CompactFlash Memory Card Drivers in Development

[EdFrmBrighthand]

This has been discussed extensively in the NX series forum but I haven't seen much about it over here. A company has announced that it’s developing a driver to allow Sony's models with CompactFlash slots, including the NZ90, to use CF memory cards.

Read more about it at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Get_Ready_for_CF_Memory_On_Sony_Clies

[jaimejr66]

Ed, You are the MAN!!!! Always with your finger on the pulse of the Clie Community.

I would however whole heartedly disagree with the quote from Soft Pocket Solutions saying "Soft Pocket Solutions considered developing drivers to allow the NX series and the NZ90 to use other CompactFlash peripherals but at this point believes there isn't a big enough market for these to justify the development cost. "

I for one would be very happy to have access to other devices like Modems, Other companies 802.11b wireless cards, GPS cards, or Cellular Compact Flash cards.

Compact Flash could absolutely open up the Wireless world to Clie owners.

Of course thats just one guys opinions.

"at this point they believes there isn't a big enough market for these to justify the development cost.

[blueprints]

Thanx for e info Brightman. I believe the contest & petition drive didn't go to waste after all. I'd believe all those who hope for a CF driver would soon come to see that it coming true after all. Kepp up e good work. Cheers

[manical]

Not enough market?

Just by clie users alone they would generate quite a bit of revenue.

I think ,at this point, most clie owners would pay almost any amount for a driver.

[blueprints]

I agree on that.

[nike33]

Ed for President!!!!

Thanks Ed!!!!

P.S. I hope you do not mind Ed, but I linked this thread from the NX forum.

[starstreak]

Maybe its me, but Sony did not make this slot too CF friendly. Did you notice that oce you stick a CF memory card in, you can't take it out? No eject button.

[Jun]

IS there a button to eject WL100 Wi-Fi Card? :confused:

[starstreak]

no cuz it sticks out

[nike33]

starstreak

I might be wrong, but the eject button is not on most devices that have a CF slot. My Epson digital camera does have one, but on a number of other devices I have owned or still own, you simply pull on the little lip ( on the back edge of the card ) to remove the CF card.

But then again I would not put it past Sony to develop a one way card slot, once their very expensive WiFi is inserted, little teeth prevent you from ever taking it out! HeeHee

[starstreak]

That was teh case back when CF was first used. They (the CF card) even used to come with a little plastic tape to help you pull it out.

But I don't think I've seen a CF card slot without an eject button...wait my old HP pda didn't have one BUT the back was open so could still pull it out..
Maybe theres enough of a lip on the sony to do the same.

[lanchman]

Ed, You ROCK! Keep it coming man.

[cbulock]

Originally posted by jaimejr66
I would however whole heartedly disagree with the quote from Soft Pocket Solutions saying "Soft Pocket Solutions considered developing drivers to allow the NX series and the NZ90 to use other CompactFlash peripherals but at this point believes there isn't a big enough market for these to justify the development cost. "


I think they are correct about the development costs for creating drivers for things other than memory cards. CF memory cards are standardized so basicly it would be one driver fits all and there would be a big market for that. This is not the same for cards such as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and whatever else. They need a seperate driver, not only for the different types, but each different manufactuer would likley need a different driver. Thats why the Sony WiFi driver won't work with other WiFi cards, even ones made with the same chipset. To make drivers for every single CF card out there would be a HUGH task and very expensive. There wouldn't be a big enough market. I think the only hope for this would be for the card makers themselves to release drivers, but they will ony do that once they see the NX/NZ's as a big enough market to justify the costs of making the driver.

[rhart00]

all I can say is--- about frickin time!!!