DRAM trader Kingston has now announced quite an interesting keychain-sized accessory - a flash drive / card reader combo called DataTraveler Micro Reader. This little USB 2.0-compatible device comes with its own on-board storage that reaches 1, 2 or 4GB, depending on model, plus an expansion slot that can read microSD, microSDHC, or Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards. The expansion slot makes the drive act as a card reader but it also offer its user the possibility of expanding the overall memory space by adding a high-capacity card.

The flash drive weights only 8.68 grams (without any memory card) and it features support for Windows Vista's ReadyBoost feature. Backed by a five year warranty, the DataTraveler Micro Reader will start shipping later this month in its 1GB version with the 2 and 4GB models set to follow soon. The suggested prices of the new drives stand at $19.25, $28.25 and $42 for the 1, 2 and 4GB version respectively.