SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- SimpleTech, Inc.(r)(Nasdaq:STEC), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions based on Flash memory, DRAM and hard-disk drive technologies, today announced the availability of microSD and MMCmobile cards targeted at mobile handheld devices. SimpleTech now offers all currently available Flash memory cards that specifically target the mobile phone industry. The microSD and MMCmobile cards' small form factor, fast transfer rates, low operating voltage and compatibility support the trend toward the ever-shrinking, more feature-rich mobile phones and digital devices, including camera phones, PDAs, MP3 players, smartphones, and digital cameras.
"The storage-intensive applications of today's mobile phones are indicative of the demand for these next-generation microSD and MMCmobile cards," said Patrick Wilkison, vice president of marketing and business development at SimpleTech. "We are committed to delivering solutions that provide the greatest benefits to our customers. These new Flash solutions are based on the latest industry standards and are built to the highest quality, performance and compatibility benchmarks."
microSD -- Driving Flash Usage in Next-Generation Cellular Handsets
According to industry analyst firm IDC, use of Flash memory cards in cellular handsets is expected to surpass usage in digital cameras in 2006. Many full-featured mobile phones with storage-intensive multimedia applications such as MP3 players, digital cameras, video, and gaming currently require microSD.
About the size of a fingernail (11 x 15 x 1mm) and three and a half times smaller than miniSD, which until now was the smallest SD format card, microSD cards have faster read and write speeds, enabling images to be stored and read more quickly. This allows faster continuous shooting and longer movie recording on these new handheld devices. microSD slots can already be found in a variety of phones from popular manufacturers.
MMCmobile -- The Most Advanced Memory Cards
Based on the latest standard specification v4.0 from the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA), MMCmobile offers high transfer speeds (read 20 MB/s and write 15 MB/s), support for dual-voltage operation and backwards compatibility with SD/MMC and RS-MMC devices. The ultra compact (18 x 24 x 1.4 mm) MMCmobile easily stores media-rich content of camera phones, PDAs, MP3 players, smartphones and digital cameras. In addition to its small form factor and high transfer rate, MMCmobile enables the card to operate at a low voltage of 1.65-1.95V, for low power consumption, meaning longer battery life.
Upgrade Navigator
By providing information regarding system compatibility, SimpleTech's Upgrade Navigator makes it easy to find which Flash card is compatible with specific mobile devices and can be accessed at www.simpletech.com/upgNav/?ProfileID=330.
Pricing and Availability
microSD and MMCmobile Flash cards are currently available from leading resellers including CDW and Tessco, as well as through SimpleTech's online store at www.SimpleTechDirect.com. microSD is available in capacities of 64 MB, 128 MB and 256 MB with a manufacturer's suggested price of $17.99, $22.99 and $32.99 respectively. The MMCmobile is available in capacities of 128 MB and 256 MB with a manufacturer's suggested price of $21.99 and $34.99 respectively.
About SimpleTech
SimpleTech, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions. With headquarters in Santa Ana, California, the company offers a comprehensive line of more than 2,500 products and specializes in developing high performance and high-density memory modules, memory cards and storage products. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.simpletech.com.
Safe Harbor
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the performance of SimpleTech's microSD and MMCmobile cards and the Upgrade Navigator. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are detailed under "Risk Factors" in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by SimpleTech, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and its current reports on Form 8-K. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include the following risks: microSD and MMCmobile and SimpleTech's Upgrade Navigator may not perform in the manner anticipated, customer demand for such products may not grow as projected and new technological advancements in the field might produce more competitive devices, prices of the products may change due to market conditions. SimpleTech undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Note to editors: Product photography is available by sending an e-mail to emarshall@simpletech.com.
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