SanDisk unveils USB memory card readers at CES 2002

The company has introduced at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) three ImageMate dual-slot memory card readers that are designed for consumers who want to quickly and easily transfer images, audio, video and data between storage cards and computers via the USB port.

The readers are offered in the following combinations: CompactFlash and SmartMedia; CompactFlash and Memory Stick; and CompactFlash and MultiMediaCard/SD. They are designed for easy usageeach reader comes with a 101.6mm USB cable for laptop computers and a 914.4mm extension for desktop PCs.

The memory card readers are MSC-compliant, allowing for true plug-and-play operation when used with Windows 2000/ME/XP.

Also at the CES, SanDisk has rolled out the 256MB SD (Secure Digital) Carda removable, postage-stamp-size Flash memory card that is capable of storing up to 8h of digital music, 80min of MPEG-4 video or 250 high-resolution digital images.

The SD Card incorporates a 1Gb NAND Flash memory chip. The card is based on the company's patented multilevel cell (MLC) technology that allows two bits of data to be stored in a single memory cell, effectively doubling memory capacity.

The card also features built-in security functions designed to facilitate the secure exchange of content between devices and the card. It measures 32(L)-by-24(W)mm, with a thickness of 2.1mm.

The 256MB SD Card is quoted at about $199, while the ImageMate memory card readers are priced at about $39.