PARIS--SmartDisk Corporation today introduced its new Universal Serial Bus (USB)-based VST Flash Media Reader, a dual-slot desktop flash memory reader for both CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards. With the new reader, consumers who own digital cameras, MP3 players, voice recorders, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other digital appliances that use different flash memory cards can use just one reader to transfer their digital files to personal computers or the Internet. SmartDisk is demonstrating the VST Flash Media Reader at Apple Expo 2000 in Paris, Sept. 13-17 at the Porte de Versailles, Hall 4, booth G55.

The VST Flash Media Reader features side-by-side media slots housed in a vertically oriented casing. Its unique angled styling allows users to insert and remove media comfortably with just one hand. Most flash card readers sit flat on a desktop, requiring users to pick them up to insert or eject the media card. The VST Flash Media Reader works with CompactFlash Type I/II and SmartMedia cards of all capacities and supports both Macintosh and Windows operating systems.

Fast Transfer Speeds, Complete Compatibility

The VST Flash Media Reader will transfer data at speeds of up to 1.2 MB per second -- the equivalent of one very high resolution photo or four to five average resolution photos per second. Additionally, the VST Flash Media Reader offers users the ability to transfer pictures, songs or other digital files directly from a SmartMedia card to a CompactFlash card, or vice versa, without first saving the files to their computer's hard drive. This is a significant time saver for consumers who like to swap files from one digital appliance to another. In addition, the VST Flash Media Reader is USB bus-powered, so no external power supply is required, allowing it to be used with USB-equipped portable notebooks on the road.

"Consumers are embracing digital appliances like digital cameras and music players because they're easy to carry, fun to use and convenient," said Quresh Sachee, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for SmartDisk. "In the absence of a single standard for flash memory cards, however, consumers have been forced either to purchase multiple readers or to tether their digital appliances to their computers to transfer data. The VST Flash Media Reader simplifies this process by reading the two most common flash memory cards, CompactFlash and SmartMedia, from one attractive unit. This reader is the latest in a line of SmartDisk data connectivity products that offer outstanding value and reliability to consumers, which is key to our corporate mission of simplifying the digital lifestyle."

After transferring digital images, music, audio files and other digital data with the VST Flash Media Reader, consumers can easily store, transport and share that data on SmartDisk's VST brand of FireWire and USB compact portable hard drives for Macintosh and Windows. SmartDisk also offers FlashPath, a flash memory reader that works from a personal computer's 3.5-inch floppy drive. FlashPath is an alternative for laptop users, home users, or others who prefer a reader without cables.

Pricing and Availability

Designed with desktop decor and digital appliances in mind, the VST Flash Media Reader is available in either a black and silver enclosure or a white enclosure with a snap-on color kit to match Apple Computer's iMac, iBook and professional G4 Power Macintosh CPUs. In addition, an evaluation version of iView Multimedia software is included for Apple Macintosh users, for organizing and handling media files of various types. The VST Flash Media Reader is priced at $69.95 MSRP and will be available at the end of September through distributors and resellers and directly through SmartDisk's Web sites.

For more information visit www.smartdisk.com or www.vsttech.com.

About SmartDisk Corporation

SmartDisk designs, develops, manufactures and markets digital connectivity products and personal storage systems that allow consumers to easily access and exchange digital data. The Company is using its proprietary and patented technologies to capitalize on the growing demand for digital applications and increased usage of the Internet. SmartDisk's investors and partners include Apple, Hitachi, IBM, NEC, SanDisk, SCM Microsystems, Sony, Toshiba and others. For more information, go to www.smartdisk.com.

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