Specifications
Table Of Contents
- Universal Memory Reader/Writer for USB 1 and 2.0
- Chapter 1. Introduction
- Chapter 2. Top 8 Reasons for Choosing the Asanté
- Chapter 3. Working with Memory Cards
- Chapter 4. Bonus Applications and Utilities
- Appendix A. Asanté Technical Support
- Appendix B. Memory Card Formats
- Appendix C. Multimedia File Formats
3. Removable Data Storage. You’ve seen those cute little key chain-sized devices that hold 8–128 MB of flash
memory? They’re handy for transferring files when a 1.44 MB diskette just isn’t capacious enough (like those
Photoshop projects or PowerPoint presentations). If your laptop doesn’t have a diskette drive or a CD/DVD
burner, then these removable storage devices can be invaluable.
Almost all of those devices share one or more of these common limitations:
Too expensive—especially as the capacity increases.
Not expandable. Most are fixed to a certain size. The expandable ones require only certain kinds of memory
cards.
Difficult to insert/remove. They’re small because there’s a USB port fixed to the device. If you have the USB
ports on the side, front or back of your system, it can be a long reach.
Why live with these limitations when your Gini can also work as a removable data storage device? If you only
have one Gini, just carry the Gini with your memory card between home and office. If you have two or more
Gini devices, then keep one at each location and just carry the small memory module. Compared with other
designs, Gini is a much better solution:
Use the memory cards you already own. Your digital device probably came with a small capacity card;
typically, they’re 8 to 32 MB. While that’s probably too small for taking a lot of pictures and movies, it’s handy
for transferring files. Compared to burning a CD-R/RW disk, writing to a Gini is much, much faster. For even
faster speeds, pick a Gini II with a USB 2.0 interface.
Infinite capacity. As of this writing (early 2003), CompactFlash memory cards have the lowest cost per MB
and capacity from 8 MB to 1 GB. Some companies are already planning 2–3 GB! Choose a memory size that
comfortably meets your needs today and upgrade to larger sizes in the future. With memory card prices falling
every month, you’ll save money and get the capacity you want.
Easy to install. Since Gini comes with a detachable cable, it’s easy to plug it into your computer’s USB port—
whether it’s on the front, side or back. (If the cable wears out or breaks, just order a new one. Gini uses a
standard mini USB Type B connector so replacements are easy to find.)
Asanté Gini Resource Guide 6