Memorex launches flash cards, predicts tenfold increase in market by 2003
Semiconductor Business News
(01/05/00, 10:28:18 AM EDT)
LAS VEGAS--Magnetic tape and disk storage supplier Memorex today jumped into the flash memory arena, unveiling CompactFlash and SmartMedia card products. The flash memory products will be rolled out at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, marking a "huge commitment to this explosive new media category with an expansion of manufacturing capabilities," said Memorex president Michael Golacinski.
Memorex, a subsidiary of Memtek Products Inc., plans to make its flash memory cards and accessories available to consumers on Feb. 15.
According to Memorex, the flash card market will grow to 67 million units in 2003 from just 6.5 million in 1998. About 40% of the memory cards shipped in 2003 will be CompactFlash products, predicted Memorex.
"The market for CompactFlash is expanding at an incredible rate, and Memorex is again positioned to take a leadership position as this medium gains even wider application," asserted Maggie Chen, product manager and Memorex representative to the CompactFlash Association. "Memorex CompactFlash products will be fully compatible with other manufacturers' devices."
CompactFlash card slots are currently integrated into 66 models of portable personal computers, 103 digital cameras and 43 other electronic platforms, including printers, MP3 audio players, digital voice recorders, according to Memorex, which is based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
During November's Fall Comdex computer show in Las Vegas, system suppliers encouraged Memorex to support the flash memory market, Golacinski said. "We will be working closely with our factory and retail partners to bring a consistent supply of a wide range of flash memory products to a broader consumer marketplace in 2000," added the Memorex president.
Memorex CompactFlash cards will be available in 8-, 16-, 32-, 48-, 64-, 80-, 96- and 128-megabyte capacities with suggested retail prices ranging from $39.95 to $399.95. An Universal Serial Bus (USB) reader for CompactFlash cards will also be offered with a suggested retail prices of $44.95 and a PCcard adapter for $12.95, said Memorex.
Memorex SmartMedia cards will be available 8-, 16- and 32-Mbyte capacities with suggested retail prices of $29.99, $49.99 and $99.99, respectively. |
