After connecting via USB, immediate recognition (with Vista family) disk insertion and bed ... (it reminds me of my youth)!
Access to content, copy, delete, quick formatting, etc: OK. A reader called "A:", like other what!
Well, almost since the first format is preferably in DOS (Dos prompt and / or Run, cmd ...> format a: then "enter").
USB cable = about 60cm.
My opinion: great for nostalgia and recover files but the external USB & SD, it's still easier!