SanDisk Adds Wi-Fi to Flash Memory Cards

SanDisk has unveiled a range of Compact Flash and Secure Digital cards that combine wireless LAN, or Wi-Fi, and memory in a single package.

The integration of a memory function with a connectivity function will improve the versatility of the devices. Previously, if users were connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, they had to rely on the portable device's built-in memory as the Wi-Fi card occupied the slot where a memory card would usually fit.

If the built-in memory was nearly full, this prevented some files from being able to be downloaded. The new combination memory/connectivity cards will let users access the memory while connected to the Internet and so provide greater space for files, said SanDisk.

Combo Cards

The company's SanDisk Connect range, which was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Thursday, initially includes two combo cards: a CF card that combines Wi-Fi and 128MB of memory and an SD card that combines Wi-Fi and 256MB of memory. The former will be available in March at a price of $130 and the latter will be available in the middle of 2003 for $150.

SanDisk is also releasing a pair of Wi-Fi cards with no built-in memory. A CF Wi-Fi card is available now and an SD Wi-Fi card will follow in March, said SanDisk. Each will cost $100.

Both the Wi-Fi and combo CF cards include a PC Card adapter to allow the devices to be used in notebook personal computers. SanDisk also said it is planning a CF combo-card with 256MB of memory in the middle of the year although it did not release pricing details.