Card reading device having a multi-functional connector

A card reading device having a multi-functional connector comprising:

• a plurality of ports on the card reading device for connecting to a variety of memory cards, the card reading device further comprising a plurality of interface drivers, equal in the number to the ports and each corresponding to and connected to a respective port, and an internal control circuit connected to the interface drivers so that a central processing unit (CPU) of the control circuit is capable of reading data from the memory cards connected to the ports;
• a universal serial bus (USB) connector on the card reading device, the card reading device further comprising a first driver connected to the corresponding USB connector and the control circuit respectively so that a computer is capable of communicating with the card reading device by connecting to the USB connector and data read by the CPU is capable of being sent to the computer;
• a multi-functional connector on the card reading device, the multi-functional connector being capable of connecting to one of a variety of portable electronic devices, the card reading device further comprising a plurality of second drivers in cooperation with the electronic devices and connected to the multi-functional connector for communicating with the electronic device;
• and
• a detection circuit in the control circuit;
• whereby in response to a connection of one of the portable electronic devices to the multi-functional connector, the detection circuit is automatically activated to detect an identification (ID) of the electronic device, one of the second drivers is next activated to drive the electronic device for electrically connecting the electronic device to the card reading device, data read by the CPU is sent to the electronic device, and the electronic device is capable of reading data from the memory cards connected to the card reading device.