Flash Memory Cards for the Newton must be Linear Memory (also known as Attribute Memory) format. ATA Flash RAM is not compatible. RAM cards come in 5v/12v ("Intel Series II") and 5v/5v ("Intel Series II+") models. Although either type is fine in the Newton, the 5v/5v versions are newer and more likely to live on in future Newton/eMate models. 5v/5v cards also generally have lower power requirements.
Card sizes range from 2Mb to 32Mb. Large-capacity cards will work, but Apple recommends no larger than 20Mb. This disclaimer is related to problems in backing up the large cards with NCU/NBU rather than the Newton's ability to actually use them. There will be a corresponding power drain as larger cards are used. For comparison purposes, an 8Mb card (byte-wide operation) was used as a reference point.
(For everything you ever wanted to know about Newton memory, be sure to check out Coan's Flash Memory page.)
Flash Card | Voltage | Power Consumption | ||
Read | Write | Standby | ||
AMD AmC0nnCFLKA | 5v/5v | 45 mA | 65 mA | n/a |
AMD AmD0nnDFLKA | 5v/5v | 45 mA | 65 mA | < 1 uA |
Intel iMC0nnFLSA | 5v/12v | 85 mA | 80 mA | 65 uA |
Intel iMC0nnFLSP | 5v/5v | 75 mA | 40 mA | 125 uA |
Pretec FR20nn-P | 5v/12v | 110 mA | 70 mA | 1.5 mA |
Pretec FAD0nn-P | 5v/5v | 60 mA | 120 mA | 100 uA |
With all due respect to vendors, any credible user reports¹ on current draw -- BATLOG results² preferred -- will override manufacturer-provided specs. The "nominal" ratings usually disclosed tend to be on the atypical low end of the spectrum, so I favor "real world" experiences...
If you have a card to add to the comparison chart, the pertinent data. Only cards that are proven to work in a Newton, please. This data may be relevant to non-Newton users as well, but remember, I am biased: only Newton-ready solutions allowed.
September 17, 2001