SanDisk launches ExpressCard Adapter

SanDisk launches ExpressCard adapter
Friday, 31 August 2007 10:00 GMT

SanDisk today launched a speedy card reader for ExpressCard-equipped notebook computers. The SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard™ Adapter, to give it its full name, is compatible with SD and Memory Stick Duo form-factors (and all current variants of these) but omits full-size Memory Sticks. It should reach North American stores sometime in Sept 2007 for around $29.99. European pricing is yet to be announced.
Press release:
SanDisk Launches Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter for Fast and Easy Data Transfer in Notebook Computers
Compact Plug-And-Play Adapter, Compatible with Many PopularMemory Card Formats, Works in Notebook Computers with ExpressCard Slots
BERLIN, GERMANY, August 31, 2007 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today launched the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard™ Adapter, offering fast transfer speeds from memory cards to notebook computers without the need to carry cables or external card readers. The announcement was made at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 130, in Hall 15.1 of Messe Berlin, through Sept. 5.
The new adapter fits into the ExpressCard slot now found in most new notebook computers, and accepts six card formats: SD™, SDHC™, MultiMediaCard™, MMCplus™, Memory Stick Duo™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™. Many competing ExpressCard adapters only accept the full size Memory Stick format, running counter to the swing in market momentum toward the smaller Duo form factor.
“With the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter, we’re supporting the rise of the ExpressCard slot in notebook computers,” said Matthijs Hutten, Senior Product Marketing Manager at SanDisk. “We expect ExpressCard to completely replace the PC Card standard in the near future, so offering an ExpressCard adapter which integrates many popular card formats is a natural move for SanDisk.”
For notebook computers without embedded memory card slots, the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter is an easy system upgrade. Users only need to pop the card into the ExpressCard slot – there is no software to install, with no external cables or hardware required. To transfer data, users simply take a memory card out of a device such as a digital still or video camera, an MP3 player, a portable game player or a mobile phone and insert the card into the adapter.
Even for notebook computers with embedded memory card slots, the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter can be useful. Embedded slots today don’t always support the new SD High Capacity (SDHC) format or the Memory Stick PRO Duo form factor, requiring users to carry an external reader. SanDisk’s new adapter offers native SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo support.
Pricing and AvailabilityThe SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter is expected to available in North America and Europe in September, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29.99 in the United States. Suggested retail pricing in Europe is yet to be announced.