Tag: card

8 Essential Features to Look for in a Memory Card

Have you ever run out of storage on your phone or camera at the worst possible moment? It’s frustrating, right? Whether you’re capturing precious family memories, storing important documents, or saving your favorite songs, having the right memory card can make all the difference. Memory cards come in various types, sizes, and speeds, which can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for.

In this blog, we will share the essential features to consider when choosing a memory card to help you make an informed decision.

1. Storage Capacity

The first thing people often notice about memory cards is their storage capacity. This refers to how much data the card can hold. Memory cards range from a few gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). The right capacity depends on your needs. For example, if you’re just saving photos from your phone, a 32GB or 64GB card might be enough. However, if you’re recording 4K videos or need to store large files, you might need 256GB or even 1TB.

Consider how you plan to use the card. Frequent travelers or photographers may prefer larger capacities to avoid swapping cards often. Just remember, larger capacity cards tend to cost more. So, balance your budget with your storage needs.

2. Read and Write Speeds

Read and write speeds determine how fast data is transferred to and from the card. The write speed is how quickly data can be saved onto the card, while the read speed is how fast it can be accessed. If you’re shooting high-resolution photos or recording HD videos, faster speeds are crucial.

When looking for the fastest micro SD card, pay attention to speed class ratings. Cards labeled UHS-I or UHS-II offer faster speeds. UHS-II cards are quicker but may be more expensive. For everyday tasks, a card with moderate speeds will do, but professionals often need the fastest micro SD options to keep up with their work.

3. Card Type

Not all devices support every type of memory card. The most common types are SD (Secure Digital), microSD, and CompactFlash. SD cards are standard in cameras, while microSD cards are popular in smartphones, tablets, and action cameras. CompactFlash cards are usually used in professional cameras.

Make sure to check your device’s compatibility before buying. A microSD card with an adapter can work in SD slots, offering flexibility. However, always read your device manual to confirm which card type is recommended.

4. Durability and Reliability

Memory cards can face harsh conditions, especially if you travel or work outdoors. Some cards are designed to be water-resistant, shockproof, temperature-resistant, and even X-ray-proof. This added durability helps protect your data in tough environments.

If you’re a photographer shooting in extreme weather or someone who’s always on the go, look for cards with these protective features. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, accidents happen. Investing in a durable card can save your valuable data from unexpected damage.

5. Speed Class Ratings

Speed class ratings indicate the minimum write speeds of a memory card. You’ll see symbols like Class 10, U1, U3, V30, or V60 on the card. Class 10 is suitable for HD video recording, while U3 or V30 is better for 4K video. The higher the number, the faster the minimum speed.

Understanding these ratings helps you pick a card that matches your device’s requirements. For example, recording a 4K video on a Class 4 card can lead to buffering issues. Always check your device’s recommended speed class before making a purchase.

6. Security Features

Some memory cards come with built-in security features to protect your data. For example, certain SD cards have a physical write-protection switch. When enabled, this switch prevents data from being accidentally deleted or overwritten.

Other cards may offer encryption options, which are useful if you’re storing sensitive information. While these features aren’t necessary for everyone, they can be valuable for professionals or anyone concerned about data security.

7. Price vs. Performance

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest memory card you find, but this can be a mistake. Lower-priced cards often have slower speeds, less durability, and shorter lifespans. On the other hand, the most expensive card might offer features you don’t need.

Consider how you’ll use the card and find a balance between price and performance. If you’re a casual user, a mid-range card with good reviews will likely be enough. If you rely on your memory card for professional work, it’s worth investing a bit more for higher performance and reliability.

8. Brand Reputation and Warranty

When buying a memory card, the brand matters. Established brands have a reputation for quality and reliability. These brands often provide warranties, giving you peace of mind in case of defects. While off-brand cards may be cheaper, they can pose risks like data corruption or short lifespans. Always buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit products. Checking customer reviews can also help you gauge the reliability of a specific card. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have consistently positive feedback from users. Reputable brands invest in quality control and rigorous testing to ensure their products meet high standards.

Moreover, consider the warranty and customer support options provided by the brand. A good warranty can be a lifesaver if your card malfunctions. Some brands offer lifetime warranties, while others may provide coverage for a few years. 

