Posts Tagged ‘Sandisk’
Seagate Dips a Toe Into Solid State Drives
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Technology on December 12th, 2009
Hands on with the Sansa Clip+
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on November 12th, 2009
Sure, the iPod Shuffle was made for those who just want to play MP3s, and don’t want to have to deal with the price of more elegant models like the Touch. However, the Shuffles are pretty expensive in and of themselves compared to MP3 Players like the Creative Zen Stone and the Sansa Clip Plus.
I had a chance to try out the Sansa Clip Plus, and I have to admit, it was much easier to use than an iPod Shuffle. For starters, I didn’t have to deal with iTunes, which really eats up a lot of processing on my computer.
In fact, since the Clip Plus has a card slot, I could just put all my tunes on a microSDHC card and put it in to listen to my tunes. I could also get one of those slotRadio and slotMusic SD cards if I just wanted to hear some definite hits.
By the way, it also connects to my computer with a tiny USB cord for some drag and drop action. The tiny USB cord also serves as the way to charge it, and it has a battery life of 15 hours.
I realize that there was a lot of changes made to Apple devices on 09-09-09, but I don’t think the iPod Shuffle has that SD slot, neither does it have an FM tuner nor voice recorder. It does have the clip, though.
In short, I highly recommend ignoring the iPod Shuffle as a gift, and save some money by purchasing the Sansa Clip Plus. It is available in 2GB ($39.99), 4GB ($49.99), and 8GB ($69.99) versions in black, blue, and red.
Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Hands on with the Sansa Clip+ copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
SanDisk ships world’s first X4-based flash memory cards, humans wait for capacity increases
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on October 14th, 2009
SanDisk was busy trumpeting the benefits of X4 technology way back in February, and now the company's tooting its own horn once more by shipping the planet's first memory cards based on the new tech. For those who've forgotten, X4 can hold four bits of data in each memory cell, which is twice as many as the cells in traditional MLC NAND memory chips. In theory, this stuff will allow for bigger capacities in the flash memory that we so dearly love, but for whatever reason (read: cost concerns), the first X4-based SDHC and Memory Stick PRO cards top out at just 16GB. Wake us up when we can slam a sub-$50 256GB SDHC card into our D90, okay?Filed under: Storage
SanDisk ships world's first X4-based flash memory cards, humans wait for capacity increases originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSanDisk Starts Shipping X4 Flash Cards, Will Eventually Be Awesome [Flash]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on October 13th, 2009
SanDisk's X4 tech packs four bits of data into each memory cell, compared with the typical one or two bits. That means they'll be able to far exceed the 32GB limit on SDHC, microSDHC and others, and they've started shipping.
Right now, they're only shipping in 8GB and 16GB capacities, which have been long available, but soon they'll be releasing 64GB and even higher flash memory. The X4 tech doesn't yet extend to SSDs, though it's not really clear why, but it's still great news for us gadget hounds. Many smartphones, especially those running Android, WinMo and BlackBerry OS, rely on microSDHC cards for memory, and a 64GB or even higher capacity card would make those much more viable as, say, multimedia machines. SanDisk assures us that the price will not skyrocket, which is a relief. X4 chips should start appearing in stores very soon. [CNET]
Toshiba announces first SSD drives using new mini-SATA interface
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on September 21st, 2009
Read - SATA-IO announces mini-SATA standard
Read - Toshiba announces first mSATA drives
Filed under: Storage
Toshiba announces first SSD drives using new mini-SATA interface originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on September 14th, 2009
Continue reading Video: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey
Filed under: Storage
Video: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSanDisk ExtremePro CompactFlash Cards Are Extremely Fast and Extremely Expensive [Digital Cameras]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on September 14th, 2009
The best $50 I've spent in a month was on a roomier CompactFlash card for video-taking DSLRs, but it looks like I should've waited: SanDisk's new ExtremePro line push 90MB/second read/write speeds and comes in 16, 32 and 64GB sizes.
All that speed is expensive: The ExtremePro cards start at $300. If you want a card that's still damn quick but less pricey, SanDisk also has the new SanDisk extreme, which read/writes at 60MB/s and comes in 8, 16 and 32GB sizes, starting at a more manageable $130.
