Flash memory is a storage device that often becomes a necessity. We need to store digital data as we can for immediate or future use. Lots of gadgets utilize flash memory and use them in the same way, which is to store files in digital format.
Usually, the files that can be stored in flash memory are photos and videos. Over time, flash memory technology has developed to the point where not only photos and videos can be stored. Some of these files include digital-format documents, .iso files, programs, and even software.
There are many types of flash memory that can be used by you. Here are some of them.
The Different Types of Flash Memory
SD Card
A prominent example of flash memory is the SD card. SD cards are small, but don’t let their appearance fool you. An SD card’s storage capacity can go up to 2TB, which is very high. With a high-capacity SD card, you can pretty much store any digital file as long as the memory card has space.
More often than not, SD cards are utilized in digital cameras. Camera memory cards are of great help to photographers and videographers alike. This is the case because the higher the storage capacity, the better quality will shot taken with a digital camera turn out. In short, the higher the SD card capacity, the better photo or video output.
Smartphones also utilize SD card technology. While a great number of smartphones have built-in memory cards, there are some that don’t have any. As a result, users have to buy memory cards to be able to save anything in their smartphones. In the case of smartphones, photos, videos, and MP3 files are the ones that are usually stored.
MicroSD
Micro SD cards are smaller versions of the SD card, with its physical size only being the size of a fingernail. As the SD card, there are also different versions of the MicroSD. If you’re going to repurpose a MicroSD card into an SD card, you’ll need a card reader. The card reader acts as an adapter so that a MicroSD card can be used.
The Nintendo Switch makes use of flash memory technology as well. A Nintendo Switch memory card is the MicroSD. While any MicroSD card will work, there are MicroSD cards that are specifically made for Nintendo Switch use. The Nintendo Switch uses a MicroSD card that has a storage capacity of 64GB or higher.
Memory Stick
The Memory Stick is a flash memory device from Sony. The memory stick isn’t strictly for Sony gadget use only, but it does work better when used with Sony gadgets. There are some products in the memory stick product line that were produced with a joint effort with SanDisk. Like the SD card, the memory stick has also undergone various improvements over the years.
As the memory stick is a Sony product, Sony gadgets make use of it. These include Sony cameras, the PlayStation Portable, and Sony TVs, to name a few.
Thumb Drive
The thumb drive is a portable storage device. Unlike SD cards, a thumb drive is not just a card but it’s enclosed in a protective case. A thumb drive’s storage capacity can go as high as 2TB. Thumb drives are usually used in laptops and computers, as those devices have USB ports. If a thumb drive is connected to a USB port, it will be ready for use.
One significant change to the thumb drive is being able to use it with handheld devices, such as smartphones or tablets. This technology is called USB On-The-Go and is a great help when you have to access a thumb drive in unconventional situations such as having no computer around you. This configuration started out as an adapter, where you have to plug your thumb drive in order to access it from a mobile device. However, the on-the-go configuration has noticed a significant change over the years as some thumb drives are already made with a mobile port. This means that you can immediately access a thumb drive on your mobile device without the need for an adapter.
Conclusion
There are many flash storage devices you can use, depending on the occasion and how you’ll use it. Sometimes, there are brand-specific or product-specific types of storage devices. The bottom line is that a flash memory device should do its job, which is to store your files.
