This card reader seems currently unsupported by linux (latest kernel I tried is 2.6.38-rc2 from ubuntu natty). It seems it's a special device (see bug on meego for more info) More info: https://bugs.meego.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2390 https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/658351
Hi Luca, thanks for the report. I've added a comment on the MeeGo bug asking if it's possible to get hold of the (non-mainline) driver they're using -- there's not much else we can do for the moment. (If you're able to make that happen, that'd be great.)
It seems there are some (GPL2+) drivers provided by Realtek itself. I can't provide the direct link to targz, you have to go to www.realtek.com > Download > Computer Peripheral ICS > Card Reader Solution > Card Reader Controllers > Software > section "Unix (Linux)" This driver works on 2.6.35 kernel for my 5288 card, but it should support all Realtek PCIE card readers PS download page says it works up to 2.6.37
Thanks! The code doesn't do a huge amount of special-casing for 5288, so I think a small patch would be enough to add 5288 to the mainline driver. I don't have a 5288 controller, though, so I can't easily do that myself.