Memory Stick media was first launched by Sony in 1998, and hasreceived several revisions since then. The original format is nolonger in use, but its name is still used in general to describesimilar types of products. They are used in Sony and Sony Ericssonproducts for the most part.

The original Memory Stick media ranged in size from 4MB to 128MBin size, however could not expand to include more then 128MB ofstorage due to architectural limitations. In response to this, Sonydeveloped the MemoryStick Select first, which is similar to having two sticks sharing the samecase. To switch from one to the other, a physical switch is flipped,and it switches from one partition to the other. While potentiallyoffering more space, the Memory Stick Select was unpopular due tothe inconvenience of having separate pieces of memory that couldnot work together in the same device.

Sony’s next offering is the MemoryStick Pro ,which solved the space limitation and allows for up to 4GB of data,a great increase over the original. Even better, it was backwardscompatible with the majority of the older devices. While the 4GBmodulesare somewhat expensive at $90, 2GBand lower modules are easily affordable, all for under $60, andmany for less then $30.

Currently Sony has three other versions of the Memory Stick onthe market – theMemory Stick Duo and Pro Duo,and the MemoryStick Micro.The Duo is smaller then the original, about two thirds of the size.However, it comes with an adapter to let it plug into normal stickreaders. The Duo comes in the same capacity as the original MemoryStick, while the Pro Duo has expanded storage capability, like thePro. The two versions were created for use in smaller, pocket-sizedcameras and cell phones.

The Memory Stick Micro was created to compete against the microSDstandard. The two devices are almost exactly the same size, withthe Micro being only a millimeter larger in total. While it is moreexpensive, it is also twice as fast as microSD memory, transferringdata at 20MB/second as opposed to 10MB/sec.

So if you have a camera or other device that uses Memory Stickmedia, take a look at the memory selection utility below. Just enterthe model of your product, and our system can tell you what typeof memory you need for that device. Or if you already know, takea look at the Flash Memory section, where you’ll be able to findwhat you are looking for.