A new Kickstarter campaign describes a “mini MicroSD reader for Android smartphones and tablets” that could be used with devices that don’t have microSD support including the Nexus 7, but also with devices that support “USB host or USB-OTG (On-The-Go).”

Hating the Nexus 7’s lack of MicroSD storage expansion, brothers Andy and Rich developed the prototype and now are looking to raise $5,000 to start production for the tiny gadget – at the time this article was written, 344 backers had already pledged $3,789, with 28 days to go.

The mini MicroSD reader/writer is about the size of a quarter and will let users “read/write MicroSD cards, copy files between your phone/tablet and a MicroSD card.” The device will support MicroSDHC cards of up to 32GB and MicroSDXC cards of up to 64GB and it will be compatible with a variety of Android smartphones and tablets. On the Kickstarter page, the following devices are mentioned:

• Samsung Galaxy S2, S3, Note, Note 2; Class 1 support.
• Motorola RAZR M, RAZR HD, RAZR MAXX HD; Class 1 support.
• HTC One X+, Evo 4G LTE (Sprint), DROID DNA; Class 1 support.
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 7 & Nexus 10; Class 2 support.
• Nook Color, Kindle Fire; Class 3 support.
• Tablets using RockChip & AllWinner chips; Sonicview N710; Class 1 support.

Here’s what those Classes mean:

Class 1: it is supported by the phone/tablet out of box, no rooting or other privileged software needed. Class 2: supported using 3rd party software such Media Importer from Play Store, with some limitations; root device and install 3rd party software such as StickMount to remove such limitations. Class 3: a custom ROM such as CyanogenMod is needed.

Once received (estimated delivery is July 2013), you’ll be able to attached the device on a keychain, so you don’t lose it – even the cap can be attached to the snap hook to avoid losing it while the device is connected to your handset or tablet. Moreover, the mini MicroSD reader will work with cases of up to 2mm thick.

In case you want to back up the project, you have four payment tiers available:

• a “$1 or more” tier that will get you a “heart-felt Thank You,” (three lucky backers will also get a mini MicroSD reader);
• a “$8 or more” tier that gets you a card reader shipped anywhere in the world (unfortunately all available spots for this one have been taken);
• a “$12 or more” tier that will also get you a card reader anywhere in the world;
• the ultimate “$2048 or more” tier that will get you a card reader, one of the hand-made prototypes and the chance to get lunch with Andy in Mountain View and a guided tour with Rich of the Shenzhen factory that will build the dongle (although you’ll have to pay extra cash for travel and lodging in both cases.)

Is this Kickstarter product something you’d be interested in buying for your Android device?

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