After years of using devices that use Sony's MemoryStick format, I've just acquired a smartphone that uses microSD memory cards. Since a card was not included in the box, I need to pick up an 8GB card (the maximum capacity supported).

Are all 8GB microSD cards alike (in other words, no additional format or protocol differences), or do I need to look for additional specifications (the manufacturer's spec is very brief, stating only microSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 8 GB).

Different cards will have different read/write speeds. Otherwise they should all be compatible.

I won't go so far as to say that all microSD cards are alike (if they're like their bigger cousins, there are differences in reliability and speed), but apart from those who have specific needs (such as recording a burst of pictures in RAW format), most people can simply buy on price. A friend of mine bought an 8GB microSD card (with full-sized SD adapter) for his BlackBerry on sale at Fry's for about $20.

If you plan on reading the card in your computer or some other device, you might want to make sure the other device also supports the higher-capacity (> 2GB) SDHC cards and not just SD cards (similar to the difference between MS Pro and MS).

For the kind of stuff you do on a smartphone, any MicroSD card will work just fine. Smartphones don't transfer large amounts of data, and even video clips will be encoded in a fairly low bitrate. Get yourself the cheapest card you can find, and you'll be fine. At least, that is my personal experience. I'm using a $15 8GB MicroSDHC card, and it does everything I need it to.

I'd check the manual whether it takes MicroSD or MicroSDHC. It may be an expensive lesson.

Yeah--is there such a thing as a MicroSD 8gb?? I thought SD maxed at 4gb and that's iffy.

A quick search in Google looks like only SDHC comes in 8GB. Confusing nomenclature.

First off,thanks for all who responded and offered such detailed, valuable advice. ^

Confusing isn't the word for the documentation and tech support provided by the laptop manufacturer (Fujitsu - somewhat surprising as the documentation is otherwide pretty good). The manual only stated that SD cards could be used in the card reader - no capacity specifications or options were given. My first call to tech support ended when the person did not know what an SD card was (even as I heard the reference flip charts being furiously turned). The tech on the second call at least knew what I was talking about - she stated that there was nothing in the documentation specifically about capacities, only that 1GB and 2GB cards were options that were listed on her accessories list.

Searching online, I found another Fujitsu accessories list that matched what the second tech said about 1GB and 2GB being offered as options. I also found anecdotal information on other manufacturers' sites that seemed to indicate that many internal readers don't support the high capacity flavor.

What is the model number of the device?

I'll go out on a limb and say that 90% of all new SD capable gadgets WILL accept SDHC. But unlike the previous poster who said it could be an expensive lesson, in the worse case, you'll be out $20. Even places like Amazon have plenty of sub $20 8GB MicroSD cards.

MicroSDHC comes in 12GB and soon in 16GB. I expect we'll see 32GB MicroSD's within a year or so.

I've only been looking at Class 6 cards (which are the most flexible to use between electronic gadgets) so those prices are higher. But, if you want Class 4 or lower, then those prices are pretty cheap.

You didn't catch the reference. SD's normally max out at 2GB and are rarely found in 4GB form. SDHC start at 4GB.

I guess find a cheap one to try and/or has return policy. I am sure that devices coming down the line that we will all have will be able to use an SDHC if you're stuck with it if it doesn't work.

Plug your phone model into www.gsmarena.com and it should have the specifications listed, including the maximum GB card accepted. Make sure you're checking the model version for the country you got it from, as some models have different versions.

That's not a rebuttal at all. I was saying you won't find SD in those capacities, not that you won't find SDHC.


HC = High Capacity.

I own some 16gb SDHC's.

Cool site! ^ Thanks for the link.

Although, it said 8gb max for the Blackberry Bold 9000, which actually takes 16gb.