Compact Flash vs. SecureDigital vs. MultiMediaCard

[Flaming Homer]

The Axim specifications states that it can take either Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard aside from Compact Flash. I see the benefit in keeping the CF port free for actual hardware (WiFi, Network, GPS, etc) expansion, so the logical thing is the expand the Axim's memory via SD or MMC. Which is preferrable considering price and performance ? I have noticed that MMC cards tends not to be higher than 64 MB. Are SD/MMC faster than CF, or does it matter in terms of playing multimedia files ?

[DoctorWorm67]

Ya, i am also keeping the CF slot free for actual hardware. But i have found that CF cards are cheaper compared to how much storage you get and the are availible at 1 GB and up. SD/MMC are pretty good too, and you can get them as high as 512 mb (or maybe higher, i haven't researched it further). One thing that i have heard for CF vs. SD/MMC is that CF cards load faster than SD/MMC cards, but in my experience i havn't noticed any difference. I am going to go with an SD card because of their size and to leave my CF card slot open for a modem.

P.S. - i haven't seen a MMC at any store, and what is the difference between SD and MMC, aren't they exacly the same?

[forcesho]

Yeah, CF is better use for modem/wireless/etc I/O cards.

higher SD isn't out yet but they will be next month.

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Panasonic will introduce a 1GB Secure Digital memory card at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Here's the skinny: "The SD Card Association Pavilion (LVCC Booth 7422) will be turning up the heat at this year's CES with demonstration of Panasonic's new 1GB SD Memory Card and the introduction of cool new gadgets, from the sleekest of digital cameras to cutting-edge wireless technologies. The interactive pavilion will feature new products and innovation from member companies such as Panasonic, Palm, Kodak, HP, Sharp, JVC, SanDisk, Canon, Toshiba and more."

[wrightman]

To answer your question regarding the difference between MMC and SD cards, here's a few guidleines to go by......

First, SD has write protection built into it, by using the small switch on the casing you can protect you data on the card from being erased. MMC does not have this feature.

Second, SD cards are faster to access than MMC cards, however the speeds you actually get are dependent upon the device your using the card in i.e. Axim, digital camera.

Third, SD cards are slightly larger because of thicker casing which they are made with making them a little bit more durable.

So, in conclusion SD cards have more features yet are usually a few dollars more than MMC cards, so if you need these features, and don't mind paying the few extra dollars for them, go with SD. For general use, MMC works just as well.

Hope this is a benefit to all you Axim users!

[Flaming Homer]

Originally posted by wrightman@Dec 23 2002, 10:23 PM
So, in conclusion SD cards have more features yet are usually a few dollars more than MMC cards, so if you need these features, and don't mind paying the few extra dollars for them, go with SD. For general use, MMC works just as well.

Hope this is a benefit to all you Axim users!

Yes, it was of great help to me. Thank you.

[Raynne413]

Actually, MMC is now up to 128 MB. Right now the larger sizes of MMC and SD are just too expensive for me, so I am sticking with CF for now. I am just trying to decide whether or not to go with the 256 MB for 68, or if I should go ahead and get the 512 for $139. The 512 is a better value, but I am trying to decide if I will ever actually need that much storage.

[mtb]

I have a CF Wireless card which is in and out of my Axim, and an SD memory card which is always in.

I also just purchased a couple of 64 MB CF memory cards cheap as internal memory backups. In less than a minute, I have a complete backup of my Axim to a CF card.

Yes, I do synch with my computer for tasks, appointments, AvantGo, etc. But, having tossed my Palm in a drawer over a year ago because I neglected it long enough to lose everything in memory, I was determined that I would never again entrust information to a computer that required another computer to ensure its continued existence.