SD Memory Card With Built-In USB Connectivity

– SanDisk has introduced the SanDisk Ultra II SD PLUS, an innovative SD flash memory card with built-in USB connectivity. The new card, which works seamlessly in any SD card slot, also can be used as a high-speed USB 2.0 flash drive. The card plugs into any USB port offering the ultimate in connectivity. The new Ultra II SD PLUS, which can be used in a wide variety of SD-based productssuch as digital cameras, PDAs, camcorders and camera phoneswill offer much greater convenience than a standard SD card. Now, to transfer data, images, audio or video between computers, digital cameras and other electronic devices, you don’t need a card reader, cables or card adapters.

To connect the Ultra II SD PLUS into any USB port, simply flip the card to engage the USB connector and plug it in. The card also features an LED that blinks when data transfer is taking place to indicate that the card is being used as a USB flash drive.

Another advantage of the mechanical design is that it eliminates the need for a removable cap (which can be lost), and gives consumers a dual functionality card that is fully SD compliant.

“We believe that the Ultra II SD PLUS will be a much more popular product than any similar device on the market because it is an SD card and SD has become the dominant standard for flash memory cards,” said Tanya Chuang, SanDisk retail product marketing manager.

The Ultra II SD PLUS, which SanDisk expects will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005, initially will be available in two capacities–512MB and one gigabyte (GB).

The Ultra II SD PLUS is targeted primarily at the professional digital camera and prosumer market where 4 mega-pixel or higher resolution digital cameras are requiring significantly faster flash memory film cards.

The Ultra II product line, which also includes CompactFlash and Memory Stick PRO card formats, allows photographers to quickly capture high-resolution images and take advantage of the advanced features available today in high mega-pixel digital cameras.

SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of flash data storage card products using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology.

The recommended retail prices of these products will be announced at a later date.