The Memory Stick is a line of flash memory cards, used primarily in Sony electronics. Sony launched the original Memory Stick in 1998 as an efficient way of storing a high amount of files -- typically photos from digital cameras -- in a compact space. Since the Memory Stick's original launch, Sony has teamed up with SanDisk to manufacture more advanced models, such as the Memory Stick Pro Duo.
History of the Memory Stick
Launched in October 1998, Sony was the manufacturer of the original Memory Stick. Since then, the name -- Memory Stick -- had been used to describe the entire line of flash memory cards made by Sony and its partner, SanDisk. The first version of Sony's Memory Stick to hit the market was designed solely for Sony electronics, including digital cameras. The Memory Stick Pro Duo is a joint project between Sony and SanDisk, although it is still designed to work only in Sony electronics.
Size Comparison
The original Memory Stick was roughly the size and shape of a stick of chewing gum. The Memory Stick Pro Duo is approximately the same width as the original, but slightly shorter. Because of this size difference, some older Sony electronics designed to use the original Memory Stick may need an adaptor to use the Pro Duo. The Pro Duo can be inserted into a small slot in the adaptor, which makes it closer to the size and shape of the original Memory Stick.
Storage Capacity
The first generation Memory Stick could store anywhere from 4 to 128 MB of information. Subsequent generations of Memory Stick products gradually increased the maximum storage capacity of these media cards, but it wasn't until Sony and SanDisk jointly unveiled the Pro Duo that the storage capacity topped the 1 GB mark. Today, both Sony and SanDisk sell Memory Stick Pro Duos with a maximum storage capacity ranging from 2 to 32 GB.
New Features
The original Memory Stick served as a thumb-sized floppy disk. It stored files and information and did little else. The Memory Stick Pro Duo includes many features not found in the original. The Pro Duo -- because of its larger storage capacity -- offers the ability to record, save and playback higher resolution pictures and videos. Additionally, it can more quickly transfer saved information from your camera or other Sony device to your computer. It also features MagicGate security protection, which protects the files stored on the stick from being damaged or corrupted.
2 Different Brands For 1 Product
Sony and SanDisk are partners in the development and manufacturing of the Memory Stick line of products; however, they are separate companies. When you're shopping for a Memory Stick product, you may find Memory Stick Pro Duos bearing the name of one company or the other. This is the same product. There are two main differences. The first is the brand name you'll see on the stick: either Sony or SanDisk. The other difference is the product's warranty. The Memory Stick Pro Duo bearing the SanDisk name has a five-year warranty, while the same product bearing the Sony name has a one-year warranty.
Tags: Memory Stick, original Memory, original Memory Stick, Sony SanDisk, Sony electronics, storage capacity, digital cameras
