This review covers Lexar 1 GB memory stick pro (MS1GB-331) with Magicgate.

This memory stick is fully compatible to the Sony Memory Stick PRO just like it's smaller siblings and also features Magicgate copyright protection (who needs that ???, your digital cameras don't as they don't utilize this feature). As the stick takes some memory away for the Magicgate,the actual available memory is reduced by about 30 MB.


Sony has developed it's proprietary memory card format, called memory stick. All Sony digital devices use it, so if you have a Sony you will be familiar with it, if you don't better become familiar ( also with the price differences and the standard and magicgate formats).
Lexmark produces their sticks under license from Sony.

Note: Both sticks come with a slider to secure the memory content against accidental writing.

But price differentials to 1 GB compact flash are outrageous. 4 x right now if you don't pick the ultrafastest CF.

The Lexar is offered with a 5 year limited warranty,whereas the Sony just comes with 1. Now that is gracious and I would take that extra insurance any time (particularly at nearly half a grand investment...). Practically there shouldn't be any difference and at the rate this market is going 5 years takes you beyond end of life and two generations of product development. According to ZDNET the current Lexar and Sandisk Memory sticks are actually PRODUCED by Sony. So if it is a memory stick, it is a Sony is a Sony is a Sony....(and you might as well take the lowest price and highest warranty out in the market).

Nice feature is that the Lexmark stick lights up when you write on it. Less nice is that the stick is generally under a cover, where you won't see it....

Also note that Sony always puts their standard sticks into the package at some ridiculous low storage such as 16 MB or 32 MB. These will be totally inadequate for anything. Makes me mad, so I go and buy alternate memory stick brands.

Beware: PRO sticks are NOT backward compatible.
So the poor sony users who would like to upgrade their old device to more then 128 MB will need a new device or go with the 'duo' sticks. Now THAT is not very customer friendly, but then ' no pain, no gain'

Right now you can get a 256 MB at about 50 USD, a 512 MB at about 70 USD... fairly easy math if you ask me.

Also consider the following next generation Memory Stick.
The memory stick pro duo (which can be easily confused with the memory stick duo, but has NOTHING to do with it).
The memory stick pro duo is about half the length then the memory stick pro, fits into an adaptor that brings it to full length and therefor can operate in current units compatible to the pro AND in units compatible only to the pro duo such as the Sony T1 and Sony T3.

You might be able to pick up a pro duo in a promotion cheaper then the pro alone AND you buy some future forward compatiblity insurance, in case you decide to change your device to a newer Sony.

Once the price comes down, I would always opt for the larger
size, as those little 'gum stick' can get easily lost, when not secured in the camera.

Also consider these aspects when making a purchasing decision. Plenty of space means I don't have to carry any extras.. Right ?

Wrong !

A 1 GB memory stick will hold about 400 - 450 pictures of a 5 MB consumer camera.... but... no camera will give you 400 pictures on a single battery charge. At best they are rated around 150 - 200 pictures. Once you go beyond , you need an extra battery to keep you going, which easily outweighs a stack of memory sticks.. as well as neutralizes the hazzle of changing. So consider your 'redocking time' being driven by battery capacity, which is equal to somewhere between 256 MB to 512 MB memory space.

If you plan to save a years worth on one stick, also think again. While it is hard you actually CAN destroy such a stick, or much more likely loose it. When that happens you don't want a year lost, so you need to back up anyway. So the memory stick size you need depends on the longest period , you will go without an option of backing up your pictures.

If you are generally trying to get an update on digital cameras and it's most common misconceptions, particularly around what resolution you need and how many memory sticks you need, read this Digital Camera Buyers Guide:

http://www.epinions.com/content_3650658436

.. and read here why I sugest you consider a memor pro DUO stick even if your camera takes standard pro sticks.

http://www.epinions.com/content_168500629124

Recommended: No