SANDISK EXTREME PRO COMPACTFLASH MEMORY CARD RAISES BAR FOR PROFESSIONAL GRADE PERFORMANCE, CAPACITY AND RELIABILITY
World's Fastest High-Capacity Memory Card Features SanDisk
Power Core Controller That Optimizes Card Endurance and
Boosts Read/Write Speed to up to 90MB/sMilpitas, Calif., Sept. 14, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced a new line of SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® memory cards (http://tinyurl.com/mdjlmm), setting a new standard for fast, reliable, high-capacity memory cards designed for professional photographers. SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards feature a new SanDisk® Power Core Controller™, an advanced memory controller that enables lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 90MB/s1, doubling the performance from previous SanDisk high-end camera memory cards. The cards are shipping worldwide now with storage capacities ranging from 16 gigabytes (GB)2 to 64GB.
"The new SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash line is the direct result of SanDisk's passion, commitment, and break-through engineering innovation to provide best-in-class flash memory cards for professional photography," said Eric Bone, vice president, retail product marketing, SanDisk. "The SanDisk Power Core Controller delivers unmatched write speed and reliability, providing photographers with a spectacular combination of performance, capacity and peace of mind that images are safely stored."
SanDisk develops its flash controllers and memory chips together, allowing the company to perfectly match and fine-tune the two technologies throughout the testing process, resulting in high-performance products with industry-leading endurance. The SanDisk Power Core Controller brings numerous benefits to the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards, including:
High-Performance: The SanDisk® Power Core™ Controller's dual-lane architecture and software algorithms double card performance, enabling the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards' read/write speeds of up to 90MB/s over a UDMA-6 bus.
Increased Reliability: The SanDisk Power Core Controller's firmware algorithms and 42-bit ECC engine maintain data integrity and extended card endurance through optimized wear leveling.
Simplified Design: To further increase overall card durability, the SanDisk Power Core Controller features an integrated design that requires fewer individual components on the card's printed circuit board.
Professional-Grade Memory:
Faster read and write speeds mean more opportunities to capture the winning shot and less time spent offloading gigabytes of photos afterwards. Large storage capacity enables photographers to capture RAW format images and high-definition video clips in a single session without running out of space.This unique combination of speed and capacity makes the new line of cards well suited for professional usage models involving large amounts of data and tight deadlines. The SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards' 16 to 64GB capacity range offers the storage space needed to allow extended shooting sessions without having to reload.
"As a professional sports photographer, I rely on a speedy camera and high-performance SanDisk Extreme Pro cards to capture as many images as possible within a few seconds using continuous burst mode," says Jeff Lewis, professional photographer and member of the SanDisk Extreme Team (http://tinyurl.com/kv7w6n). "How fast you can download and edit images from the cards makes a big difference when it comes to getting sports images distributed. The first images out of the media room tend to be the ones that get picked up. Speed really counts for getting selected by the top photo editors."
Renowned for their world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme cards guarantee operation at extended temperatures ranging from minus 13 F (minus 25 C) to 185 F (85 C). SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards feature RTV Silicone coating for added protection against moisture and humidity. The cards can withstand accidental drops of up to nine feet, and carry a lifetime limited warranty.3
SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards are fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports CompactFlash cards.4 The SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter is optimized to take advantage of the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card's up to 90MB/s read speed. The reader carries an MSRP of $49.99 and will be available in late October on SanDisk.com and at select retailers.
Pricing and Availability
SanDisk is also introducing new SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash cards (http://tinyurl.com/mdjlmm) at increased performance of previous SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards. The new SanDisk Extreme and SanDisk Extreme Pro cards represent the step beyond SanDisk Extreme III and SanDisk Extreme IV cards, respectively.SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash cards will be available in capacities of 8GB to 32GB and MSRP ranging from about $130 to $375 in the US market, while SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards will be available in capacities of 16GB to 64GB and MSRP ranging from about $300 to $800 in the US market. Exact pricing for the cards will be set by retailers.
