Digital Memory Buying Guide
A guide to buying digital memory devices
Digital memory devices
let you store and retrieve data whenever you need. They are compatible with
most electronic goods. Many consumers prefer digital memory devices because
of their small size, durability and portability. There are many different types
of digital memory devices in the market. It is always good to consider which
kind of digital memory device is compatible with your electronics before choosing
one.
How does a memory card store data?
A memory card functions electronically and uses flash memory, also called flash
RAM, to store data on non-volatile memory chips. Memory cards have the ability
to electrically erase or reprogram any recorded data.
What are the different types of memory devices available in the market?
CompactFlash (CF):
CompactFlash is in the size of a matchbox and is used in a variety of electronic
devices, including PDAs, digital cameras, digital voice recorders and set-top
television boxes. There are two models: Type I and Type II. The latter is thicker
and provides expandable memory options. Type I cards will often fit in a standard
laptop PC slot with the use of an inexpensive adapter and are also compatible
with Compact Flash Type II slots. CompactFlash cards can be used in a PCMCIA
slot if you have an adaptor. Otherwise, you need a device with a CompactFlash
Type I slot.
SmartMedia (SM):
The SmartMedia is often called as SSFDC cards (Solid-State Flash Digital Cards).
They are as thin as credit cards and about the size of a matchbox. They are
specifically designed for portable digital devices such as digital cameras,
portable MP3 players, PDAs and the like. SmartMedia is available with storage
capacities of up to 128 megabytes. Some devices have slots for both Smart Media
and CompactFlash cards. If this is not the case, you need a SmartMedia slot
to use a SmartMedia card.
MultiMedia Card (MMC):
The MMC is a postage stamp-sized card used in mobile phones, pagers, video
cameras, global positioning systems, portable MP3 players and PDAs. Their storage
capacity ranges from 256 MB to 4 GB. Devices that use Secure Digital cards will
also accept MultiMedia Cards.
Secure Digital (SD):
The Secure
Digital memory card succeeded the MMC card. It is slightly thicker than
the MMC card, has additional storage capacity and a digital copyright security
scheme to store copyrighted data. This digital memory device is popular among
many new PDAs, organizers, phones, and MP3 players. Devices that use MultiMedia
Cards may also accept Secure Digital cards.
Memory Stick:
The memory
stick is a storage device developed exclusively by Sony. It is most compatible
with Sony products like digital cameras, portable MP3 players and PDAs. They
have a storage capacity of 256 MB to 8 GB and support 1.1 and 2.0 USB for better
connectivity. There is a special version of the Memory Stick with digital-rights
management features for certain devices. This card is known by one of the following
names - Magic Gate Memory Stick, MagicGate Memory Stick Duo Media, or Memory
Stick PRO Duo Media. Users can share and transport data via their computer's
USB port with the help of Micro Vault USB Storage Media.
xD Picture Card:
The xD-Picture
card is the smallest storage format developed for recording, storing and
transporting audio-visual information. In addition, xD-Picture Cards are designed
to minimize power consumption and extend the battery life of your digital devices.
You can use xD cards in a CompactFlash slot if you have an adaptor. Some devices
have slots for both xD and SmartMedia cards. If the device does not have both
slots, only a device with an xD slot will work with an xD Picture card.
What are Memory Card Readers and Adapters?
Memory card adapters maximize a memory card's performance by increasing data
transfer speeds to 60 MB/sec. Besides the potential for expansion, memory card
adapters have the ability to transfer data without having to connect the device
to your computer with a cable. The memory card readers read most of the memory
cards including all SD cards, CF cards, MMC series and much more. Most of the
readers also offer writing capability and thus they function as a pen drive.
Which brands are most popular?
Memory cards produced by digital device manufacturers, like Sony and Olympus,
tend to be quite popular with consumers. If you are concerned about the speed
of your digital memory device, opt for brands like Lexar, SimpleTech or SanDisk.
Lexar high speed cards, SimpleTech ProX cards and SanDisk Ultra cards have significantly
higher speeds than most standard memory cards.
What are the handling instructions for using a memory card?
Do not remove a memory card from a device while data is being processed. It
is advisable to switch off the operating device before removing a memory card.
Also, you should remove a memory card from any device that is low in battery
charge. Avoid touching the metal connectors of memory cards, especially those
on Secure Digital cards, Smart Media cards and XD cards, to avoid electrostatic
discharge of data.
Shopping For Digital Memory Devices
BIGshop.com.au helps you buy digital memory devices for the lowest price by
allowing you to compare and shop from all
of Australia's leading online memory stores with one universal shopping
cart and one account.
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