Compact Flash or SD?

Forums › Legacy mobile platforms (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Web OS, Symbian, Meego, Blackberry) › Compact Flash or SD?

JellyWeb

67 posts

Master Geek

#2851 29-Nov-2004 11:52

Hi,
I need to buy a 1Gb memory card for the hx4700 which I was lucky enough to win at the Auckland WMUG :)

My question is: will i get better efficiency (battery life) from a SD card or a CF card? I've decided against a Microdrive because of the extra power consumption they require cause of the moving part, and you can get 4x 1Gb cards for the price of a 4Gb microdrive anyhow!

has anyone come across a testing/review site comparing the two? would i be correct in thinking that the smaller size of a SD card means it draws less power?

any advice appreciated. Also if anyone knows where i can get 1Gb for under $150 (the cheapest i've found so far) please let me know!

Thanks

Tim

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#10505 29-Nov-2004 12:08

Congratulations on winning the hx4700.

This might help, but of course each flash memory will be different. You'll have to find what model you want to buy and then search for more information. For a reference I found that a Lexar 128MB SD card draws 45 mA (source), while a no-brand CF 128MB uses between 9.1 mA and 18.4 mA for Read, between 16.0 mA and 24.8 mA for Write and between 0.081 mA and 0.216 mA while in standby (source). The range depends if using 3.3V or 5V power supplies.

You have to see what kind of other devices you'll use to see what slot will be free. Of course you don't need a wireless LAN card or Bluetooth card because they are built-in. But would you have a CF GPS or a Bluetooth (external) one? What about card readers or any other device?

JellyWeb

67 posts

Master Geek

#10506 29-Nov-2004 12:22

Thanks Mauricio,

You've help me choose when you asked what other devices i'd be using it it. My laptop has a built in card reader that accepts SD but not CF, so it would make sense to go with SD so I can transfer my music and video files quicker. Also i prefer the smaller size of SD
When i do get a GPS receiver i guess a bluetooth one would be the way to go...

Tim

freitasm

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#10507 29-Nov-2004 12:35

Good point... I bought myself a Tablet PC and it comes with a built-in SD reader. It's very pratical and way faster than copying over ActiveSync.

Check this Navman Bluetooth GPS we reviewed here before, available in New Zealand.