CompactFlash Card Line: SanDisk Extreme
Performance1: 60MB/s read/write speed (400x)
Available Capacity2: 8GB, 16GB, 32GBCompactFlash Card Line: SanDisk Extreme Pro
Performance: 90MB/s read/write speed (600x)
Available Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GBAbout SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards, from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk's product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.
[SanDisk]
Samsung says it’s absolutely not pursuing SanDisk any longer, just listening to Blood on the Tracks for no reason
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on September 6th, 2009
Not sure why Samsung felt the need to reassure investors and the SEC that it's no longer pursuing SanDisk after its buyout offer was withdrawn back in November, but here we are, reading about it in the Wall Street Journal. Apparently the two companies signed a patent-licensing agreement in May, so we'd imagine that's kept lines of communication open -- but we have to warn you, Sammy: getting off that friends ladder ain't exactly easy. Maybe it's time to move on, you know?Filed under: Storage
Samsung says it's absolutely not pursuing SanDisk any longer, just listening to Blood on the Tracks for no reason originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSansa Clip+ Review: Big Sound, Tiny Body [Review]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on September 4th, 2009
Sandisk's Sansa Clip has been the preferred cheap mp3 player for audiophiles for awhile now, and the Clip+ improves on the original in price, design, capacity and features. Basically, this is the best trash mp3 player around.
When I say "trash," I don't mean it's bad; quite the opposite, actually. But at $40/$50/$70 for 2/4/8GB capacities, the Clip+ is very nearly disposable—you can knock it around or drop it and not feel bad—making it an excellent player for workouts or as a spare in case your main PMP runs out of juice on a long trip.
What's New
The Clip+, unlike the Clip, packs a microSD slot for cheap expandable memory (up to 16GB at the moment). The microSD slot also supports SanDisk's own (admittedly stupid) SlotRadio cards. The clip on the back is no longer removable, and the headphone jack has been moved to the right side of the player, away from the miniUSB port. Oh, and the control pad is now square instead of circular. That's pretty much it for new features.
Why It's Great
What makes the Clip+ better than competitors like the iPod Shuffle and Creative Zen Stone is surprisingly excellent sound quality. This little guy has some power behind it, sounding as good as my Zune with a pair of decent earbuds. SanDisk clearly knows what they've got, since the Clip+, unlike other tiny budget mp3 players, supports audiophile codecs like FLAC and OGG.
It's got an FM radio, podcast support, and a voice recorder as well. It also auto-detects OS and will choose either MTP (Windows) or MSC (everything) when plugged in, meaning it supports every OS perfectly. The two-color OLED screen is bright and readable, and the player itself is miniscule and feels very tough—I've actually dropped it twice and there's nary a scratch on it.
Flaws
In terms of controls, it's not ideal—I'd really like to see a dedicated Back button instead of having to hit Menu and then select "Back to Music List," but after two minutes of toying around with the player, you'll have it figured out. The battery life isn't thrilling, rated at 15 hours, and I would have preferred a dedicated hold switch to the Home button playing double duty. Also, scrolling through long lists of artists or songs is a little pokey—it's no problem if you've only got a few GBs of music, but if you have a filled 8GB player with a microSD card, it'll be annoying.
Conclusion
It's the best low-end mp3 player on the market, without question. And did I mention it costs $50 for 4GB? That's $20 less than the iPod shuffle and the Clip+ has the shuffle handily beat on features and sound quality. I recommend the 4GB version—it's worth the $10 upgrade from 2GB, and 8GB is really more music than the little guy is built to handle. The UI's a little dated, but it's totally serviceable, and the player's strengths more than make up for its drawbacks. I've got absolutely no hesitation about recommending the Sansa Clip+ as a workout or spare mp3 player. [SanDisk]
Tiny and rugged body
Excellent sound quality and surprisingly extensive codec support
Competitively priced
UI hasn't evolved since previous model
SanDisk Sansa Clip+ gets torn down, presumably built back up again
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on September 3rd, 2009
[Thanks, Yuki]
Filed under: Portable Audio
SanDisk Sansa Clip+ gets torn down, presumably built back up again originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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