CF stability vs Mem. Stick

[tstretch]

Recently while discussing mem. stick vs compact flash with a digital camera repair tech. He made me aware that CF is much more durable and stable than mem Stick and quoted. "Out of all forms of portable memory CF is the most stable with data loss occuring <0.5% and the worst is Mem. Stick with data loss upto
7%" anyone else with thoughts or info on this?


Hats off to "pelaca" and "trayip" my NX70 with CF hack is awesome, I love you guys:D

[Cyberduc748]

tstretch

Physically I think CF are more durable. I have a 512mb CF that has gone through a washing machine cycle (forgot it in my pants back pocket) and still works fine after drying. Don't think the electronics on MS will survive that. At least MS don't look sealed like the CF. As for mem reliability, I would think they're about the same.

[CliePet]

re: .5% v. 7% ???

First of all I don't know where he is getting those numbers. Does "data loss" include operator error? (ejecting the stick too soon or reformatting)? or problems with the devices using the memory stick ?
The MS protocol for writing is actually a little more robust for preventing bad data writes.

Data on the flash memory chips can be corrupted by alpha particles coming from outer space.
The Flash memory chips inside the Memory Stick are essentially the same as those in a CF card (give or take the manufacturer of the chip). Memory sticks have the chips more densely packed (because of the smaller size) and there are other variations, but 7% sounds way too high.

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The strength and convenience of the packaging matters a lot. Leaving memory sticks sitting around unprotected can get grunge on the contacts [harder with CF cards]. Of course some CF cards are built stronger than others.

I would use that as the main deciding factor.

General advice: never leave important data on the memory stick or CF for an extended period of time.

[n2ifp]

I basically agree with CliePet. I have seen more issues with the CF cards than memory sticks in my time. The memory sticks have been super reliable, unless you use them like chewing gum...

[dannn]

Yea i noticed more issues on my CF cards than my MS
Yet i havent tried the chew test yet.

[Baralheia]

Originally posted by Cyberduc748
Physically I think CF are more durable. I have a 512mb CF that has gone through a washing machine cycle (forgot it in my pants back pocket) and still works fine after drying. Don't think the electronics on MS will survive that. At least MS don't look sealed like the CF. As for mem reliability, I would think they're about the same.

I have heard stories of all kinds of removable memory surviving the trip through the washing machine. I suppose here in a week, I'll have a contribution to either the "it works" or "it go boom" list...

BIG tip: everything must be dried out COMPLETELY, which means a week or more.