Bridging The Flash Format Gap With Multi-Format Readers/Writers
As portable devices that require flash memory continue to grow in popularity, so does the number and types of flash cards that are purchased for use with these products. I explored this issue previously in depth in my Rant-O-Matic column titled Flash Ca$h . One of the interesting results after this article appeared was the feedback that we received from readers requesting additional information on the Multi-Format Flash Card Readers/ Writers that we had mentioned in the article. This wasn't really a surprise to us, as, like many of our readers, we have had our own challenges with multiple flash formats, and are always on the lookout for solutions to this.
We previously reviewed two MegaPixel digital cameras in our review Digicams: The New 2 Megapixel Monsters , and five MegaPixel cameras in our review Four 5-Megapixel Cameras In Review . After that review was posted, it became clear that, due to the different flash memory formats these cameras use, the need for Multi-Format Flash Card devices is critical, and will continue to grow. No matter whether you own a couple of cameras (one for you and perhaps one for your significant other and/or kids) that use different formats, a camera and a MP3 player that use different formats, or maybe a camera, an MP3 player and a PDA that all use different formats, flash memory is everywhere, and it is here to stay. It is not going to stop with these examples, either; video cameras, home media devices, and even televisions are beginning to incorporate options for flash memory support.
