SanDisk to release new microSD “slotMusic” card

Well, apparently SanDisk feels Joe Public likes their music hands on. This thinking may well be what led to their new line of music-filled microSD cards. They managed to pull in all the big record labels like Sony BMG, EMI, Universal and Warner. Although, I’m not sure what the labels were thinking with this one. The songs on the 1 GB cards will be DRM-free MP3s that are encoded at 320 kbps for the record.

The first stores they have in on the deal are Wal-Mart or Best Buy. So, you simply stroll into one of those two stores, nab your rockin’, grooving, bopping-loaded slotMusic, and pop it into your phone, and voila…you’re set. Umm..except for the fact that the ever-popular iPhone doesn’t accept microSD cards. So if you are one of the millions using an iPhone, sorry. Or, if you are one of the millions who would simply rather get your music by downloading it, then this little slotMusic thing is pretty useless. Many consider physical media (besides the fact that it is small enough to lose extremely easily) archaic.

“Musicians will find slotMusic cards offer a compelling new way to express themselves to their fans. With 1GB (gigabyte) of capacity, slotMusic cards can hold songs, as well as liner notes, album art, videos, and other creative content that an artist may choose. Consumers can also add their own content to a slotMusic card, creating a personal plug-and-play media library.” -slotMusic official Press Release

One reason I can see people buying these is for the last sentence here, “…can add their own content.” I think you just may have some buying them, taking them home and wiping them to have a handy dandy new memory card. Especially given the fact that a source in the NY Times says that they are expected to run about $7-$10. Not bad considering the SanDisk 1GB card itself currently sells at WalMart for about $15. I think the target audience for this product (for its intended purpose) is going to be very limited. So if you do want one, maybe hold out a little longer. You just may be able to get a fantastic deal on a dozen of them on eBay in a year.

Via [techmeme]
Product Page: [slotMusic]