Memory Cards Versus Memory Pens

By Author: Steve Mc Karmik
Total Articles: 45
Comment this article

If you need external portable flash storage for your data then chances are you'll be considering either a memory card or a memory pen. Both provide gigabytes of flash memory at a fairly affordable price and at a size that can fit in your pocket. Both are plug in and play and compatible with most PCs and both use non-volatile memory which you can leave for days and access with no fear of it having been wiped. With both systems so similar then, how do you know which solution is the most appropriate for you and which one to go for?

Sd memory cards (standing for Secure Digital memory cards) have many advantages in terms of compatibility and will work with other gadgets as well as computers. Memory cards can work with other electronic appliances other than your computer and can be used with phones, PDAs, mp3 players, cameras and even some game consoles. Mostly all Sd memory cards will fit in any of these appliances, though some will only take mini SD or micro SD. Normally with a standard memory card such as SanDisk SD you will be able to fit most gadgets. However if you're phone requires micro SD, it's possible to get a micro ...
... SD card and a converter that will enable it to fit standard memory card slots. This all means that you can easily copy your data from a phone to your computer with no need for cables etc, and while not ever computer has a memory card slot, memory card readers allow any computer with a USB port to read from them.

Memory pens on the other hand have separate advantages. While they're actually slightly larger than memory cards, they are in some ways easier to transport. This is because they a) have a sturdy outer shell, and b) aren't so small as to be easily lost. This means that a memory pen is the perfect size to fit onto a key ring or be tucked away in a pocket. By having one always with you, you will then be prepared for any occasion in which you're required to copy material or show off your work. It is though possible to use memory card readers to store SD cards which will make them similar in terms of dimensions.

When it comes down to statistics the memory sticks also currently offer the highest capacity - offering up to 256gb with larger sizes sure to follow soon. Currently the largest memory cards are 32gb (these are called SDHC cards, standing for Secure Digital High Capacity), though this stands to change with the imminent release of the SDX cards which promise to offer up to a terabyte of storage. The SanDisk SD range currently offer a selection of high capacity SD cards under the names SanDisk Ultra and SanDisk Extreme (the latter offering the 32gb gold standard). They also offer a range of SanDisk Compact Flash memory sticks. Both are similar prices and each have strengths and weaknesses. The option you pick will depend largely on the uses you have in mind and your personal preference.

If you want to buy SanDisk Compact Flash, head over to author's site. You can also find SanDisk Extreme in many memory sizes.