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SanDisk has just announced T-Flash, a new type of removable memory card this is significantly smaller than all the others. It is intended primarily for smart phones, where the size constraints are even more stringent than they are in handhelds.

Unlike other memory card formats, T-Flash is intended to mostly stay in the device and act as its built-in memory. However, it can be removed to be plugged into another device to transfer files. It also allows the smart phone's on-board memory to be easily upgraded.

A T-Flash card is only 11 mm by 15 mm by 1 mm and is approximately one quarter of the volume of the smallest removable flash card available on the market today. It uses advanced packaging technology and SanDisk's latest NAND MLC flash memory and controller technologies.

Like other flash memory formats, a T-Flash card can store digital images, MP3 music files, applications, phone settings, and personal data. It is likely to remain in the handset for extended periods but it can also be removed and inserted into another phone when consumers want to switch phones.

This usage model is similar to the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards used in most mobile phones now. SIM cards can be transferred by the user from one handset to another but they have limited memory Storage and a slow data transfer rate that is not suitable for storing tens or hundreds of megabytes of data.

Thanks to an adapter, a T-Flash card converts into an SD card, allowing it to be used with other mobile devices, like handhelds, digital cameras, and laptops.

Coming Soon to a Smart Phone Near You

SanDisk says production of T-Flash cards is expected to begin in the second quarter of this year. Prices will range from $14 for a 32 MB card to $39 for a 128 MB one.

A format without any devices to use it in isn't much use. Motorola announced at this week's 3GSM World Congress the A1000 and the E1000, two smart phones that will use the 32 MB T-Flash. These two phones are expected to be available in the second half of this year and T-Flash cards should begin appearing in stores at about the same time.

Though T-Flash may have some advantages over other memory card formats, it is entering a very crowded market. Its competitors include SD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, MMC, SmartMedia, and xD.

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