The tiny miracle of microSD cards (Part 2)
Small PNY
Recently, I have seen a wonderful
but simple accessory that can exploit the tiny size of microSD memory card. PNY producer
has headquarters in the US (in both Parsippany and New York, so it gets this name).
Notice that microSD card has the size as nearly equal as the inside part of a
USB jack. Really, I am sure that many inexperienced users try to insert microSD
card into USB port since it appears to fit. PNY reduced normal-interface
electronic gizmos that connect SD card with UDB port into an unbelievable small
size, so it can be combined with microSD slot into a normal USB port.
The result is that Attaché
Evolutive is wonderful. The picture will show you a clear idea of how small the
package is. It is not too exaggerated to say that with Evolutive inserted into
USB port on laptop, you cannot find it is there, so you can use it as the
world’s most convenient USB drive. You do not need this bulky, sticky cover
that is easy to be knocked or damaged when you bring laptop, and it is still in
normal laptop’s cover with the drive in its place. Certainly, since it is based
on microSD card, you can upgrade it to larger or faster card whenever
necessary. It provide so simple way to transfer files to and from a phone or
tablet that you can see why I think it is a wonderful product. It is even not
expensive: when writing this article, we saw a 4GB version to be posted up on
the internet with about 30 USD, or 16GB version with 50 USD (both include
microSD card).
Those who bought cheap netbook or
ultraportable – with saving SSD drive large enough to contain Windows’ copy -
Attaché Evolutive can be considered as a cheap way, easy and fast to add more
storage for device. I wonder what people will do next with microSD card. There
is too much capacity in such a small package that opens up all potentiality.
SSD bug
About SSD that has been written
for a few times in recent editions, I was reminded by a reader on website that
I really need to deal with SandForce bug. SandForce is one of many producers
that are providing SSD controller chipsets, and you can see its chipsets in the
drives from a few producers among whom are Corsair, Kingston, OCZ, Patriot, and
Viking. However, please be noted that not all drives made by these producers
are based on SandForce.
What network community call
‘SandForce bug’ is perhaps for special version of SandForce processor only,
which is also called SF-2000 series, and you need to know that it also includes
products labeled SF-2200 and SF-2218 together with other products. The bug
causes blue screen of death (BSOD) on Windows system, usually while PC is going
on from sleeping / waiting mode, and there are a few reports showing that
finally the bug will lead to completely death of the drive, even no operating
system or BIOS can recognize it. This problem is not limited to Windows; Mac
and Linux users all report the same problems to SSD drives based on SF-2000.
This problem was known a few
months ago, but luckily now SandForce recognizes the bug and provides new
firmware for many OEM using its processors in their drives. It is a bit
troublesome that you cannot download this patch from SandForce website: for
example, if you have OCZ drive, you will need to download new firmware from OCZ
Technology’s website. You must be aware that updating drive’s firmware
certainly exterminates your all data, so back-up is necessary. (As what I
advised in some newspaper in 2007, it is really a good idea to reset SSD drive
periodically.)
Not only does this update fix BSOD bug,
it also improves TRM command process of the drive (that can be remembered to
help the drive maintain with time), so it is certainly worth doing. The only
problem appears to be the fact that particular SSD producers seem to provide
firmware update for Windows PC only, so many people have to temporarily move
the drive to other device to apply the update.
