Flash memory refers to micro memory chips housed in removable drives that connect directly to a computer, camera, PDA, or other peripheral without the need for a cable. With prices dirt-cheap and memory size ever increasing, flash memory has reached a golden age, enabling anyone to carry a flash drive in their pocket, on a keychain, in a pen or on a lanyard around their neck. Even small businesses can afford to brand and preload flash drives with corporate brochures to be handed out like candy to potential clients at trade shows.

Powerful and affordable, flash memory:

1. Comes in a wide range of devices, creatively housed.
2. May require the use of a specific flash memory device for compatibility.
3. Can be a useful marketing tool.

Action Steps for Flash Memory Smart Shopping
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

USB memory sticks

One of the most common kinds of flash memory are USB memory sticks, which come with retractable or capped USB interfaces that are often creatively housed in pens, keychains and other handy items that can be slipped into a pocket.

I recommend: Business.com provides links to a wide variety of USB memory stick distributors and manufacturers, including SanDisk, Kingston, SimpleTech and more.

Compact flash memory cards

Compact flash memory cards are postage-stamp size devices that are used to add memory to cameras, PDAs and other digital devices.

I recommend: Check out a directory of flash memory information and resources at Business.com.

Compatibility of flash memory

While the trend in flash memory is toward universal compatibility, many makers of flash memory cards require that you use their own flash memory device.

I recommend: The Memory Selector at the Flash Memory Store allows you to select your device from a list of brands and models and then offers a list of compatible flash memory cards. Flash Memory Store also manufactures custom memory cards for companies that make unique devices.

Flash memory as a corporate gift

Cleverly designed USB flash memory devices with corporate branding have become hot promotional giveaways. These devices can come preloaded with your company’s brochure, PowerPoint presentations and audio files that will auto-run when the device is plugged in. When ordered in bulk, the price per unit can drop as low as $7 each.

I recommend: For corporate branding on a variety of flash drives including flash pens, watches, cameras, sticks and keychains, go to USBshop.com or CustomUSB.com.

Tips & Tactics for Best Use of Flash Memory

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Flash USB drives and flash memory cards can store large digital file formats such as audio, images, video and PowerPoint presentations.
• •  The price is right. Prices continue to drop as memory capacity increases, and today a 4GB flash memory drive can cost as little as $60.
• •  Flash memory drives are often designed into other devices such as cameras, MP3 (audio) and MP4 (video) players.
• •  Check compatibility on flash memory cards. Unlike USB drives that fit in any USB port, flash memory cards are often proprietary to a particular brand or model.