How Efficient Is Your Memory Stick

Memory Stick was a removable flash memory card format which was launched by Sony in October 1998. The term is used to describe the whole family of memory sticks. Extensions in the family are the Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Micro(M2), and the Memory Stick PRO-HG, a high speed variant of the PRO which is used in high definition still and video cameras.

The Memory Stick is available in sizes from 4MB up to 32 GB. Sony claims that it has a maximum theoretical size of 2 TB. A Memory Stick is used for the storage of data for a portable device enabling easy access by a personal computer or laptop. You may not be aware of the fact that even the Sony digital compact cameras use the Memory sticks for storage of the image files. As this is a memory card reader, it enables the users to copy pictures taken in a Sony digital camera to a computer.

Sony prefers the usage of Memory Stick reader hardware in consumer electronics like digital cameras, digital music players, PDAs Cellular phones, VAIO line of laptop computers and Play Station portables. Memory sticks of 8MB and 16 MB, which can be inserted, in Sonys IBO robot pet to ensure the use of Aiboware. A wide range of formats, including three different form factors are available in Memory Sticks.

The original Memory Stick was available from 4 MB TO 128 MB. The original versions are no longer available today. Sony introduced Memory Stick Select primarily to enhance the storage capacity. The usage of two separate 128MB partition is done to increase storage capacity. This solution was not acceptable to many but customers were satisfied with the increase in storage capacity even though its size was close to the original ones available earlier. The extension in the family members was made to customize the products as per the requirements of the users.