In conclusion, choosing the right memory card isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can find. It’s about understanding what features matter for your specific needs. From storage capacity to speed, durability, security, and brand reputation, each factor plays a role in how well the card will perform. Next time you’re shopping for a memory card, take a moment to consider these features. Doing so can save you time, money, and the frustration of lost data. Your memories and important files deserve the best storage solution you can provide.

Amazon Gift Card Surveys: Easy Rewards or Too Good to Be True?

Amazon is widely recognized nowadays as the undisputed champion of online shopping, and it doesn’t look like it’s giving up its title anytime soon. This increasingly popular platform has become most people’s go-to choice when it comes to purchasing home décor, electronics, furniture clothing, games, cosmetics, baby items, you name it. If you want it, Amazon probably has it.

That said, it comes as no surprise that Amazon gift cards are highly sought after. But we know what you’re thinking: is it really possible to earn them by taking surveys? Here’s the scope.

Amazon Gift Card Surveys: The Reality

Let’s start by understanding what surveys are. Picture running the marketing department of a business. Your role is to reach out to existing and potential customers with information about your products. For this to be successful, the communication has to be both ways. You also need to hear from the customers. How do they like your product? How did they learn about it? How often do they use it? What was their reason for picking the product over any other? What improvements would they want to see on the product?

This is where surveys come in; to enable you collect information that you can then use to formulate appropriate strategies for your business. The answers to the questions above form the basis of customer engagement going forward. Government and non-governmental organizations can also sponsor surveys to gauge how their policies affect the citizens.

To help companies achieve this goal, survey sites will pay you for every survey completed. Most of these sites pay via online money transfer platforms such as Skrill, Paypal and Ayden. Better still, you can get your payment in the form of a gift card, in this case, an Amazon gift card.

Why Pick Amazon?

In Amazon, there’s something new every time you log in. You will enjoy fast delivery and friendly shipping fees. Many companies launch their new products on this platform owing to its popularity. Discounts are also common; you can take advantage of such offers to make the most of your gift cards.

Pros of Amazon Gift Cards

Landing an Amazon gift card survey is the real deal! For simply answering a few questions taking up no more than a few minutes of your time, you can earn your voucher and shop away at the world’s largest e-commerce platform.

Online payment platforms often pose a challenge when it comes to withdrawing funds. Some of them only operate in certain countries. Or you will be required to open a particular bank account in order to receive your payment. With an Amazon gift card, you do not have to worry about such limitations.

Are you worried the safety of your financial details? With cybercrime incidents ever on the rise, you have reason to be. When you’re paid in the form of a gift card, you don’t need to submit such personal information. Your card is simply sent to your email, and you can shop at will.

Looking for a gift for a loved one? Look no further. Picking a gift sounds easy until you actually have to do it. What if the recipient does not like the gift? What if they already have a similar one? What if another guest brings a similar gift? Skip the worries and give the recipient the freedom to choose with an Amazon Gift card. What’s more; the card does not have to be spent all at once. If you purchase an item of a lower value, the balance remains valid.

How Much can You Earn?

The amount per survey might not be much, but eventually adds to something significant. The average payout per survey could be anywhere from $1 to $10. Ensure that you fill in your profile with all the necessary details so that you can be easily matched with relevant surveys. The more surveys you fill; the more you earn. You can set yourself a goal depending on how much you want to earn. You can do this using your mobile device, giving you the liberty to work from anywhere. You can leave the gift cards to pile up till you have enough for the item you want. In this way you can supplement your household budget.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of making some extra money by participating in surveys, make sure that you look out for sites offering the option of Amazon gift cards. Just share your opinions, Start filling in those surveys today and watch the Amazon gift cards come your way.

DHL sorry we missed you card scam

The latest scam now doing the rounds is one you would not be familiar with so it is time to buckle up and be aware and take heed at what the scammers are now up to.

This time of year we usually see a raise in sms scams from courier companies and more in fact I got one from PTSB the other day in which they have yet to respond to and make people aware. well done lads.

Being involved in the logistic industry years now this is a new one rather than a text or email and it is a missed call card left in your letterbox with no name on it, the giveaway here is there is a QR code on the right with a website address to type in and it is as you guessed a scam and some will fall for it thinking they have a missed parcel. This is for the DHL on demand service.

