Keeping Track Of Memory Cards

Memory devices are smaller, more numerous, more capable and more useful for systems builders these days. They can contain much-needed drivers, so when hard disks crash, the systems can be rebuilt and the requisite video and networking drivers can be easily installed. Memory devices can contain the numerous patches and security updates from Microsoft, so systems builders don't have to hunt them down on the Internet. And for cases such as the MS Blaster and Sobig worms, they can contain the fixes and cleansing tools that are used to rid infected systems of these persistent pests.

What's more, memory-card readers are becoming a standard feature on equipment, as is the case with Acer's new line of laptops as well as some of the newer monitors.

Suffice to say, the choices for memory containers have exploded during the past several years, thanks to all the various noncomputing equipment that requires digital memory. Cameras, camcorders, PDAs, cell phones and combinations of all four require something on which to store files. Today, nearly a dozen different types are available.

The good news is that the popularity of digital cameras and PDAs has driven the cost of memory down substantially. The bad news is that picking the right form factor can be a challenge. It's best to hedge a bet and concentrate on using multiple formats so that you're able to switch when your customers' needs change.

Following are the formats we think you should know about.

USB Hard Drive
The most popular format for computing needs--not to mention the most expensive per megabyte--is the USB hard drive. It is a solid-state device that can connect to any USB port on both Macs and Windows PCs, and can even be carried around on a key chain. It comes in models up to 1-GB, which is more than can be carried around on a CD-ROM. Some of the earlier models worked only on certain versions of Windows or required special drivers to operate at all, but now most vendors have come out with models that don't require additional drivers and are automatically detected when inserted in the USB slots of both Windows and Mac computers. And new products, such as Migo from San Ramon, Calif.-based Forward Solutions, can store a user's entire desktop settings.

Compact Flash
Also popular are Compact Flash cards, which can be found on many Pocket PC PDAs and many cameras. These devices can support up to 1 GB of storage. The downside, however, is that the memory transfer rates are slower than on some of the other models. An Ultra Compact Flash model performs better than the standard model, but at a premium price, of course.

Secure Digital
Next in popularity are Secure Digital cards. (The music industry loves the idea that files can be prevented from being copied, though the rest of the world doesn't really care about this security feature.) With Secure Digital cards, up to 256 MB can be had for less than $100. These cards are found on many PDAs and cameras. Also, fitting in the same slots as Secure Digital cards are Multimedia Cards. They offer lower capacity, but for lower prices, too.

Smart Media
The cheapest devices are Smart Media cards, which come in models up to 128 MB for about $50. The trouble with these products is that some cameras can't accept these higher-density memory products, so it is important to check the compatibility guide and to become familiar with your customers' needs if they want more storage.

Memory Stick
Sony has tried to force its own version of memory cards with what it calls the Memory Stick, but so far it hasn't been picked up by any significant vendor group, unlike some of the other models. The Memory Stick comes in two different versions; the more advanced of the two--the Pro model--has higher-capacity storage of up to 1 GB, but can be as expensive as the USB hard-drive models. However, the Pro model also has more security and better data-transfer rates.

PC Card
Finally, the granddaddy of all these devices is the PC Card, originally called PCMCIA, which got its start as a way to harmonize the various memory attachments for laptops back in the late 1980s. These are the largest of the bunch, yet are no longer as necessary because of the built-in modems, network adapters and other peripherals now found on most notebooks. Still, the PC Card is a good way to store lots of data--some models offer up to 2 GB--and they still can be found on most of today's laptops.

To be sure, sorting through the collection of shapes, sizes and prices will take some effort. Chances are you will have to stock more than one kind to keep up with your customers' demands for more memory and storage.