We’ve seen all kinds of memory card readers for our computers, backing up the data that we have stored on CompactFlash cards, Secure Digital Cards, and so on. One memory module that has largely been left out in the cold is the SIM card that accompanies GSM cell phones. No longer, because here is a USB SIM card reader.

Yes, it looks cheap and plastic, but as far as I can tell, this USB SIM card reader does what it needs to do. Simply power down your phone, take out the SIM card, plop the card into this reader, and insert the reader into an available USB port on your computer. From there, you should be able to backup your contact lists as well as any messages you may have stored on the SIM.

The USB SIM card reader retails for a reasonable $25, a small price to pay for some piece of mind. Alternatively, you can just get a smartphone with synchronization software.