Which flash memory is the best?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of different types of flash memory, including Compact Flash, SD/MMC, and memory sticks. Participants explore their preferences, technological limitations, and compatibility issues related to various formats.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about which type of flash memory to choose, mentioning several formats available.
  • Another participant claims that a memory stick called a "skeleton key" is the best, citing its capacity of about one gigabyte.
  • A participant argues that SD cards are superior due to their smaller size for a given capacity and potential for larger future capacities, stating that Compact Flash is limited to 2GB.
  • A question is raised regarding the technological limitation of Compact Flash to 2GB.
  • A later reply explains that older digital cameras used FAT16 formatting, which limits Compact Flash capacity to 2GB, but newer Compact Flash cards can support both FAT16 and FAT32, allowing for larger capacities.
  • A participant shares information about a new 4GB Compact Flash card that can be used in devices compatible with both FAT16 and FAT32 formats.
  • Another participant inquires whether SD is indeed better than MMC, seeking clarification on this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best type of flash memory, with some favoring SD cards while others mention Compact Flash and memory sticks. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which format is definitively superior.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference technological limitations related to file formatting and compatibility with older devices, which may affect their preferences and recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in purchasing flash memory for cameras or other devices, as well as those looking to understand the differences between various flash memory formats.

Saint
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there are so many to choose, cpmpact flash, SD/MMC, memory stick etc.
I just bought a card reader, USB2.0, now plan to invest in flash memory, donno which is better? :confused:
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I heard of a thing called a skeleton key, seems to be the best memory stick of them all :)
Has about a gig so I am told
 
SD cards are the best IMO. They are the smallest in size for a given capacity and have the largest possible future capacity (8GB). For comparison, Compact Flash is technologically limited to 2GB. I have a 256 MB SD card I use with a Fujifilm S5000.
 
Compact Flash is technologically limited to 2GB
Why?
I also plan to buy SD for my camera.
 
How newer compact flash breaks the 2GB limit

Saint said:
Sirus said:
Compact Flash is technologically limited to 2GB
Why?
Older digital cameras only used FAT16 formatting and so all compact flash (CF) has to also use FAT16 in order to be compatible. FAT16 addressability is limited to 2GB.

Newer digital cameras can use both FAT16 and FAT32. CF can be manufactured for either one, but manufacturing CF with excusive FAT32 compatibility is not economically feasible since such CF would be incompatible with legacy digital cameras. The very latest high-capacity CF solves this problem by simultaneously offering compatibility with both FAT16 AND FAT32:



  • 4GB Compact Flash Card[/size]

    SanDisk also just announced the first 4 GB CompactFlash card that can be used in any CompactFlash device.

    The card features a three-position switch so consumers can choose between either a single 4GB (FAT32) volume or two separate 2GB (FAT16) volumes. The switchable 4GB card ensures that users of cameras with either file format will be able to use the new card...

    The File Allocation Table (FAT) is an area on storage media that contains certain information such as the location of data files, their names, sizes and so on. FAT16, the initial file allocation table that is used by a number of current and most older digital cameras, cannot use CompactFlash cards that are greater than 2GB. FAT32 uses a 32-bit number to point to where the pieces of a file are stored and circumvents the 2GB capacity limit to allow access to storage media up to several Terabytes.
 
Last edited:
a salesman told me SD is better than MMC, true?
 

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