Spansion samples new memory chip

Memory manufacturer Spansion said Wednesday that it is sampling what it claims is the world's first single-chip 1-gigabit NOR flash memory device. Currently, high-end NOR flash capacities are on the order of 512 megabytes. The memory is widely used to store code in devices such as USB (universal serial bus) flash drives, MP3 players, digital cameras and mobile phones. The new memory device was made using 90-nanometer MirrorBit technology, Spansion said. Full production is slated to begin late this year. Prices are expected to be $18.50 each in bulk orders.

The NOR memory includes advanced security features that store, lock and protect data on any sector of the device. Spansion, a joint venture between Advanced Micro Devices and Fujitsu, is currently trying to spin off in an initial public offering, which Piper Jaffray analysts estimate could take place within the next three months.

1 gigabit or 1 gigabyte?

I see this confused so often it gets frustrating. A one gigabit flash chip is not such a great deal because that translates to 125 megabytes. So what? If 512 megabyte flash chips are already available then this step backwards, so why is it newsworthy?

[georgegliddy]

What do you expect from CNet

You think these saps have a clue about bits vs bytes?

I agree

The nano uses a single 2 annd a single 4 gb chip right? even if it is
two chips lets see 1GB+1GB=2GB Nano 2GB+2GB=4GB Nano this is
old news this story is a waist of space on the internet leave room
for apple and put their stuff on the front page