As usual the Chinese cloners have been hard at work again, this time they have copied
the Smargo Smartreader, a popular external USB card reader used in DreamBox
and other applications.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A REAL SMARTREADER
You can determine very easily if a smartreader is a clone on the following:
1 New arrow model --------- Housing, sticker and improved firmware version 1.04 or higher
We stopped production of the round shape around 1st quarter of 2009. The housing of a genuine Smargo Smartreader has an arrow shape. Besides the new housing, we only use the MaxDigital brand. On the back of the Smargo Smartreader you find a sticker. The Max Digital logo can only be found at a real Smargo Smartreader. The new models will be shipped from the 2nd quarter of 2010 only with new 1.04 software or higher.
2 Do NOT buy the old model smartreader !!! It is not available anymore and therefore probably fake.
If you buy nowadays a smargo Smartreader with round case, you will probably have a fake/clone version.
Some clones can be detected by opening the housing. The warranty of a genuine smargo smartreader will not void because of opening the case.
.
Smartcard connector inside the housing
If you open the smartreader you will see letters on the black smartcard connector. The letters "MUP" indicate that your smartreader is a fake.
The majority of guys selling them on ebay are the same ones that are selling
the clone dreamboxes as well, they just can't help trying to make a quick buck!
BUY GENUINE PRODUCTS ONLY
Mutz
