What is a Memory Stick?

Figure 1: Sony memory stick.

The memory stick is a memory cards product launched by Sony in 1999. Shaped like a chewing gum, it is the same length as a regular AA battery and weighs just 4 grams. It adopts a 10-pin interface structure and has a built-in write-protect switch. According to the color of the shell, the memory stick can also be blue or white. The white-stripe memory stick has the MagicGate copyright protection function, and is often used in media players.
In its history of development, there are several versions of memory sticks, each with their own characteristics. They will be introduced in details as follows.

Memory Stick Duo

After Sony launched the memory stick, it is found to have two disadvantages: it can only be used in Sony digital camera and its capacity is not enough. Therefore, on the basis of the original memory stick, Sony slashed the volume to only 1/3 of the original and designed and launched the Memory Stick Duo. Its dimension is mere 31×20×1.6mm, with weight reduced by a half: 2 grams. Similar to xD-Picture card, the Memory Stick Duo is very portable. And it is very convenient when used in compact mobile phone and digital camera, as well as in various digital devices like MP3 players.

Figure 2: Sony memory stick Duo and its adaptor.

To acquire higher capacity and speed, jointly developing with SanDisk corporation, Sony brought out a brand-new memory stick: the Memory Stick PRO. Compared to its predecessor, it has no change in shape and volume but enjoys a high capacity of 8GB.

Memory Stick PRO Duo

In March 2003, the Memory Stick Pro Duo was designed and manufactured on the basis of the Memory Stick PRO, which is an improved product that newly supports the parallel interface of the past Memory Stick Duo. Memory Stick PRO Duo packs all the advanced features of Memory Stick PRO into Duo format. It uses a higher density stacking technique.

In addition to serial transfer, the Memory Stick Pro Duo also supports parallel transfer at a speed of 160Mpbs (the theoretical maximum). This medium responds to the increasing use of advanced applications in the broadband era.
It provides fast, easy reproduction of high-resolution digital images, as well as a method for large-capacity data presentation. It maintains high compatibility across a wide range of products, including small mobile devices. It can also be used in products compatible with standard size memory sticks by being connected with an adapter.

Figure 3: Comparison of varieties of Sony memory sticks.

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