We are now used to paying $1 per GB of hard disk space, and I supposed flash memory may get that cheap too.
Today I noticed that Wal-mart was selling 512MB SD memory cards in bulk: 4 in a blister pack for CDN$40 (about US$34). Ten bucks each! Makes me weep to recall paying $330 for a 64MB card back in 2000 -- though mail order, because the local electronics stores couldn't understand why anyone would need more than 16MB for their digital camera.
But now I think the same thing: why would anyone want four 512MB cards instead of one 2GB card? Especially with Future Shop this week selling two 2GB cards for $80.
I suppose I could think of a couple of reasons:
* Backups: you stick your pictures on one card, and use a second card to keep backups -- faster and easier than burning backups on CDs, especially when you're on the road.
* Archiving: take pictures of your home and its contents, and then store the card in the safety deposit box.
* Sorting: you label the four cards for different purposes, such as photos of your daughter's figure skating or your collection of jazz MP3s.
* Sharing: buy the blister pack with friends, and split the four between yourselves.
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