cmms_axim

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Originally posted by Saxfiend What SD card manufacturer do you recommend? And what are some of the best overall deals on SD and Compact Flash cards right now...

For an SD card....
Go with Simpletech.

JmE

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Originally posted by KnipKnup -jme- Good thoughts. I did some research and here's the deal... FlashROM is a grid of 'cells' that can be programmed with a charge - or 0. Once programmed, reading the cell is a matter of determining whether there is a charge or not, which is interpreted as a 1 or 0 and software takes care of the rest. By the nature of FlashROM, once programmed, it stays. Then it can be read over and over. However, the programming process can be reversed in blocks of 4K, 8K, etc. to erase chunks of the chip. These blocks are then free and useable for more writing. The programming process is destructive because it involves forcing electrons through a non-conductive material (hence trapping them). Each programming/erasing process affects this non-conductive material. This leads to the 'lifetime' property of FlashROM. The more the material is 'punched through', the more conductive it gets and the more physically damaged it gets. Based on the part (its physical makeup - materials and its layout - 4MB, 8MB, etc.) the lifetime varies from about 10000 to 100000 reads/writes. Apart from its lifetime, it can also fail for vast other reasons. Since both read and write events require voltage to individual cells and blocks, if the fail is a short or something affecting accessing the cells, the whole part fails. The 'cells' will still have their charge but getting to it is not easy and very not-worth-it (unless you stored the cure for cancer or the date of Dell's release for the patch to WM2k3!). I suppose you would have to somehow manually apply voltage to each block and read them in, then putting the pieces together like a puzzle - probably based on some index, also stored in the chip, just like a HD does. However, you are dealing with millions of 'cells' in a square quarter inch area, so I don't think it very feasable. Bottom line, store the cure for cancer in your safety deposit box and spread many copies very fast. Or do like Dell and say you don't have one!:D

That answers so many questions for me, especially block sizes. Thanks! :D

BTW: Still working on that cure for cancer, but if I find it, I will be sure to follow your advice.

-JmE-