Amidst the excitement at both PMA and CES this year about new mega-gigged flash memory cards like the 32 -gig SDHC (HC stands for "high capacity," but it's the same size as a typical SD card) from Panasonic, manufacturers have remained quiet about just how much they might charge for this ultra-compact yet massively storage capability.
Until now. SanDisk has refused to say how much the new SD memory card will cost in Australia however in the US SanDisk has announced that the "Ultra III" 32-gig SDHC card, due out in April, will cost US$350. This could well push the price in Australia to over $500. Panasonic currently charges $399 for its 16-gig card, and rumors were that the 32-gig, due out in May or June, might hit the market at US$600 or more, but that may change now that SanDisk has fired its shot across the bow.
In a year when the most sophisticated point-and-shoots ever created are hitting the market at MSRP's of $150 or even less, will the public really be willing to pay over double that for an accessory item they still barely understand? At PMA last week, vendors were trying hard to talk up the value of all flash formats. SanDisk's Ben Sy says that flash memory cards are getting better at performing in extreme temperatures and conditions, like when someone accidently puts one through the washer. "It'll still be O.K., just let it dry!" he says. "These cards last."
