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Forget weather-proof memory cards, let's try "nuke-able"
The folks at e-Fotografija have had enough of SDHC speed tests, and wanted to take things to the next level. After some extreme temperature tests (ranging from -30°C to +85°C) which seemed to do little to knock the cards out of commission -- though Kodak card did have to return to room temperature before restarting, while the industrial-grade ATP card kept right on humming -- the cards were blasted with Gamma radiation to really get the measure of the things. Sadly, no strange half-man, half-SD card creatures were created in the process, and in fact, high doses of radiation did absolutely nothing to impact the cards, meaning the relatively weak level of airport X-ray radiation should do nothing to your stash of pictures stored on these sturdy memory cards. Tune in next weak, when we'll find out if SD cards can pass through the core of the earth unscathed.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
Internal Gamecube memory card mod
The genius behind the internal Wavebird receiver mod is back to ensure that you have even less reason to open that flap, provided you don't mind opening the whole system.This time, the target is the Gamecube memory card, which gets not only soldered into the system, but taped onto the motherboard. Electrical engineering is serious business! The modder uses a third-party memory card held together with standard Philips-head screws, but if you want to install your Nintendo brand memory card, you'll need one of those triwing screwdrivers to get past Nintendo's proprietary screws.[Thanks, James Smith!]
Kingmax unveils "world's smallest" USB flash drive
Hmm, where have we heard this one before? Here, here, here, and oh yeah, here too, but all those "world's smallest" flash drives now have to face Kingmax's USB 2.0 Super Stick as it looks to challenge all the previous (and currently unconfirmed) claims of diminutive superiority. While it looks to be a revamped version of the company's first iteration, this uber-slim flash drive weighs in at just a single gram, and measures 34- x 12.4- x 2.2-mm, which also means this just might be the easiest possible storage medium to lose track of. Nevertheless, this Vista / OS X-friendly drive comes in 512MB ($19), 1GB ($29), 2GB ($39), and 4GB ($55) flavors, and if you're interested in picking up a thumb drive that can probably double as a toothpick, it's available as we speak.
Microsoft embiggens memory unit, XBLA game size [update 1]
Core owners rejoice. Microsoft today announced they'll be releasing a beefier, 512MB memory unit for all those hard-drive-less Xbox 360s on April 3 for $49.99. The old, 256MB 64MB unit will simultaneously be reduced from $39.99 to $29.99. The new, bigger unit will also come pre-loaded with XBLA classic Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, proving that old XBLA games don't die, they just become free pack-ins. Speaking of Xbox Live Arcade, what was once an exception is now a rule: Microsoft has officially upped the maximum size for its downloadable games service from 50MB to 150MB. While it's nice to see Microsoft paying attention to its value-priced hardware option, we can't help but feel the premium edition is still the way to go. For the price of two 512MB memory units you can get 20 times the storage in a noisy hard drive, plus extras like a wireless controller. As far as value per gaming dollar is concerned, a little extra cash goes a long way here. [Update: Fixed the size of the current unit. Thanks commenters.]
512MB memory card and exciting XBLA news
It looks like that silly rumor was true as Microsoft just announced a bigger memory card for the Xbox 360. The new 512MB Xbox 360 memory card will be available April 3rd, will retail for $49.99, and for a limited time will come pre-loaded with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Simultaneously, the ancient 64MB memory card will drop in price to $29.99 (be on the lookout for clearance prices). Also, with the announcement of the new 512MB card, the XBLA size limit will be raised from 50MB to 150MB allowing developers to run wild with their creativity. Microsoft also announced that they'll be showcasing XBLA titles Boom Boom Rocket, 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures, Eets: Chowdown, Jetpac Refuelled, and Pinball FX at GDC. Check out the full press release after the break. So, after reading that informative spiel what is your gut reaction? We definitely agree with raising the XBLA size limit to 150MB and find the 512MB memory card to be a much better deal than the old 64MB version. And for curiosity's sake, is there anyone out there who just purchased a 64MB memory card and is kicking themselves?
