Improved flash memory grows in popularity

In the past, two key storage technologies, hard drives and flash chips, each had distinct uses. The bigger-selling hard drive technology was used in machines requiring high storage volumes, such as servers, PCs, laptops, and even digital music players. Flash memory was used in machines that needed less storage capacity, such as digital cameras, cell phones, and embedded controllers. Now, though, this is starting to change. Today's NAND flash memory has more capacity and a lower price tag, making it more suitable for new uses. The popularity of these players has raised NAND flash's profile. In turn, the technology's popularity reflects the extent to which the digital-music industry has pinned its hopes for mass-market appeal on flash-based players.