A new iteration of CompactFlash (CF) memory cards is starting to enter volume production in capacities as high as 1G, greatly improving the 256M maximum available to current CF cards. The new cards could be available from Australian distributors as soon as next month.
Data storage manufacturer and owner of the CF technology patent, SanDisk, have started fulfilling orders for 512M CompactFlash Type I memory cards, three months later than the expected release date SanDisk announced in March.
SanDisk has told Melbourne-based flash memory distributor, VME Systems, that it will accelerate production of its 512M cards, from limited to volume manufacturing this week. At least one local OEM is evaluating a production sample of the 512M card and VME Systems says that it expects its orders for the new cards to be fulfilled next month.
Meanwhile, SanDisk's licensees have been outshining the master, developing equivalent and higher memory capacity CompactFlash memory modules. Sydney-based reseller, CMC, is distributing a 512M CompactFlash card manufactured by Taiwanese memory, designer Transcend.
Another SanDisk's competitor, Californa-based SimpleTech has teamed with Hitachi to develop a 640M Type I card and Type II cards in 850M and 1G capacities. SimpleTech says that the cards have been developed to meet the memory requirements demanded by consumer electronic devices such as MP3 players and high-resolution digital cameras.
SimpleTech's local distributor, ACT-based WestGroup, will not be stocking the cards but expects to have the option to order them on customer demand by early Q3.
Unanimously, local distributors expect the new high-capacity cards to be expensive. VMS Systems recommended retail price for SanDisk's 512M card is AU$1,305. CMC's estimated price for the same capacity is equally breathtaking at AU$1,200 before GST.
But the retail price for the 1G card could be truly staggering, with SimpleTech representatives guessing that the price tag on the card could be as high as AU$2,400.
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