The Flash

The new generation of flash technology is definitely one to look out for. Over the past few years, laptops have become much more than just computers. Laptops are now used not only to due work using Word and Excel, laptops are now being used to watch DVDs, online videos, browse the internet, use instant messaging, play games and so on. This increase in applications has created the need for more storage space in computers. Due to the need for extra storage, flash memory has become indispensable for many people. Users are always on the lookout for back-up, or simply extra, storage such as external hard drives, USB keys, jump drive and memory sticks.
Flash memory requires no energy to store and remove information. Devices such as USB keys can be used to store information, as well as transmit it to other computers. Depending on the amount of storage in the key, many files such as videos and games can be stored and shared one day, and deleted the next. This would be great for enterprises due to the fact that it would facilitate the transmission of data from one computer to another. As we are all well aware, e-mail is not always reliable. These devices have the potential to hold and transfer media files as well as word files. They would be a great asset all around.
The new generation of flash memory is definitely one to be on the lookout for. Motorola spin-off Freescale Semiconductor of Austin, Texas, is on its way to creating a flash memory that would be half the size of what it is today and therefore, less expensive. The new technology would also make it possible to have both flash memory as well as logic devices on the same chip, reducing the amount of space taken up in the computer. It is safe to say that this new chip will not only be beneficial to computers, it will also be beneficial to emerging technologies. No cell phone is just a cell phone. They all have new applications such as MP3 players, video recorders, cameras, internet access, etc. Soon, cell phone will resemble tiny computers and they too will require extra storage space. IPods are one of today’s most popular MP3 players which rely on NAND flash memory . With the development of this new flash memory chip, a new market of inexpensive small electronic devices such as cameras, MP3 players, cell phones, etc.
The downside of this new technology would be its fragility. Although it would be well protected in any device in which it is used, the small size of the chip might make it more sensitive to movement. Also, as we are all well aware, the more intricate a device, or in this case a chip, is, the more likely something is going to go awry. The chip may have the potential to store mass amounts of information, but by combining it with logic devices, it may become over-loaded with information and therefore fail.

Sources
1) Bullis, Kevin (May 12, 2006)
Small, Cheaper Flash Memory
Retrieved September 30, 2007 from
http://technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=moores&id=16842
2) Singer, Michael (November 21, 2007)
Small Gadgets to Spark Flash Memory Surge
Retrieved September 30, 2007 from
http://www.news.com/Small-gadgets-to-spark-flash-memory-surge/2100-1041_3-5965603.html
3) Singer, Michael (September 12, 2005)
Flash Memory Closing in on Hard Drives?
Retrieved September 30, 2007 from
http://www.news.com/Flash-memory-closing-in-on-hard-drives/2100-1004_3-5860251.html
4) Apple Increases Orders for NAND Flash Memory Modules – Industry Affected (2007)
Retrieved September 30, 2007 from
http://www.intomobile.com/2007/07/10/apple-increases-orders-for-nand-flash-memory-modules-industry-affected.html