In Pictures: External Data Storage Through The Ages
In Pictures: External Data Storage Through The Ages
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The Evolution Of External Data Storage
External storage has a colorful history. Today, many of us walk around with 32 or 64 GB of capacity on our key chain in the form of a USB-based flash drive. But it wasn't too long ago that we carried packs of CD-Rs, 3.5-inch floppy disks, and, for some, punch cards. Let's take a look at how external storage has evolved over time.
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Often people use the phrase, "The good ol' days," but I don't think that applies here." Nevertheless, enjoyable article.
I'm still amazed at the fact that the 32GB micro SD card that I purchased for my new phone is smaller than a dime.
Often people use the phrase, "The good ol' days," but I don't think that applies here." Nevertheless, enjoyable article.
I'm still amazed at the fact that the 32GB micro SD card that I purchased for my new phone is smaller than a dime.
I remember those Sony Mavica cameras. They didn't take the best photos, but data transfer was easy.
Also, it's scary that the 3.5" floppy lasted the longest so far. I finally throw out all my floppy discs last year. When you got 1TB sitting on your desk, and 8GB on your keys, what good is 1.4MB now. I still use CD-RW's and DVD+RW's though. I've got a lot of projects I burn to them, so worse case scenario, I will only have to fix them to a certain point, and not redo them all.
1000 Year lifespan! M-DISC - http://millenniata.com/m-disc/ Example LG's WH12LS39 Blu-Ray - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136241
I've used a lot of those over the years, it's kinda making me feel old. Yeah, I remember the 'stack' of floppies to install Office, PageMaker, etc. I too remember the 'fun days' of modems to download OS updates...geez. Think happy thoughts.
Also, 3.5 inch floppies reached 2.88 MB. That standard (introduced by IBM) didn't become popular, but it did exist for a while.
Finally, the most important form of external storage today is missing - external HDDs. These go up to 5TB at present IIRC.
It was really easy to make a copy with a simple double tape recorder.
"Floppy disks are so cheap! Why does your teacher dislike it?"
Oh, and we also have a Laserdisc player and a few musical videos featuring the non-CGI old version of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
The infamous Floppy Shuffle! I still recall buying 50 generic 5.25" floppies in a bag from a guy at college in 1987.
Indeed it is plus it is easy :s