old-www/HOWTO/Flash-Memory-HOWTO/buying.html

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>3. Buying a memory stick</H1
><P
>&#13; Important considerations when buying a memory stick are the
following:
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><DT
><STRONG
>The size of the memory</STRONG
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>&#13; This will depend on whatever use you have in mind. 128MB seems to be
a popular choice.
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><STRONG
>Is it known to work on Linux?</STRONG
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><DD
><P
>&#13; The established brands have web sites in which this may be stated
explicitly. Alternatively, ask the supplier. But beware: the sales
person may not know what you are talking about. The instruction
leaflet may also mention something like: Works on Linux-2.4, or
may have a picture of the Linux penguin. If these inquiries fail, it
may be wise not to buy.
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>Extension cable and keychain</STRONG
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>&#13; Memory sticks usually are packaged with an extension cable
(<A
HREF="physical.html"
>Section 2</A
>) and a keychain. The latter provides
a safe and with-it way of transporting the device. Make sure that
these are included. You may need an additional extension cable,
depending on circumstances. Laptop and notebook computers usually
don't need them.
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>File system</STRONG
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>&#13; Over-the-counter memory sticks are usually formatted in vfat
(msdos), and this will work in Linux, but you will not have the
strength and versatility of the standard ext2 (or other) file
system. This is not a problem. It can be endowed with other file
systems as will be described later in this document.
</P
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>Cost</STRONG
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>&#13; Prices of memory sticks of a given size may vary considerably. It
is a good idea to find out what that range is. The internet is
excellent for the purpose.
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