Another take on the same issues.
1) We can't dismiss the issue just because something should work. Until it does work, its a valid reason. Regardless of why, a guy sitting on the side of the road with flat tire that should be designed to never go flat, he still has a flat tire and is stuck!
2) Some people aren't careful, do have pets, and thus its another good reason for many in that situation.
3) Most people aren't running Linux since they aren't technically inclined, or just wish to be compatible with the rest of the world. So they are stuck with windows and Canon software.
4) I agree, in that I'd rather use a separate memory stick than use my camera cards.
5) Who wants to wait a few hours while the camera battery is recharging so they can use it to download the images after a days shooting. A card reader would allow them to download instantly rather than wait on the recharge. And again the reality is that camera software and drivers aren't perfect, and most won't resume. So we have to live with today, not vaporware of tomorrow.
6) Very true, as just as valid as the first 4 out of 5.
7) Also very valid. Most cameras are very slow. But if they support the same specs as a card reader the point is moot.
8) You can loose the card reader just as easy as the camera cable. But if you are using something on a daily basis, its not likely to be lost easy. Its those things that you set aside since you don't use it often that are at the most risk. Also, the cost of each is about the same. I find this rather moot.
9) There is no number 9. I just added this to inject some humor to help set my mood so that its not misunderstood as a personal attack of sorts because I don't happen to agree with the points made. The humor should set my tone and thwart that notion. This one can be ignored, as it's not like you are removing the tag off the mattress that say its illegal to remove the tag. Go ahead, ignore number nine if you wish!
Yes, we do need to get on the manufacturers for better designs and more stable software. No question there. But I do have to say though that the most compelling advantages to using the card reader is the fact that its generally faster, you don't have to wait until your camera is recharged before starting your transfer, it puts less wear and tear on an expensive piece of equipment while putting it a cheap commodity product that's readily replaceable, and you can use your camera while downloading the images. These 4 points are all I need to make that decision vary easy. I personally never even considered using the camera when making that decision. It seemed so clear to me, and the cost of the reader so cheap (editing sytem has it built in, $29 for reader for laptop) I didn't need to analyze it further.
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