PalmAddicts: SD card support

[From Andy Berrios] Hi Sammy, While perusing the Palm Knowledge base for SD card support on a Zire 31 (Proposed purchase for my wife, to upgrade her aging Handspring Visor), I came across this bit of information which may serve as a warning to all Palm Addict readers (Especially since I have been seeing so many SD card deals posted lately).

SD expansion slot damaged by SD card
...some SD-style cards currently on the market do not comply with SD specifications as defined by the SD Card Association. Basically, these non-compliant cards are PCBs that have been painted and stickered. They may or may not say "Secure Digital" or have the SD logo (i.e. they may be labeled the same as compliant SD cards). These cards can permanently damage the SD expansion slot on many devices, including Palm and Handspring-branded devices.

Unfortunately, this is not an issue that Palm can remedy. We designed our devices to work with cards that comply with the SD specification; non-compliant cards should not be used with your device.

How do I spot one of these cards?
The cards we've tested in-house that have damaged SD expansion slots usually have one of these characteristics (Note: this is an emerging issue, so other identifying factors may not be listed here):

1. Missing notches: The card may be missing the side notches that are typical of the approved SD form factor.

2. Missing write-protection switch: In one instance, the card's documentation incorrectly stated that it included "User Selectable Mechanical Write Protect Switch on the Exterior Card Casing." On the actual card, there was no write protect switch. This is a key give-away that this card could damage your device.

3. Mislabeled: You may notice other documentation discrepancies that should raise warning flags. In one instance, a 256 MB card had a 128 MB label on it. If the description does not match the product, please contact the manufacturer directly for clarification and remedy, if available.

Since this is an emerging issue, there may be additional cards not listed here:

* SMART Modular Technologies 256MB SD card
* Kingmax 128 MB SD Card