Micro SD memory cards are extremely small, much smaller than their normal SD card counterparts.

In recent years, this has also meant a smaller capacity size but with the advent of SDHC (SD High Capacity) storage capacity is no longer an issue.

SDHC has allowed memory card manufacturers to boost the memory of these cards from an initial 2GB into the 8GB-16GB range.

They’ve lost FAT16 file system compatibility but this is no longer an issue if you’re using an operating system since Windows XP, Tiger on the Macintosh or using the memory card for use in an old mobile phone that doesn’t support it.

SDHC includes the Class 4 and Class 6 specs which means data can be read and written much faster; 4MBps and 6Mbps respectively.

With an SD adaptor or USB 2.0 card reader, you’ll never need to worry about being able to save your documents, movies or photos to a micro sd memory card.

At the current time, 16GB is the highest capacity for a micro sd memory card so if you require a larger memory, it’s better to opt for just an SD card.

If you need a micro SD card regardless, it’s suggested only purchasing 1 large capacity one and numerous smaller ones due to the cost savings. If money isn’t an issue, by all means by as many larger ones as you like.

While micro sd memory cards are unlikely to replace your external hard drive or USB memory card any time soon, they’re getting cheap and cheaper and it won’t be longer until we see 32, 64 and 128GB micro sd memory cards on the market.

As always, stick to the quality brands such as SanDisk and Kingston to ensure data integrity and fast read/write speeds.

Micro SD memory cards have been around for a while now but have only recently become the de facto standard of flash memory. This is primarily due to their small size which can be used in a broad range of consumer electronics such as digital cameras, mobile phones, media players and Nintendo DS flash carts.

There are numerous brands to choose form such as Samsung, Kingston and PQI. The most popular and reputable brand by far is the SanDisk variety. This is because they have a history of manufacturing quality micro sd memory cards while keeping prices at an affordable level.

The cards are named micro because they’re 1/4 the size of a standard SD memory card. This affords manufacturers of electronic items the ability to often include memory card readers for this flash technology given it does not require much room to do so. This is a feature most companies won’t cater for when considering support for larger memory card varieties.

Micro SD memory cards can be placed within USB memory card adapters that allow the user to read and write to the card without having a native micro sd memory card reader on their computer. This is very handy as USB is much more accessible across a broad range of computers, new or old.

Depending on the type of flash card device you require a memory card for will dictate whether you purchase a different kind of micro sd card. Generally speaking, regular micro SD cards are ideal for personal computers and laptops, SDHC micro memory cards are used in newer model Nintendo DS flash carts while SDIO enabled cards work with various GPS units or Bluetooth devices.

If you have an old computer, you’re better off buying a standard micro SD memory card as the SDHC variety are not all backwards compatible with older computers, cameras or recorders.  You may run into some issues recovering the data from the memory card although this is a non issue for any computer purchased in the past 2-3 years.