SanDisk's new CompactFlash and SD cards take convergence to the bleeding edge; not only do they expand storage, but also add WLAN to Pocket PC and Palm OS handhelds.
SanDisk has introduced a line of CompactFlash and Secure Digital cards that are the world's first card products to include both memory and wireless communications technology. Presented at the Consumer Electronics Show, the announcement marks SanDisk's entry into the wireless communications market and comes at a time when Wi-Fi, also known as WLAN for wireless local area networks, is - according to the company - emerging as the main worldwide wireless standard.
 | SanDisk's first Connect card in CF format offers 128 MB of added storage combined with WLAN capabilities
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The new Connect product line includes four products - dual-function 128 MB CompactFlash (CF) and 256 MB SD cards that combine WLAN and flash memory as well as single-function CF and SD cards which offer WLAN connectivity. SanDisk plans to add 256 MB cards to the CF Connect product line by the middle of 2003.
The new Connect cards also allow users to download files to their mobile computers while connected to their email or the Internet. Today, computer owners sometimes cannot download files to their systems because the main memory in the computer is already full. With a Connect card plugged in, they can download their files to that cards if main memory is no longer available.
SanDisk expects consumers to be able to make use of the new Connect combination cards in various ways, and said several camera manufacturers are exploring the development of new digital cameras (with single card slots) that would enable photographers to use a Connect dual-function card to take pictures and then use wireless connectivity to transmit these to other computing devices.
According to SanDisk, the new Connect cards have been designed with low power consumption to minimize battery drain, a key consideration for PDA and notebook users. The CF Connect line can be used in multiple devices because they support both Windows CE based handhelds and Windows laptops and notebooks, while drivers for Palm OS 4.x devices are expected to arrive shortly.
The WLAN CF and SD Connect cards have a suggested retail price of $99.95 USD. The dual-function CF cards with 128 MB of capacity will be priced at $129.95 USD, while the dual-function 256 MB SD cards will be priced at $149.95 USD. The CF WLAN card is available now, whilst the CF dual-function card and the SD WLAN card will be available in March with the SD dual-function card expected to ship at mid-year. The CF pricing includes a PC card adapter for notebook and laptop owners.
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