The program detects if you have the reader connected to your PC or not. If you have installed the update tool. then start it up, point it at firmware update location and it should install it on the reader. Back me up guys? I am chicken I still got mine in the UPS box. No one has reported any results good enough to bother taking it out (lol).
I emailed Freddy again and he gave the stock reply of "they are working on it". I haven't given up but my hopes are fading.
As for an alternative to ipad, you might look at this
http://www.thinkdigit.com/Laptops-PC...blet_3878.html
I don't think its come to market yet but it looks more like you wanted Jack. It has a usb port sd card slot and is 7". Supposed to be marketed for $199.