Identiv SCR3500C USB Smartfold Type C

After purchasing two other SmartCard readers compatible with a 2023 MacBook Air M2 which required downloading finicky software which only worked half the time, I stumbled upon this one and was excited by it's promised plug and play versatility. It did not disappoint!I can't speak to the long term durability but this one is sturdier than the similar looking ones on here. I do wish the cord was just a bit longer. However, given that it works well, doesn't interfere with the adjacent thunderbolt port and has a nice compact form factor when folded, I absolutely love it!

Plug and play with M1 MacBook Pro MacOS 15.3 Sequoia and CAC. Super light and folds up small. Have not traveled with it yet, so can't assess durability.

I needed this specifically because my Macbook has only USB C ports. This card reader does the job. Great for travel as it is very low profile and folds up nearly. This could be a con as this thing is small ( pictured aboove folded, with a Pentex Energel 0.7mm ballpoint pen).3 months in, I didn’t close it down, and either sat on it or put something on top of it and one of the folding arms snapped. It still actually works and reads my card, but i gotta play around with it. So if you get this make sure to break it down after use so the arms don’t snap!

Very good, I bought it a couple of months ago and it’s still holding up!

The Identiv SCR3500C USB Smartfold Type C is a mixed bag, offering a sleek design and versatile compatibility, but also presenting some notable drawbacks.Pros:Portability: The compact, foldable design makes this reader highly portable and convenient for on-the-go use. It easily slips into a bag or pocket, making it ideal for travel or fieldwork.Compatibility: The Type C connector offers broad compatibility with a range of modern laptops and devices.Functionality: The reader supports a wide variety of smart cards and tags, making it useful for various applications such as secure login, authentication, and payment.Ease of Use: Plug-and-play functionality makes setup and operation straightforward, even for non-technical users.Cons:Build Quality: While the design is compact, the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and less durable than one might expect.Cable Length: The short, integrated cable can limit positioning and may require an additional USB extension cable for optimal use.Stability: Some users have reported occasional issues with connectivity or driver compatibility, particularly on certain operating systems.Overall:The Identiv SCR3500C USB Smartfold Type C offers a compelling combination of portability and versatility, making it a decent option for those needing a compact smart card reader for occasional use. However, the somewhat flimsy construction and potential compatibility quirks are worth considering.Recommendation:If you're seeking a highly portable and versatile reader for occasional use, the Identiv SCR3500C might be worth considering. However, if you need a robust reader for heavy use or require flawless compatibility across various systems, exploring alternative options might be advisable.

I had one of these for USB-A and it plugged into the side of my laptop like a thumb drive. This invariably blocked the ports next to it.The USB-C version is now dongle-style. It is bigger than the old USB-A one, but it no longer blocks the nearby ports. Big improvement! Works on both Mac and PC hardware.

I bought this product once and The folding arm broke after a couple months. I bought it a second time, and the same thing happened. I don’t recommend this product as the folding arm is too flimsy and not durable.

My Surface tablet only has USB C ports and it was annoying to carry an adapter and the card reader so I opted to upgrade. I was not disappointed. The added wire from the port to the reader is a great touch as well. The old version would often block other USB ports. It folds up nice, my card fits snug, and it works really well. Just plug in and go. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a reader