subject: The advantages of the USB stick over SD cards [print this page] The advantages of the USB stick over SD cards
There is essentially very little difference in the way that the USB stick is used when compared to SD cards. Both devices are used for storing data in a portable format. But this does not mean that they do not differ dramatically in appearance. The USB memory stick is, in fact, distinctly different in appearance than all SD cards.
This is mainly due to the fact that whilst both devices are used for storing data, the USB stick is used in conjunction with products that support USB ports such as computers, and SD cards are used in conjunction with portable devices that support SD ports.
Handheld products require the use of media that can be discretely inserted into the device as an externally attached device would interfere with the way in which it is used. As handheld products, such as cameras and camcorders, are continuously moved and adjusted, an externally attached memory card would inevitably reduce manoeuvrability. This is less of a consideration where computers are concerned. As computers and laptops remain largely static when in use, it is entirely feasible to attach an external memory device without affecting functionality.
As SD cards have been developed for use with handheld devices, which have steadily reduced in size, particularly where mobile phones and portable music players are concerned, it has been necessary to produce increasingly diminutive storage media for these applications. There has not been such a pressing need to reduce the size of storage media for computers, but it is still considered desirable for USB memory sticks to be small enough to slip easily into a pocket or handbag.
Consequently USB memory sticks can afford to be large enough to ensure that they are produced with longevity in mind, particularly as adequate protection is integral to the design. Conversely, SD cards cannot be made with a permanent outer casing as this would increase their size, and it would therefore make it a lot more difficult to incorporate a slot, or port, into a portable product in order to accommodate a larger storage card, without affecting the overall size of the host device.
The fact that the USB memory stick is a little bit larger than its distant cousin also has its advantages. It means that it is less likely to be lost! Nevertheless, a lot of users of the memory stick are still finding it small enough to mislay every now and again, but luckily there are security encrypted versions for people who are concerned about the consequences of their memory sticks falling into the wrong hands.
The trend for users to keep their USB memory sticks with their keys in the form of a key fob has its advantages in that it designates a specific place for the device to be stored whilst not in use, thus limiting the chances of it getting mislaid. It does, however, place it amongst other items that can be potentially stolen and means that it is more likely to be left on display in public places, which escalates the risks of it being taken.
