Memory Wars

Flash Memory

On the last page, we briefly mentioned the competition between SmartMedia and CompactFlash cards in the current consumer electronics flash memory market. The primary consumer electronics market for flash memory has been in digital cameras, but the demand for flash memory is ready to explode with the introduction of new MP3 players and smart devices.

Memory Stick

While SmartMedia and CompactFlash have been fighting over the digital camera market, two new competitors are ready to enter the flash memory market. Sony has its new Memory Stick and has a plethora of new products with Memory Stick support -everything from VAIO laptops to camcorders to personal voice recorders. Of course, Sony also has a new Memory Stick Walkman, the NW-MS7. The $400 MP3 player comes with a 64MB MagicGate Memory Stick (Memory Stick w/built-in copy protection).

Pioneer also had a couple Memory Stick prototype devices on display in its booth.

Pioneer Portable MP3

Clock Radio

Mini System

SD Memory Card

Another group of manufacturers have gathered behind the SD (Secure Digital) memory card. Members include Panasonic, Toshiba, and SanDisk. Supporters claim that SD combines the best of the SmartMedia, CompactFlash and Memory Stick technologies. SD's large storage capacities resemble CompactFlash, and SD's small physical size makes it convenient like SmartMedia. In addition, the SD also features encryption technology that offers copy-protection similar to Sony's MagicGate Memory Stick.

Panasonic had several SD devices on display -everything from camcorders to microwave ovens.

SD Memory Card

SD Music Player

Another angle

SD Digital Camera

SD Camcorder

A closer look

Yes, an Internet Microwave. Download recipes and cooking instructions.

Another MP3 player