วันศุกร์ที่ 3 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2552

Flash memory and Vista ReadyBoost

Flash memory and Vista ReadyBoost
by Patrick Wilson

Finally flash memory manaufacturers are announcing USB drives that have been certified and support the Windows Vista's ReadyBoost feature. This feature can improve general performance without having to add RAM memory.

The certification was initially requested by Microsoft to ensure users acquire flash devices that are functional with the ReadyBoost feature. Windows Vista can test any USB flash device for functionality of course, but you must install the device on Vista; which you would make the assumption the drive would have to be purchased already in order to install the device and let Vista test the product.

This is not where I would like to find out the drive is incompatible with the ReadyBoost feature. Once opened the reatailer is not likely to allow a return on the device.

Microsoft has also initiated the certification of other forms of flash memory including SD cards and CompactFlash for ReadyBoost and ReadyBoot.

Kingston has announced several products that are certified for use with Windows Vista ReadyBoost over the past month or so. Other manufacturers seem to be following suit. Additional manufacturers include SanDisk Corp. and A-Data Technology Co. Ltd.

Currently looking for a ReadyBoost certified device? you may want to start with the above listed manufacturers websites for additional product information. Each device will have it's own performance peramaters and one device may out perform another. If you have the oppurtunity I would reccomend reviewing benchmark tests for these devices if performance is at the top of purchase criteria for such a device.

About the Author

About the author: Patrick Wilson has been writing technology articles since 2004. For an extremely accurate internet speed test try the speed test at PC911.

วันพุธที่ 1 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2552

Cheap SD Memory Cards - The Basics

Cheap SD Memory Cards - The Basics
by Helen Charleston

In 1999, Mitsubishi and Toshiba put forth a collaborative attempt to create a convenient means to store computer files for camcorders and computers. The result was the inexpensive SD Memory Card.

These SD (Secure Digital) cards all but replaced the Multimedia Card (MMC), having typically and noticeably faster transfer rates as well as a high-density storage capacity. The standard transfer rate for the cheap SD memory card is six times faster than the typical CD-ROM, with a speed expending at 66x (1.01 specification).

The higher speed SD memory card, though, possesses a 133x speed (1.1 specification), enabling data transfer of complex audio/visual files to proceed and save in mere microseconds. The average data transfer rate provides the capability for these files to record everything at the same time and immediately.

The function that really makes these cheap SD memory cards so much better than the old MultiMedia Cards is the storage space. Not only is storage vaster, but the SD memory cards are available in a multitude of different capacities: 900kB/s ands 10 MB/s,16 MB/s, 32 MB/s, 64 MB/s, 128 MB/s, 256 MB/s, 512 MB/s, 1 GB, 2 GB/s, 4 GB/s, 6 GB/s, and even 8 GB/s, which is so huge that it can hold a library of movies and considerably more!

The cheap SD memory cards usually require a card reader or adapter to act as a connecter to a central processor of some sort (computer, camcorder, etc.), but are even designed to utilize USB ports. Many modern electronic devices are created with a SD memory function or a port especially made for the SD memory card.

That such a gadget is (relatively) inexpensive is yet another advantage of the SD memory card. The prices are as varied as the storage capacity, but lower costs provide an incentive for those who are looking for a sophisticated, high calibre product.

Prices range anywhere from $10.95 for the 128 MB/s to $12-$15.00 for the 256 MB/s and under $20 for the 512 MB/s. The prices for the 1 GBs differ, but they typically fall under $60. The more inexpensive brands, such as Corsair and Kingston, average between $35 and $45, whereas the more well-known brands (SunDisk and Lexar) range from $50 to $60. The 2 GB SD memory cards are around $100 or slightly more.

For those gung ho audio/visual enthusiasts who want to build extensive archives of files, or for those who have many small simple Word doc files, the cheap SD memory card is the best device to use.

Get your cheap sd memory cards here as well as your other compact flash memory specifications.

About the Author

1 gb flash drives analogous offerings and value-added services are available at my website.