Flash memory data storage card maker SanDisk has recorded a historic pair of days this week in its 18-year history.
On July 31, the Milpitas, Calif.-based company introduced a 2GB microSD card—the largest capacity of the worlds smallest removable flash memory card—in order to meet demand for a new generation of MP3 music phones, including the forthcoming Verizon Wireless Chocolate mobile phone.
On July 30, SanDisk announced that it is acquiring Israeli data storage company M-Systems for $1.55 billion in an all-stock transaction.
Apart from its retail line of mobile flash memory cards, SanDisk also announced the addition of a 2GB capacity to its OEM line of microSD cards, providing manufacturers with flash memory cards that range from 64MB to 2GB.
On the retail side, SanDisk offers capacities beginning at 256MB. SanDisks previous highest capacity was 1GB.
Using the new SanDisk microSD flash memory card, the Verizon Wireless phone can store up to 1,000 digital songs (this assumes an average four-minute songs at 64K bps) downloaded from the companys V CAST music service.
In addition, the Verizon Wireless Chocolate mobile phone also can capture digital still and video images with its 1.3-megapixel camera-camcorder.
The card, which is sold with an adapter that lets it fit into a standard-size SD slot of other devices, will debut in the United States exclusively at 1,900 Verizon Wireless stores during the next 60 days. It will be priced at $99.99 by Verizon Wireless.
Internationally, it will be sold by a variety of mobile retailers.
Featuring a color screen, slider-style design and backlit red navigation, the phone is available July 31 on the Verizon Wireless website and will be in Verizon Wireless stores on Aug. 7.
Check out eWEEK.coms for the latest news, reviews and analysis on enterprise and small business storage hardware and software.