Storage: Sony Announces Memory Stick: The Next Generation Ultra-Compact Digital Data Storage and Transfer Media - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Oct 12, 1998

Sony Electronics announced a recordable IC (integrated circuit) called Memory Stick digital data storage at a pre-Fall COMDEX '98 briefing.

Memory Stick digital data storage is designed to become a standard storage and transfer media. It is smaller than a stick of chewing gum, yet the 8MB Memory Stick has a minimum of five times the storage capacity of a standard 3.5 inch floppy disk. It is available in 4MB and 8MB storage sizes and as a kit with a PC card adapter.

Due to its compact design, it is best suited for use in small digital electronics products. It allows users to transfer information, such as data, text, graphics or digital images from one electronic device to another quickly and easily. In its current line-up, Sony's new DCR-TRV900 Digital Handycam camcorder and DSC-D700 digital still camera allow digital images to be saved on Memory Stick digital data storage via a PC card adapter and downloaded into a Sony VAIO laptop, desktop computer or any brand of PC with a PC card slot. For example, up to 160 digital images can be saved on one 8MB Memory Stick small digital data storage device.

"Sony established the standard digital format with the floppy disk 16 years ago," said Mark Viken, senior vice president of personal audio video marketing for Sony Electronics. "Today, Sony's vision is to create new applications with portable digital products. Memory Stick digital data storage delivers on this vision by providing the interface between an endless array of future portable AV products and the computer."

Compared to other IC (integrated circuit) media, Memory Stick digital data storage is smaller in size than compact flash and smart media. It is highly reliable with a 10-pin connector, and an Erasure Prevention Switch that when set on "Lock" virtually eliminates the risk of accidentally erasing or recording over stored data. It has Original Serial Protocol for forward compatibility with higher capacity models to be developed in the future. The Memory Stick format is designed to be expanded in the future to incorporate digital copyright protection.

Memory Stick digital data storage is available now in consumer electronics retailers across the country for manufacturer's suggested retail prices of: $29.95 for 4MB; $39.95 for 8MB; and $99.95 for the 4MB with PC card adapter.

Memory Stick (Models MSA-4A and MSA-8A)
Memory Capacity        4MB (Model MSA-4A); 8MB (Model MSA-8A)
Dimensions             Approximately .85 x 1.97 x .11 in. (LxWxD)
Weight                 Approximately .14 oz.
Memory Type            Flash Memory
Connector              10-pin
Interface              Serial
Transfer Rate          Max. 20 MHz
Access Write Speed     Max. 1.5 MB/second
Access Read Speed      Max: 2.45 MB/second
Voltage                2.7V-3.6V
Power Consumption      Average: approx. 45 mA/Standby: max. 130 mA
Supplied Accessories   Memory Stick storage case, label
Memory Stick/PC Card Kit (Model MSAKIT-PC4A)
Host Interface         PC card ATA / True IDE standards
Supported OS           Windows(R)95, Windows CE, Mac OS (R)
                       (system 7.5)
Dimensions             Adapter: approx. 3.35 x 2.13 x .2 in.
                        (LxWxD)
                       MSA-4A Memory Stick: .85 x 1.97 x .11 in.
                        (LxWxD)
Weight                 Approx. 1.1 oz. for adapter, .14 oz. for
                       4 MB Memory Stick
Power Consumption      Max. 75 mA
Operating voltage      3.3V/5.0V
PC card type           PC card type II
Supplied Accessories   PC Card adapter case, cable, Memory Stick
                       storage case

Sony Electronics has about 26,000 employees in North America. The company is a leader and pioneer in the personal audio and video markets with its line of Handycam camcorders and Digital Mavica cameras. Sony is the co-developer of the Compact Disc, DVD, Trinitron television, and MiniDisc digital audio technologies. The company had record sales of $10.5 billion for fiscal year that ended March 31, 1998.