Reviews of Sandisk's SDIO WiFi + Memory Card

[Janak Parekh]

We're starting to get reports of these units coming in. <a href="http://www.ipaqhq.com/reviews/index.php?qid=223&catid=55">iPAQ HQ</a>, <a href="http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/sandisk_SD_wifi_256.htm">PDA Buyer's Guide</a>, and <a href="http://davesipaq.com/articles/000060/">Dave's iPAQ</a> all have detailed reviews of the unit. If you're interested in getting one of these, make sure to check them out -- among other things, they test it with different devices.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040617-SandiskWiFiMemory.jpg" /><br /><br />One interesting fact: apparently, earlier rumors suggesting that WM2003 was required for simultaneous WiFi and memory functionality is wrong -- people have successfully tested combined use with both Pocket PC 2002 and WM2003.

[Ed@Brighthand]

One interesting fact: neither review mentions the supposed rumor that WM2003SE is needed for simultaneous WiFi and memory functionality. If anyone has one of these and can comment on the performance with both modules on, post a reply.
I think I'm the original source of this, so hopefully I can lay it to rest. When SanDisk first told me about this card, back in March, they said it was only going to be compatible with Windows Mobile SE. When the official announcement came out last month, it said this card was compatible with Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 for either Pocket PC or Smartphone. I can confirm that I can use both the Wi-Fi and storage functions on a Pocket PC running the original version of Windows Mobile. As a test, using my h1940, I just downloaded a file from Astraware's web site over Wi-Fi and saved it directly to the card with no problems. Looks like SanDisk was able to find a solution for the problem that was limiting this card to Windows Mobile SE.

[kkelley]

So when is the g version coming out? :)

[sundown]

I'm impressed with the potential of this device. I can now consider a whole other range of PPC's because I don't have to worry about whether or not I choose memory or wifi for a non-wifi integrated PPC's only expansion slot.

[Chris Leckness]

So when is the g version coming out? :)

hehe... I had to chime in, nothing bad, but how come that question always comes up? Who has an ISP pumping T3 bandwidth to their AP? I want one.

Also, I was able to download files from the web with the WiFi and store them on the same card at the same time.

[Pixel]

So when is the g version coming out? :)

hehe... I had to chime in, nothing bad, but how come that question always comes up? Who has an ISP pumping T3 bandwidth to their AP? I want one.

Also, I was able to download files from the web with the WiFi and store them on the same card at the same time.

I for one would like to not have to run in mixed mode and who knows what the future will bring? I may just need that extra bandwidth :wink:

[DavesiPAQ]

We actually brought this specific point up in our review.

[Janak Parekh]

Ed - thanks - I've updated my post.

Dave - didn't know you had a review up! You should submit it as news in the future. I've updated my post to include a link to yours. 8)

--janak

[Jonathon Watkins]

Ha - all the Editors are popping up in this thread. :beer:

I agree with Sundown that this opens up a while area of other potential devices, but only if they have SIDO of course.

[DavesiPAQ]

Will do Janak.. I love this little card.. :D



Ed - thanks - I've updated my post.

Dave - didn't know you had a review up! You should submit it as news in the future. I've updated my post to include a link to yours. 8)

--janak

[Pony99CA]

So when is the g version coming out? :)
Wrong question. When is the 802.11g version with 1 GB coming out. :-D

Steve

[groan]

my only question is has anyone seen it available for purchase?

in canada would be great, but willing to go anywhere for it.

[Janak Parekh]

Wrong question. When is the 802.11g version with 1 GB coming out. :-D
That'll come out when you start clamoring for 802.11z (or what-have-you) with 10GB. ;)

--janak

[Zack Mahdavi]

I'm stunned that this card manages to draw very little battery power, according to those reviews. It makes me wonder if external SD WiFi is the way to go....

[Jonathon Watkins]

I'm stunned that this card manages to draw very little battery power, according to those reviews. It makes me wonder if external SD WiFi is the way to go....

The reviews compare the drain with a CF wifi card and the SD card is indeed better. However, I'd be surprised if an external card drew less power than a properly deigned and integrated internal one.