Memory Test

Tests reveal it's better to choose memory cards on price than performance

Removable memory cards can be found in all kinds of devices from digital cameras to PDAs and MP3 players. There are six different types available - CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD), SmartMedia, XD-picture card, MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Memory Stick - none of which is inter-compatible without a special adaptor. For 128Mb of memory, prices can range from around £20 to more than £60, so does spending more deliver a better card? We tested over 40 different brands of card, each with the same 128Mb capacity, timing the speed of data transfer to and from them in a range of different scenarios. The Memory Sticks tested were 'standard' units not the 'pro' and 'duo' alternatives.

Interestingly, our tests show that in most cases the device using the card had a greater bearing on the data transfer speed than the card itself. The exception is if you use the cards in a USB 2.0 speed card reader, such as the SanDisk ImageMate 6 in 1 Card Reader (£30). When this reader was used to transfer our test files of data to and from the cards on test, we did find some performance differences between the cards. If your computer supports USB 2.0 and you'll be using a memory card reader a lot, check the table to see the fastest brands (for writing and reading data) of each card type we tested.

What's the Difference

It's hard to make generalisations about card types, but CompactFlash cards tend to be faster than their rival card types. XD-picture cards tend to be slowest. Unfortunately, this probably won't help you when it comes to buying. The type of memory card you go for is largely determined by the device you wish to buy or already own. So, if your heart is set on the Best Buy Palm Tungsten T3 (see 'A Helping Hand'), you're going to have to learn to love SD cards. It can, however, be worth buying devices that all use the same type of card, so you can get the most out of the cards you own by sharing them between your digital camera and PDA, say.

While you may not reap many benefits from buying based on performance, it can certainly pay to shop around on price. We checked prices for 18 of the tested cards at 13 different online retailers and found that prices can often vary by more than £15. You could save even more by choosing one brand of card over another. PC World (www.pcworld.co.uk), for example, sells the 128Mb Lexar CompactFlash card for £43.94 including delivery (£39.99 without), but ebuyer.co.uk sells the same capacity card, made by SanDisk, for £24.66 including delivery (£22.67 without). Overall, we found CompactFlash, MMC and SmartMedia cards to be the cheapest types - you shouldn't have to pay more than £20 to £25 for 128Mb CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards, £30 to £35 for 128Mb Memory Sticks, MMC and SD cards, and £40 for 128Mb XD-picture cards.

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