Onboard Memory Stick/Smart Card Reader Headers

[mjmlrm]

I have a Giga-byte ga-8iexp, that came with headers for Memory Stick/Smart Card/Security Digital readers. I have 2 questions:

1. Are these connections faster than using a card reader that connects via USB 1.1 or 2.0?

2. Does anyone know of any Reader that uses these connections, I've been unable to find them.

Thanks