SanDisk Introduces Small-Size Cruzer Micro USB Flash Storage Drive and a Companion MP3 Player

Business Wire, Jan 8, 2004

To download high-resolution, print-ready JPEG images, click on the thumbnail image above.

WARNING: these images are

very large (800K+)

Click here for caption

To download high-resolution, print-ready JPEG images, click on the thumbnail image above.

WARNING: these images are

very large (800K+)

Click here for caption

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=4544460

2004 International CES

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2004

Cruzer Micro Adds to SanDisk's Reputation as the Company

with the Most Innovative Line of USB Storage Drives in the Industry

SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today introduced Cruzer(TM) Micro, one of the world's smallest USB 2.0 hi-speed flash memory storage drives, and the Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion which provides MP3 player functionality when connected with the Cruzer Micro USB flash drive. Cruzer Micro and other new additions to the Cruzer USB storage drive product family were introduced at a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #23062, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Cruzer Micro is very small, with a size roughly equivalent to half a stick of chewing gum. Another great feature of the Cruzer Micro is that it can be upgraded to become an MP3 player simply by sliding it into the Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion. With the Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion, users can carry their important files and favorite songs on their keychain and simply attach the MP3 Companion when they want to enjoy music. The two items will be sold separately.

Eric Bone, SanDisk Cruzer retail product line marketing manager, said, "A small-size USB flash drive is a big priority for many of our customers. And you don't have to sacrifice storage capacity with this tiny drive because we are initially selling three different capacities -- 128, 256 or 512 megabytes (MB). With its stylish design and miniaturization, the first word that comes to mind for most consumers is "cool." Besides storing your music, Cruzer Micro also can be used to transport data files, images or video between home, office, school and other locations."

Bone added, "It is quite exciting for the USB flash drive market to have a stand alone device such as the Cruzer Micro that can be expanded with the addition of the MP3 player. We think that this combination will give consumers an excellent value."

Cruzer Micro, which is expected to ship in February 2004, will be priced at $64.99, $89.99 and $159.99 for the respective 128, 256 and 512MB capacities. The MP3 companion MP3 player, with a suggested retail price of $49.99, is scheduled to ship in March 2004 to many of the 50,000 stores worldwide where SanDisk sells its products.

The MP3 player has a typical battery life of more than seven hours on one AAA battery and comes with a backlit LCD screen to more easily identify songs that are playing.

Cruzer Micro will include CruzerLock, file encryption software that safeguards user data from being accessed by others in case the device is stolen or lost.

Cruzer Micro is "plug and play" with PCs and the Macintosh due to USB Mass Storage Class (MSC) compliance when used with Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Mac OS 10.1.2+ and Mac OS9.2.1+. A driver can be downloaded for Windows 98SE support.

Today, SanDisk also launched Cruzer Titanium, an extremely durable USB flash storage drive, and expanded its Cruzer Mini family by introducing 512MB and 1GB versions of the product.

SanDisk, the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage card 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, Calif.

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. SanDisk cannot guarantee that it will succeed to manufacture competitively the Cruzer Micro or that its sales of Cruzer Micro will contribute materially to SanDisk's revenues or profits. The company assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.

Images can be downloaded from www.sandisk.com/about/media.asp#photos. SanDisk's web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.com. All trade names are either registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=4544460