is SD or CF best?

cobcdb_ax · 01-01-03, 10:17 AM

I'm new to this add-on memory world.
Since my Axim 300 has slots for both CF and SD memory, I need advice on which is best? Which is fastest? Which is more reliable? Which is easier to use (with appropriate adapters) with my desktop's USB port?

Any advice on tech specs on these memory types?

Rustle · 01-01-03, 10:41 AM

A standard CF card is cheaper, but SD is faster. You can get super fast CF cards (up to 24x...normal cards are about 3x, and I don't know what SD clocks at), but the fast CF cards are expensive and really designed for cameras, not PDAs.

The bigger question is, what are you going to do with your Axim? Right now, there aren't a lot of wireless/lan/modem/gps options in SD format, but there are tons in CF, since it's been around so long. Actually, I don't think the Axim will use interface-type SD cards, anyway. As such, if you want to use a modem, wireless, LAN, or GPS and still have your memory card in, then you're better off getting an SD card. So, you're probably best going with an SD card for a bit more money, in order to keep your options open.

You can also get a cheaper MultiMediaCard that will work in the SD slot, but only in sizes up to 128MB (I think).

Reliability and ease-of-use are non-factors. They're both reliable and durable. And if you're going to buy a USB card reader, you'd be best to get one that does multiple card formats so that you don't limit yourself. If you care about speed, then you'll want to go with a more expensive USB2.0 (assuming you have USB2.0 ports) or firewire reader.

Another option is the Microdrive, which will work in your CF slot and provide the cheapest $/MB solution. However, Microdrives are not solid-state; they're tiny hard drives with moving parts. They consume a lot of power, so you're trading off price for battery life. And some people question they're durability due to the moving parts. Still, it's the cheapest way to get 1GB of storage, until the high-capacity CF and SD cards come down in price.

Russ

wince · 01-05-03, 02:16 AM

Axim's SD slot is not SDIO compliant, so you won't be able to use any fancy-smancy SD WLAN or Bluetooth cards.

Gatorht · 01-11-03, 09:36 PM

Is there a way to make the Axim's SD slot SDIO compliant or is that going to be availible on the next generation of Axims?

commoved · 01-12-03, 11:44 AM

Unless somebody knows whether this is a hardware or software limitation, it's hard to know whether the SD slot will ever be SDIO compliant. But I doubt that anybody would want a WiFi SDIO card (for example) sticking out the side of the Axim. It's pretty obvious the Axim is designed with the idea that the CF slot will be used for accessories.

shaneincottondale · 01-12-03, 12:58 PM

If you haven't bought any memory yet, I would wait just a little bit and buy one of the CF combo cards. That way you'll have memory and a useful tool in that one slot. The prices I've seen are cheaper than buying a seperate CF wireless card and a CF memory card. SD memory is more expensive but smaller and easier to carry around (and lose :P )

shane

cobcdb_ax · 01-13-03, 04:47 PM

Thanks for all the great advice!
Based on what I read, I got a Cuzer (256).
That way I can use the SD card for my Axim and then, when needed, plug the little SD Card back into the Cruzer unit for easy transfers to machines at work, home and library (where I get broadband access for downloads).

With rebates and free shipping I got the whole thing for less than $100.

...And the CF slot is still free for bigger and better things!

Thanks!