|
|
MEMORY (MEDIA) CARDS
Memory Cards, are small devices
that are used to store data. They are typically used in digital cameras,
digital music players, PDA's, cell phones, portable media players, notebook PC's
and other devices. They are useful in that they are small, reliable, and
they can be used over and over again to store and retrieve data.
Sadly, manufacturers have not communicated much with each other to produce a
standard card, so there are a number of types of memory cards available.
Unfortunately for the consumer these cards are physically different and are not
compatible with each other. So what type of card should you use? The
choice will generally be dictated by which device you purchase. For example, if
you purchase a Sony device, it's likely that it will use a memory stick, as that
is Sony's proprietary memory card format. Where your choice of card really
counts is if you were purchasing another device in addition to one you already
own. In that case it makes sense to try and stay with the same type of
memory card for the existing and the new device.
Let's outline the various cards that are available:
Memory Stick
The Sony Memory Stick is shaped a bit like a stick of gum, perhaps slightly
smaller. They are widely used in Sony devices, but are gradually being phased
out in favor of memory stick pro.
Memory Stick Duo
The memory stick duo is about half the size of a regular memory stick, and
they are used in devices where space is extremely limited, such as cellphones.
An adaptor is available that allows a memory stick duo to be used in a full size
memory stick slot.
Memory Stick Pro
As the need for increased storage capacity arose, Sony launched memory stick
pro, which has increased the capacity and speed of access. Be aware that
many older Sony devices will not read memory stick pro, only the original memory
stick.
Compact Flash (CF Card) Type
I
Compact Flash was one of the first memory card devices to appear on the scene
and although it is the largest of the formats, it is still the most widely used.
Type I is the original card and older equipment that was designed for Type I
will not read Type II cards.
Compact Flash (CF Card) Type II
Compact Flash II is faster than type I, which means that data is transferred
to and from the card more quickly. For rapid fire digital photography,
it's a useful feature. Compact Flash II cards have the highest amount of
storage capacity of any memory card.
Secure Digital Card (SD) & Multi Media Card (MMC)
SD and MMC cards (as they are commonly known) look the same but they have a
difference in that the SD card can store and protect copyrighted data whereas
the MMC card cannot. In terms of their physical size, they are one of the
smaller cards, and are slightly thicker than smart media.
Mini SD
Mini SD cards are gaining popularity or use in cell phones, audio
players, and other small devices. An adapter allows miniSD cards to be used in
regular-sized SD devices.
Smart Media (SM)
Smart Media cards are very thin cards that are about the size of a postage
stamp. Unlike other types of card, SM cards have no inbuilt controller, relying
on the device instead to house that component. Note that the latest Smart
Media devices run at 3.3 Volts. Some early SmartMedia cards used 5 Volts. 5V
cards cannot be used in 3.3V equipment.
xD
The xD Card is even smaller than the SD card. These cards have a high storage
capacity, but they are relatively new in the marketplace so they have yet to be
proven over a longer term.
IBM Microdrive
The IBM Microdrive is the odd one out amongst memory cards. It is actually
more like a mini hard-drive than a memory card, but it belongs in the same
category because it can be used in place of a Type II Compact Flash card. The
advantage with the Micro drive is higher storage capacities, but the
disadvantage is that because it houses a mini drive it is prone to be adversely
affected by shock, whereas the other formats are not.
Pricing
Pricing of memory cards seems to vary wildly. Always shop around
before purchasing, and buy the largest size that you can afford. It's more
convenient to be able to store all your photos on one card rather than having to
swap cards all the time.
Card Readers
Although many digital devices come with a cable that you can connect from the
device to the USB port of your computer, the easiest way to get data from the
device to your computer is by using a card reader. Some card readers are
designed to only read one format, but an increasing number will read a number of
different formats, which is useful, say, if a friend came over and you want to
see some images from their camera but you use a different storage card.
With a multiple format card reader, you would be able do that.
You can purchase a reader for
the particular type of media you have or you can get a reader that reads several
different types of media. With newer operating systems these readers don't need
any software. You simply plug the reader into your USB port and insert your
media card. You pictures will show up in My Computer. If you have several pieces
of equipment that use different types of media cards, you can purchase a card
reader that accommodates both types of media. In this situation, you can even
use the card reader to move or copy images and/or files from one media card to
the other.
|