512 MB Memory Unit listed on Gamestop
Back in early December we reported a 256 MB Memory Unit being listed on Gamestop. Apparently, the same page now lists the card as being 512 MB, double the capacity of the previously unconfirmed accessory. This definitely can support the rumors of the new 250 MB cap for arcade titles and even the 450 MB limit that needs Microsoft's approval. The $49.99 price tag isn't that bad, for those that utterly oppose buying a hard drive for their 360. With the 20 GB alternative out of the equation, ten bucks for eight times the storage is an obvious steal. So would you pick one up if your 360 is a Core, or your profile is on the go between Xboxes?[Via Gaming Bits]
Axxen kicks out trio of portable HDD enclosure / card reader hybrids
It's just impossible not to love a little consolidation done right, and Axxen's trio of new devices aims to give you a good reason to ditch that easy-to-misplace flash card reader and pick up an external HDD enclosure while you're at it. The A-3500, A-2500, and A-1800 all sport a sleek, black casing, and can handle your choice of 3.5-, 2.5-, or 1.5-inch hard drive, respectively. Aside from functioning as your run-of-the-mill external HDD, the drives also serve as a memory card reader for CF, SM, xD, MS, MSPro, MSDuo, SD, miniSD, MMC, and MD cards, and it interfaces with your computer via USB 2.0. Notably, each unit also boasts a "one-touch" backup function to keep your files sufficiently duplicated, and while we're not sure how much Axxen plans on charging for these nifty multitaskers, they should be hitting South Korea real soon.[Via MobileWhack]
Yawn ... 256MB memory card is coming
Gamestop has a page up on their online store for the "yet to be officially confirmed" 256MB 360 memory card. Currently, the only official memory card offering is the 64MB version, so the new 256MB card would offer a super duper 4x more storage!That is if my math is correct.I'm less than enthused about the prospect of a new memory card release due to its price being $59.99 and since I have never used my 64MB card. Anyone use memory cards with their 360? I don't see them necessary, because that's why we have removable hard drives. So, I laugh at your puny 64MB and 256MB memory cards kids. Ha![Thanks, Runciter]
Kludge alert: PS3 memory card adapter
Wired's Game|Life scored a rare PlayStation 3 memory card adapter (for PS1 and PS2 game saves) and found the subsequent transfer process to be "kludgy" -- the adapter gets the job done, but clumsily.Game|Life faults the device for its rather steep price ($14.99), given that the adapter could very well be used only once (if you possess just a single memory card). But even if you've amassed a collection of cards, you'll be frustrated by the adapter's insistence upon creating a new "Virtual Memory Card" directory on the PS3's hard drive for each card. That is, the system is not intuitive enough to combine and separate your PS1 and PS2 saves into two, easy to navigate categories. In addition, the entire contents of a card must first be copied to the HDD, and then users can single out specific game saves for permanent storage or deletion. Sounds like there's a new PS3 annoyance to add to the list...
Wolverine Data throws down ESP "Professional" PMP
It might look a little clunky, but Wolverine Data's new ESP PMP is all substance. Inside the 0.9-inch thick monstrosity is a 80 or 120GB HDD and a 7-in-1 card reader, making this the perfect tool for photogs looking for a good memory card backup solution. There's JPG, BMP, TIFF and RAW support, and all main memory formats can be used by the reader. If you'd rather be entertained, the ESP can do that too, with a 3.6-inch LCD and MPEG-1, MPEG-4, WMV9 and XviD codec support, along with the usual audio suspects, including AAC and CDA. The unit also includes built-in speakers, an FM tuner, audio-in, TV-out and can record video with an optional cradle that'll set you back $80. It seems like if you just want the entertainment factor, there are plenty of better PMP options than this thing, but for the photographer on the go, the video support couldn't hurt, and the $400 (80GB) and $500 (120GB) pricetags aren't too shabby at all.[Via PVR Wire]
SanDisk's V-MATE: records video to what else, flash memory cards
Sandisk is plenty busy with new products at IFA in Berlin. Now, they've thrown down with a whole new product line-up by launching the V-MATE video recorder. And since SanDisk likey their flash memory, the V-Mate is designed to record directly to a wide variety of memory card formats from any composite video source such as your set-top box, DVD player, or TiVo. The V-MATE features a remote control, on-screen programming interface, and an infrared emitter to turn on your TV tuner device and select the right channel for programmed recording. And MPEG-4 compression delivers about 1.8 hours of playback per 1GB of flash at the V-MATE's maximum 640 x 480 recording resolution or up to 3.6-hours when the rez and bit rate are throttled back for the requirements of say, your cellphone display. Available in October for about $130.
