With more and more computers coming with "memory card" slots.....?

Question

..... do you believe that the USB memory stick will become obsolete? I use a 2 GB card for backup and it remain in the slot at all times. A USB memory stick would be impractical since it sticks out. Many of the cards are also compatible with other devices where memory sticks are not. Cameras, phones, picture frames, etc.

I did not say eliminate the USB port. I am only referring to portable memory devices that plug into the port being replaced with memory cards.

Answer 1

Peripherals have been around since the beginning of the computing age.

I remember these cabinets the size of huge copy machines that were card readers, and they were the only way to input information to thes room-sized computers. Later, I remember modems the size of toasters sitting on the desk - they were the only way to connect to the internet. Recently, we've seen the jump drives, flash drives, SD cards, and the like getting smaller and smaller - and becoming more and more integrated into the machine.

The answer is, yes, the USB memory stick will probably eventually become obsolete. But for now, they're a good way to carry around a ton of data in a small package.

Answer 2

to me it seems that a USB key will remain popular because it can be attached to your key chain and thrown around at will. It is very durable, and the connectors are not exposed like on a camera card. You could break a memory card by stepping on it- not so with a good USB key. It seems that you can get more space for less with a USB key because it does not need the access speed required to store a picture in 2 seconds.

Answer 3

Eventually it will become obsolete, but for now they're pretty popular.

Compact Flash cards are still around. In fact they're used in $4K professional cameras like the Canon 1D and the Nikon D1.

A good durable solution will last a long time.

Answer 4

You talk about the extra memory devices only, how about the printers, add on devices such as DVD burners, external hard drives, mouse..... Those are all able to connect through USB ports? I don't think the USB ports Will be gone as you stated above. It is good for many hardware upgrades, too. Just my opinion...