Hey all, I'm trying to figure out if there is a best method for transfering files from the Mavic to a desktop computer.

So far I have found the following:

Eject the Micro-SD and use a card reader.
Cons: wear of the memory card door on the mavic, wear on the card spring and lock inside the mavic

Use a micro USB cable and connect directly to the Mavic.
Cons: Must power up the Mavic for desktop to recognize the device. Wear of the micro USB door cover on the Mavic.

Any better methods that forum users have found?

Thanks all.

Way better to pop out the SD card. The reason for this is because the transfer speeds are higher then using USB. Also the drone needs to be on to use the USB meaning if you have several GB's of files to transfer you are going to need to charge your battery just to transfer files.

I agree with Rlivingston.  I tried both methods and found removing SD much faster for transferring data.

I use a card reader.. I'd rather use the battery life for flying rather than transferring files!

Mavic - the most power consuming card reader.  It's radiculus that we even have to keep battery in, just to read sd card.  
I think Spark is the only one that has it done properly.  

I used the cable-transfer system yesterday to load footage to G**gle Drive on a laptop. Not only could I not view the video through the WMP installed, I found I couldn't transfer, period. I got a warning that "connection had been lost". I wonder if it was a speed issue?
I slipped out the SD and proceeded as normal. Successfully.

As others do, I pop the SD card out and use a reader to copy it directly to my computer and/or laptop.

If I want to get the files on my phone (because it'll automatically back up to Google Photos), then I"ll download the files through the Go4 app.

I don't ever transfer the files using a USB cable connected from the aircraft to the computer. I guess for me, if I'm going though that effort, I'm just going to removed the SD card.

Card reader for me too.

Adaptor that came with the card

card reader - sd card: open and close the door carefully each time, should not be a problem. did not yet hear about spring issues on this forum or generally either

Card reader.

Definitely use a card reader.  

That spring detent for the SD card in the Mavic body would have to be actuated at least a thousand times before showing any deterioration, IF then. You'll probably be dead and gone, or at least moved on to future drones before that happens. As to the access door: be gentle, and keep it away from your dog.....
You do need a micro SD card adaptor for most readers tho, but the micros generally come with an adaptor.

I'd use the cable if you didnt have to power the drone on, but as you do have to power it on, I eject the microSD card and use a card adapter.

100% card reader!

Yup card adapter microSD to SD then in a USB3 card reader - helps shift those gigabytes as quickly as possible! If the door on the Mavic goes in time, I can always stick a bit of gaffer silver tape over (matched the MPP paint nicely :-).