop. For a camera card, copying the entire DCIM folder preserves the camera’s normal organization.
  5. When finished, use the operating system’s Eject or Safely Remove command for the reader or card volume.
  6. Wait for the confirmation, then unplug the reader. Removing it during a write can corrupt files or the card’s directory.

Anker describes the A8370 as plug and play and advises ejecting it through the computer or device’s file-management system before unplugging.

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Speed, card standards and practical limits

The A8370’s advertised ceiling is 5 Gbps, but that figure refers to the reader’s USB connection. A UHS-I card, for example, can become the bottleneck long before the USB link is saturated. Small files also copy more slowly than one large video because the computer must handle many individual operations.

If you routinely use UHS-II cards and need higher sustained throughput, a reader with a UHS-II interface is a better match. Anker’s PowerExpand 2-in-1 SD 4.0 reader is advertised at up to 312 MB/s and supports SD and microSD. Its cited Japan listing showed ¥3,590 and was out of stock at the time of that listing, so availability and regional pricing need checking before purchase.

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Which reader type fits your setup?

Option Slots and connection Advertised speed Best for Price or availability noted
Anker USB-C 2-in-1 Card Reader (A8370) Full-size SD and microSD; USB-C Up to 5 Gbps Everyday photo and file transfers when the laptop lacks a slot CA$17.99 on the cited Anker Canada listing; price and stock can change
Anker PowerExpand 2-in-1 SD 4.0 reader SD and microSD; USB-C Up to 312 MB/s UHS-II cards and faster sustained transfers ¥3,590 on the cited Japan listing; shown out of stock at crawl time
Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) SD and microSD plus HDMI, USB and charging expansion Up to 5 Gbps on its data ports Users who need a card reader and several extra laptop ports £36.99 on the cited UK page; price and stock can change

Choose the basic 2-in-1 reader when the only missing feature is SD access. Choose the SD 4.0 model when your cards and workflow support UHS-II speeds. Choose the 7-in-1 hub when HDMI, Ethernet, additional USB ports or pass-through charging would otherwise require separate adapters.

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Troubleshooting when the card does not appear

  • No light or drive: try another USB-C port and verify that the original port supports data rather than charging only.
  • Reader appears but files do not: remove and reinsert the card, check that it is fully seated, and test the card in the camera or another reader.
  • Copy is much slower than expected: check the card’s speed class, the laptop port’s USB generation and whether many small files are being transferred. The 5 Gbps figure is a maximum claim, not a benchmark for every setup.
  • Unexpected disconnects: avoid moving the reader during transfers, use a direct port instead of an unpowered intermediary, and safely eject before removal.
  • Nintendo Switch use: the product information lists the Switch as incompatible; select a reader explicitly designed for that device instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Price and buying guidance

The A8370 is the direct match for a USB-C laptop that lacks an SD slot, but the exact amount depends on country, retailer and promotions. Anker’s cited Canadian price is CA$17.99, not a confirmed US$10 everyday price. Check the listing for your market, confirm that the model is A8370, and verify stock before ordering.

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  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this reader work with a MacBook or Windows laptop?

It is intended for USB-C devices such as MacBook, MacBook Pro, Chromebook and Dell XPS systems when the USB-C port supports data. USB-C charging-only ports will not work.

Do I need to install drivers?

Anker presents the A8370 as plug and play, so no separate setup is described. The card should mount through the operating system’s normal file manager.

Can I use an SD card and a microSD card at the same time?

The hardware provides both slot types, but the product information does not establish a simultaneous-use performance guarantee. Treat each slot as available for the card format you need and eject volumes safely.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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