One important PS3 question finally answered
For some people, this has been weighing on their mind for ages past -- since the dawn of the PS3's creation. What, you ask? Memory cards! What of our old memory card saves? No one wants to restart that game they loved enough to get every item, maxed out stats, etc. Fear no more! The Official US Playstation 3 website has finally answered this question. The verdict? Yes. Yes, we can use our old saves. Yes!This may ring more celebratory for some, but celebrations, beware! You will have to grab what the website calls "a virtual memory card within the hard disk. This requires a PS2/PSone memory card adaptor to copy the data to your PLAYSTATION 3. A memory card adaptor is designed to edit, up/download game saves to and from EMS flash card or smart media card." So this adaptor is sort of like a one-time use add-on? Seems painfully worthless, but it will be nice to have all those saves on a hard drive instead of a flimsy, easy to misplace memory card.The rest of the official website has been updated as well. Check it out -- the games list seems to have decreased, but everything else is super snazzy.
PS2 memory cards need adaptor for PS3
Sony really got the short end of the backwards compatibility stick. Because of the immense popularity of the PlayStation 2 and the anticipated quality of the PS3's backcompat solution (it's got a PS2 inside), all eyes are going to be on Sony to deliver a great experience. Forget about Xbox 360's middling backwards compatability, with no save file compatibility. Sony is going the extra mile by offering an adaptor that will allow users to plug their PS2/PSone memory sticks into their PS3s and copy the data to the hard drive. From their recently updated (after the Apple snafu) website: "To use saved data on a PlayStation 2 memory card, you must copy the data onto a virtual memory card within the hard disk. This requires a PS2/PSone memory card adaptor to copy the data to your PLAYSTATION 3. A memory card adaptor is designed to edit, up/download game saves to and from EMS flash card or smart media card."So why is it that we're still predisposed to side with the petulant 14-yr. old inside all of us? Other solutions we're imagining: a free PS2 disc that will allow you to copy memory card data to a USB thumbdrive; an online service you could upload your memory card data to, then download to your new PS3; game store kiosks that have a memory card slot in one side and a Memory Stick™ slot on the other. Feel free to jack any of these, Sony. We just don't want to lose our Guitar Hero progress ... and we're cheap.[Thanks, Angelcurio]
Buffalo's "28-in-1" card reader
It looks like Buffalo hasn't met a memory card it didn't like, finding room for just about every format under the sun in it's new MCR-C12H/U2 series card reader, although they sure know how to stretch the definition of individual card types. Still, marketing hype aside, the so-called "28-in-1" reader packs support for most everything you could ask for, including seemingly every variation of SD, mini/microSD, xD, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick -- and, with the aid of a fresh firmware update, SDHC cards up to 4GB as well (making it a 29-in-1 reader if you follow Buffalo's logic). Our friends in Japan should be able to pick the reader up now, in their choice of four pretty tame colors, for ¥2,960 (about 25 bucks).[Via Akihabara News]
SanDisk planning 8GB Sansa e280?
So we can't vouch for the validity of the photo you see here, but if we're to believe an Anything But iPod forum member claiming to work as a tester at SanDisk, then it depicts a pre-production version of the unannounced Sansa e280 with a "nano-killing" 8GB of flash memory -- plus a memory card slot to jack that total up to 9GB. Although anything posted to forums should be viewed with no small amount of skepticism, a WHOIS query supposedly confirms that this member was indeed posting from SanDisk's Virginia campus when he revealed his info, and the fact that the pic looks pretty legit only further enhances this rumor's believability. Plus, Apple will surely boost the nano's capacity at some point or another, so it's obvious that SanDisk will have to do the same if it hopes to shed its runner-up status -- because simply insulting potential customers doesn't seem like a great way to gain market share.
