can I use a card reader/writer like a floppy drive?
 

I'm new to this technology. I looked all over the internet, but can't seem to find a site that has the answer. I'm thinking of getting a flash memory card reader/writer. I know the memory chips are often used withdigital cameras for storing pics. are these card readers kind of like an external floppy drive that you can use to save all kinds of files, like word docs.? I have a laptop, which I plug an external floppy drive to back files and to transfer files from laptop to desktop (fastest and EASIEST way). can I replace this floppy drive with a card reader/writer and save word docs to say an SD chip and then open it up again? thanks!

Yes, you can
 

try http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=0

let me know if link doesn't work.

I use these all of the time here at work...I program PDA devices and CF cards are the norm.

Other than probably requiring a driver, it's plug and play.

Actually, Windows XP supports many USB-compatible devices with it's own drivers, so it's even simpler.