Flash memory cards come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, but there are certain formats that are more widespread than others for specific applications. For example, CompactFlash cards are mostly used for DSLR cameras, SD/SDHC cards will generally find their way to compact cameras or camcorders, while microSDs are one of the prime choices for expanding the storage capacities provided by mobile phones.

However, given the very small size of microSD/SDHC cards, transferring the data stored onto them back and forth from a mobile phone could prove to be a rather difficult task, especially when you don't own a Bluetooth-enabled notebook or desktop computer, nor have a USB cable available at hand.

Plus, let's say you're considering saving some money (after all, we're going through a pretty tough economic period right now), and you decide that you can't afford buying both a USB flash drive and a new microSD card for your mobile phone. What is there to do? Given this situation, we've decided to help you achieve both goals mentioned above, namely get a microSD card that you'll also be able to use as a USB flash drive. And here's just how you can do that:

Step 1:

Purchase a microSD/SDHC memory card (either by itself or as a part of a multi-kit). If you've purchased a multi-kit (which, in some cases, includes several adapters AND, most importantly, a dedicated USB microSD reader, then move directly to the third step).

Step 2:

Get yourself a dedicated USB microSD card reader.

Step 3:  

Insert the microSD/SDHC card into the USB card reader.

Step 4:

Insert the card reader's USB connector into your computer USB's port or the USB port of a USB hub connected to your computer.

Step 5:

The computer's operating system will automatically detect the card reader and install the necessary software. From there on, you can easily transfer data from and to the card, similarly to a USB flash drive.

P.S. Although in order to create this guide, we've used a microSD card and dedicated reader from Kingston (due to the fact that we were already testing them for a separate review), the truth of the matter is that most memory card manufacturers out there provide similar products, so you can choose whichever best suits your needs.