ACS ACR38U-N1 PocketMate USB Smart Card Reader and Writer for CNS CRS Digital Signature Small Compact Black

I got this just a month before the COVID-19 work-at-home "rule" went into place for me. I got this and another brand because they both looked like they would work but I wanted to compare with one a friend was using (and they were both cheap!). My PIV card is a standard federal card; cards that I have seen issued by other agencies and DOE labs seem to be the same (or at least remarkably similar). I use my PIV to authenticate to get to the agency applications, digitally sign documents and emails, etc. While my work-laptop has a card reader built-in, I sometimes use my own portable devices (surface go, personal laptop) for checking work emails and doing little things. Its either use these PIV card readers or use a multifactor application on my phone; I find these card readers preferable. The first time I used either of them it seemed like they may not be compatible with my card, but I guess they just needed to load the right driver or something because when I tried the 2nd time, things just worked! Very happy with this (and the other) portable card reader!

I recently bought a new laptop. It's an "ultrabook" and a built-in reader wasn't available for it. My company and some of my clients use smart cards for authentication so I bought this to use with the new laptop. Bought the USB A version since those ports offer a little extra strength and a more "durable" connection for plugged in products like this one. Plugged it in, Windows found and installed the drivers and viola, everything works as advertised. It's a small, compact, affordable and hopefully reasonably durable (time will tell) solution for my needs. I recommend it.

Edited because it started working:The product itself has a very small form factor, lightweight, and looks to be able to withstand the rigors of travel. The CAC fits fairly snug with a little bit of wobble (If bumped hard enough it will push the contacts out of alignment and the card will fail to read). All of the reasons I opted to buy this, save for one major detail; its was a pain to set up. This wasn't plug and play like my IOGEAR reader.Please remember to follow all instructions on MilitaryCAC.com and update the Certs as required.Also remember to restart your computer after installs to allow changes to take effect.

Perhaps slightly larger than the SmartFold SCR3500 Smart Card Reader, the ACS ACR38U-N1 PocketMate is still very compact, but with fewer moving parts than the SmartFold. After a few weeks of use, the PocketMate seems less likely to crack (as my SmartFold eventually did) under punishing travel conditions. The PocketMate works with my Gemalto U.S. Department of Defense-issued Common Access Card with no problems. With my system, a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (128 GB, Intel Core i5) with Windows 8.1 Pro, it was plug-and-play. My only (mild) complaint: the green indicator LED is a bit intense for my preference.UPDATE: Over two years later, this smart card reader still going strong (now in use with Windows 10). It's rugged, continues to travel well, and keeps working flawlessly. It's outlasted my computers, actually. My gripe about the green indicator LED? I don't even notice it any more.

I have been using this CAC Card reader now for a few weeks, bottom-line - I love it. Works great for my DoD CAC, I use it to access many sites, like the USB connection without a cord - my last one had a small USB cord that folded into the back of the reader - it soon became lose and unreliable. This unit is great, has a small green light that blinks when accessing the CAC. Highly recommend this for your travels - I use a DELL XPS13, and it fits great, can use without issue on my lap or with the laptop on a desk.

Works with OS X 10.11 using CCID drivers in SmartCard Services (MacOSForge) -- just plug it in and it works. The drivers distributed on the OEM site are source, requiring compilation and installation. This is problematic given El Crapitan rootless, but not really and issue since they are unnecessary. Drivers on OEM site for Win7 et cetera install and work with no problems. Clever design holds smartcard well, with blinkie-light letting you know it is recognized/read. SC contacts never exposed directly. Somewhat flimsy, but light and folds compactly for travel -- I have seen much flimsier memory-sticks. Not MIL-SPEC, and not idiot-proof, but I expect to get many years of use. I am glad to add it to my travel kit.

As other mentioned in reviews, the product is plug and play with Win10. However, I purchased this particular model because I wanted a black unit. I received a white unit and paid more that other listings. Disappointed, but it works as intended.

When it works its great. I use smart card all day at work in keyboard reader with no problems but this reader does not always read. It reads card at times but then after using for few minutes it stops reading or wil not read correct. Tried Win 7 and Win 10. Downloaded drivers from manufactures sight but no improvent. Maybe not enough support on card so has trouble.