The first USB-enabled SD card
posted Dec 23rd 2004 6:06AM
We thought it was
a good idea when we heard the other day that Lexar was
planning to come out with a flash memory card with a built-in USB connector, eliminating the need for a card reader.
Looks like we're not the only ones. Turns out that Taiwanese manufacturer Digimaster has gone one better and actually
produced an SD card with an integrated USB connector. Since they'll work with existing SD-compatible devices,
they may have a ready market, unlike Lexar's new USB FlashCard. There is, however, the problem of that USB connector
sticking out of the card, which we think will somehow make it a little hard to close the memory-compartment door in
your camera, PDA or audio player. Oh, well, it'll still work as a small, particularly ugly USB flash drive.
Not sure if your right there. I think the card is the normal SD length but has the back half trimmed so that it will still fit in the USB slot. So there should be no problem using it in cameras etc...
i was going to say the same as #1... but add that some cameras (like mine) have a little spring-loaded lid or tab that holds the card in preventing accidental removal... it would be in the same spot that is now missing on the card.
looks very cool though. i'll pick one up provided the cost and available capacity remains close to a normal card.
I wonder if it could be used as a connector between your usb and SD slots to actively exchange information?
the spring clip is generally on the bottom (note the notch on the right side), also this card fits in any slot, like #1 said, it is normal length.
I'd like to echo the comments of the previous posters. I think it is the same length as an SD card so it should fit in all devices.
Actually, I've been using a little 512MB flash device that has the USB connections built-in. It's just that there are no known peripherals that use it as flash storage. Still, it's nice not having to deal with an adapter.
http://www.pqi1st.com/products/istick.asp
Actually, I've been using a little 512MB flash device that has the USB connections built-in. It's just that there are no known peripherals that use it as flash storage. Still, it's nice not having to deal with an adapter.
http://www.pqi1st.com/products/istick.asp
woops, sry for the dbl post
Where have you guys been? Lexar first begane shipping USB enabled Compact Flash cards several years ago. They required a special cable but this was typically given away with the card and save a lot of space and cost compared to the other solution that were then on the market.
Nowadays, SD adapters for USB that are no bigger than USB flash drives are very common and cheap. Heck, Nintendo even offer in Japan an adapter that allows SD to be used as memory for a GameCube.
I have to wonder what the pricing premium is going to be for this hybrid device. A little while back, I did some shopping around for SD card readers and bought myself a SimpleTech Bonzai USB 2.0 SD card reader, (I found it for about $20 online, with shipping included). It's obviously not quite as small as this hybrid device -- but it's not nearly as large as most other readers either, and I only had to pay the "USB premium" once. Moreover, I tend to carry my digital toys in my pocket, and I think I'd be worried about that USB adapter breaking off of the hybrid unit.
just get a lexar jump drive trio and use any SD one cares for.
I have one mp3 player with SD card slot, is it possible to connect to portable Harddisk by using this type of USB SD cardslot adaptor.
For real ... can one use this device to connect a usb flash drive with a digital camera and store photos directly on the usb drive? Someone must know!