Flash Memory Cards
 Flash
Memory Cards are small removable modules that are used to store information.
These cards are typically comprised of non-volatile flash memory chips and are
sometimes referred to as Flash Cards. The term was coined by Toshiba who found
that these cards could be erased "in a flash". These cards can be used, erased,
and reused over and over again.
Memory cards are typically used in digital
cameras, digital music players, personal digital assistants, cell phones, and
other portable devices. Many printers are now accepting flash memory cards to
make it possible to print photos from the camera without the use of a computer.
Many automobile navigation systems also use memory cards.
There are several different types of flash
cards in use today. Unfortunately for the end-user, these cards are physically
different and are not interchangeable. The type of card you will use is
dictated by which camera or other digital equipment you purchase. If you only
have one apparatus that uses a memory card, it doesn’t matter much which one you
use. If however, you have more than one flash memory device, it is both
convenient and cost-effective if they use the same type of memory card.
Here is a brief rundown of the various memory
cards:
CompactFlash (CF Card)
 This
is currently the most popular removable storage device. The card is about the
size of a matchbook and weighs half an ounce. Compact Flash cards are currently
being used by Kodak, HP, Nikon, Canon, Epson, Casio Minolta, Panasonic and
others. There are two types of CompactFlash Cards. Type I is the original card,
and Type II is a thicker card. CF equipment with Type I slots cannot use Type II
cards. Equipment with Type II slots can use either Type I or Type II.
CompactFlash Type I cards are currently available in storage capacities from 8MB
to 1GB.
SmartMedia (SM)
 SmartMedia
cards are thin cards that are about the size of a postage stamp. They can be so
small because they have no built-in controller. In reality, they are simply
memory that has been laminated on a plastic card. The controller has to be built
into the equipment. This generally causes no problem. However, equipment that
was manufacturer before 2001 may be incompatible with the new higher capacity 64
MB and 128 MB cards. Another thing to note: current SmartMedia devices run at
3.3 Volts. Some early SmartMedia cards used 5 Volts. 5 V cards cannot be used in
3.3V equipment. SmartMedia is currently being used by Fuji, Olympus, Toshiba,
and others. Smaller versions are expected. Could be on its way out.....see xD
cards below.
Memory Stick
 The
Sony Memory Stick shaped like a stick of gum, but it slightly smaller.
Memory Sticks are currently available with storage capabilities up to 128MB.
Memory Stick Duo cards are even smaller Memory
Sticks, which hold up to 16MB. They can be purchased with an adapter that allows
them to be used in the older Memory Stick slots.
Secure Digital Card (SD) & MultiMediaCard
(MMC)
 Secure
Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC). SD and MMC cards are physically
identical but technically different. The SD card can store and protect
copyrighted data, the MMC card cannot. Some devices can use these two cards
interchangeably. Some will recognize only SD cards. These cards are about the
same size as SmartMedia cards, but they are thicker.
xD-Picture Card
 Fuji
and Olympus have introduced another memory card option. Their xD-Picture
Card at less than one inch square, is even smaller than even the Secure Digital
card. These cards have a high storage capacity, with the promise of cards that
will hold up to 8 gigabytes. Since Fuji and Olympus were the major
supporters of the SmartMedia cards, the introduction of the xD-Picture Card may
mean the decline of the SmartMedia card in its current state.
IBM Microdrive
 Technically,
the IBM Microdrive is more like a mini-hard drive than a flash memory
card, but it is sometimes lumped with flash cards because it is a small
removable storage device. About the size of a thick Compact Flash card, it can
be used in most equipment that has a slot for Type II CompactFlash. The
Microdrive has traditionally been more expensive than other media of this type.
Most new equipment that uses flash memory cards
comes with a card included. It is important check out the capacity of the
included card. You can obviously fit more data, music, and/or pictures onto a 64
MB card than an 8 MB card. Since the price of these cards varies and fluctuates,
you will also want to check out the current pricing.
Flash Memory Card Readers
The fastest way to get your
digicam's images from a flash memory card is to use one of the readily available
card readers. These come in many varieties depending on the desired computer
interface. The most common type are made for PCs and connect to the USB port .
This is much easier than having to connect the cable directly to your computer,
import the images through your software etc, too many steps.
With a flash memory
card reader, you will simply get an additional drive letter when you open my
computer, for example "G" which will represent your card reader. Just double
click on it an there are your pictures. Usually when you put the card, any card
into the reader it will pop up prompting you what to do. Does not get any
easier.
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