Panasonic's 4GB SDHC card set to drop July 25
We kind of hoped they'd just go away, but after Maxell announced their SDHC card reader yesterday, well, those SDHC memory cards were bound to get real soon enough. Now right on cue, Panasonic just went public with a July 26 global release date for their new 4GB SDHC (SD 2.0) cards. The cards feature a 5MB/s maximum transfer rate and are expected to pull about ¥30,000 (or around $265) once on the shelves. No doubt, Panny will drop a few devices soon enough that take advantage of the cards (besides the DMC-L1) since they'll only work in SDHC-compliant slots.[Via Impress]
360 rumor roundup: peripheral madness
So our good friends over at Joystiq have apparently buddied up to an "insider" at Xbox manufacturer Microsoft (sorry Bill, it wasn't our idea), plied him/her with some promotional swag and design ideas, and come away with details on all your favorite 360 peripherals, including the highly-anticipated Live Vision cam. Still set to launch on September 19th, the XLV camera will reportedly cost $40.00, and included in that price are a wired headset, the card-game-turned-Live-Arcade-hit UNO, and a free one-month Gold subscription to get you hooked on introduce you to the online service. Joystiq's mole also revealed the following price points for accessories to be released during the "holiday season": $60 for a wireless headset with 30-foot range, another $60 for a 256MB memory module, and $20 each for various game-themed faceplates or a wireless adapter to make 360 gear compatible with your Windows PC. We're still waiting to hear such details as the prices of the wireless racing wheel and HD-DVD add-on, or whether Microsoft will release an un-bundled version of the webcam, so here's to hoping that Joystiq's new friend comes calling again real soon.
Rumor: 360 wireless gaming receiver $20; wheel $130; headset $60; camera $40; Halo and Forza faceplates $20 [update 1]
Thanks to a reliable source from Microsoft, we've learned some important details about the new peripherals announced for the Xbox 360, including pricing and a few Halo faceplate (non)specifics. Check out the leaked info and prices below: 360 wireless gaming receiver (which enables wireless 360 controllers, headsets, and wheels on your PC): $20 Wireless racing wheel: $130 Wireless headset: $60 Xbox Live Vision Camera (with headset, one month of Live Gold, and one arcade -- presumably Xbox Live Arcade -- game): $40 New faceplates for Halo (with the Master Chief on 'em, but not Halo 3 specific) and Forza (no word on connections to the sequel): $20 each 256 MB portable memory unit (MU): no official price yet, but definitely not four times the cost of the older 64MB MU Besides acknowledging that the PC is "the biggest gaming device of all," MS appears to be setting an agressive price for its most relevant new PC accessory, the wireless gaming receiver (at least in comparison to the outrageously priced 360 wireless networking adapter). Unfortunately, no price was revealed as of yet for the USB-based HD-DVD add-on.We've speculated in our recent podcasts as to what would happen to the various 360 SKUs when price drops inevitably occur. An interesting theory bandied about by prolific Joystiq Contributor epobirs (on our earlier bump-to-256MB-MU post) was that a $20 price drop for the Core system, coupled with a $20 price drop on the 64MB MU, would finally allow folks to pick up a capable non-Premium bundle for the original $300 Core price point. (Not a bad way to undercut PS2 memory card prices, too.) We hope to get official confirmation on this info in the not-too-distant future.[Update: Sorry, had the camera price wrong in the headline; it now matches the price of the bundle listed in the body of the text below.]See also: 360's Mem Unit getting a bump to 256MB? (Comment from epobirs) Use 360 wireless peripherals with a PC Engadget & Joystiq's live coverage of Microsoft's Xbox 360 E3 event Joystiq / Engadget podcasts from Day One and Day Two of E3 2006
Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB
As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]
