I also have an external USB card reader (about $15) that works with 12 different types of cards but I only use it when transferring from a card to somebody elses computer. They are good to have if you can find one cheap, plus they are small enough to stick in your pocket. I have not owned a camera that doesn't link like an external hard drive. I have Kodak, a Konica, an Olympus and a Nikon SLR and all work that way.

Never had a HP, looks like I probably never will now that I know they don't link.