SanDisk USB Card Readers Feature Native Support in Upcoming Windows XP Operating System for Greater Ease of Use

Business Wire, April 24, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2001

Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Home Edition to

Provide Native Support For SanDisk's USB Card Readers -- Eliminates

Need for Software Drivers

SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today announced that Microsoft Corporation's (Nasdaq:MSFT) upcoming Windows XP operating system will offer built-in support for SanDisk's CompactFlash ImageMate(TM) and SecureMate(TM) USB card readers. The new operating system will let consumers transfer data at more than 1 megabyte (MB) per second data transfer speed using their SanDisk USB card reader and provides native support which eliminates the need for software drivers typically required to install new hardware.

The two card readers quickly and easily transfer images, audio, video and data between CompactFlash, MultiMediaCards and Secure Digital cards and computers via the USB port for true plug-and-play convenience. In addition, the USB port transfers data significantly faster than a serial port connection and offers the plug-and-play capabilities of USB.

Nelson Chan, senior vice president of worldwide marketing and sales at SanDisk, said, "SanDisk has worked closely with Microsoft to make its USB card readers as easy to use as possible. Consumers no longer have to worry about the hassle of finding and loading the latest software drivers."

Windows XP offers native support for SanDisk readers. In addition, Windows XP features an AutoPlay function that automatically detects the digital content on the flash card as soon as it is inserted in the SanDisk readers. It then offers the option to launch the appropriate software application and related activities to the end user.

The SanDisk CompactFlash ImageMate reader is currently available at more than 20,000 retail outlets in North America, Europe, Canada, South America, Japan and Asia at a suggested retail price of $29.95. International pricing varies by country. The SecureMate USB reader handles Secure Digital and MultiMediaCards and is expected to be available in July at a suggested list price of $29.95.

Minimum system requirements for both the USB ImageMate and SecureMate for Windows-based computers include a Pentium II -- 233MHz compatible or higher processor; or a K6-2 processor with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me and Windows XP with USB support. Macintosh computers: iMac or Power Mac with G3 processor or higher, with Mac OS 8.6 or 9 with USB support.

SanDisk Corporation, the world's largest supplier of flash data storage products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA.

The matters discussed in this news release contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described under the caption "Factors That May Affect Future Results" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.

All trade names are either registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

SanDisk's web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.com