Patent ID: 8348687

Claim:
An external storage device comprising: a) a multi-mode device connector configured to connect with a plurality of complementary host-side ports of different types, said multi-mode device connector having a plurality of pins an outer shell and an insulating plate and a plurality of pins located within the outer shell, the plurality of pins including a first set of pins located on a first side of the insulating plate configured to mechanically engage with pins of a complementary host-side port of a first type and a second set of pins located on a second side of the insulating plate configured to remain unconnected when the multi-mode device connector engages with the host-side port of the first type and configured to mechanically engage with pins of a complementary host-side port of a second type when the multi-mode device connector is connected with the complementary host-side port of the second type; wherein said multi-mode device connector is a male connector; wherein said male connector is dimensioned to mate with a standard USB socket; b) a device controller operative to communicate via said multi-mode data port, wherein: i) said multi-mode device connector and said device controller are operative to: A) receive digital media content data via said multi-mode device connector; and B) export a derivative of said received digital media content; and ii) said plurality of pins includes at least one selectively active pin that is: A) active during one of said receiving and said exporting; and B) dormant during the other of said receiving and said exporting.