This all goes down well now with the hold up at holyhead and people will be in panic mode now hoping they have not missed a parcel for themselves or a gift purchased for someone else.

Below is two samples of what you need to watch out for the one on the left is a legitimate card DHL will leave and the one the right is the dodgy one so be extra aware of what is coming through on your phone and in your letterbox and have a great Christmas. Don’t get scammed.

DHL have advised the following

 Important Update from DHL  We’re aware of social media and WhatsApp messages circulating today about a potential DHL “Not Home” card scam involving our On Demand Delivery service. Here’s what you need to know: Our couriers in Ireland DO leave official cards (see example) when no one is home to accept a delivery. These cards include a QR code for rescheduling your delivery. Scanning this QR code should redirect you to:
Alternatively, typing DHL.ie/ondemand in your browser will direct you to the same link.
 Safety Tip: If you’re directed to a different address or encounter cards that don’t match our sample, do not interact with them. Stay vigilant and thank you for trusting DHL!

Revolut Report: Stats indicate a return to Irish staycations this summer

Revolut, the European-licensed bank with more than 45 million customers worldwide, and over 2.8 million in Ireland, has crunched the numbers on Irish consumer spending over the last month, with the app’s own data revealing that a return in the popularity of staycations led to a record month of Revolut spending in Ireland this July. 

Revolut’s consumer spending analysis tracked more than 58.5 million card payments over the course of the month, indicating several real-world spending trends by the country’s Revolut customers. The amount Revolut users are spending with the bank each month continues to rise, up nearly 5% (MoM increase) in July, with staycations a key driver in the broader uplift.

With a scorching heat wave across much of mainland Europe in July, a rising number of Revolut’s customers in Ireland chose to stay put for their summer break rather than go abroad. 

In terms of accommodation, spending on hotels and resorts in Ireland has risen by 15% compared to last summer (YoY increase), while Revolut customers are spending more than 38% more (YoY increase) on health and beauty spas compared to this time last year too. For those looking for a slightly more outdoorsy or cost-effective alternative, the amount spent on camping sites and caravan parks has seen a more than 14% jump in July 2024 versus July 2023 (YoY increase). 

When making their way around Ireland, Revolut has seen customers increase their spending at service stations, nearly 19% more this July than last (YoY increase), and on EV (electric vehicle) charging, which has risen considerably by over 46% since last summer (YoY increase). Staycations have also driven a surge in toll charges, with customers spending over 33% more to get to their destination faster than in July 2023, highlighting an uplift in domestic tourism. 

At their journey’s end, Ireland’s staycationers are spending more in local bars, cafes, and restaurants, up close to 5% (YoY increase), with other leisure activities such as tourist attractions and museums rising by nearly 18% (YoY increase) and boat rentals by over 25% (YoY increase). 

Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “Once a trusted travel card, this record month of spending clearly indicates our evolution into many customers’ preferred bank and why we’re a mainstay for the people of Ireland. Revolut’s ecosystem of financial products is the answer for people whether at home or overseas, and helps them make the most out of their money. It’s so great to see our customers choosing to spend on their staycation with us, while others are doing the same as they jet off abroad too.” 

European-licensed bank Revolut was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’, while the company ranked 9th as part of the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study earlier this year. 

For more information, visit: www.revolut.com/en-IE 

Tech Review – Chipolo Card Point

The Chipolo Card Point is the latest tracker wallet finder for Google’s Find My Device app and there is several types of offers to choose from there is the Chipolo Card Point which we will look at today and then there is the Chipolo One Point.

This card is super thin at 2.4mm and will fit in any wallet or space you have in mind to store it to track your items and you can then locate on Google Maps there has been previous options available for iOS and other devices in the past we checked out here before like the Chipolo One Item Tracker the Chipolo Card Spot wallet finder and the Chipolo Item Tracker.

This is set to take on Apple with the worldwide Android Network and works really well and works as you would expect from Chipolo only better now with the ability with Google Maps to help you along the way with the options to be notified

when found and if nearby you get hints to find your item or wallet just like Apples Air tag so if you are one to misplace things this is the item for you and check out the video for more below..

 

The App 

Compatibility:

Pairing requires an Android phone or tablet.
To use Google’s Find My Device app on your Android phone or tablet to locate Chipolo Point, the device must be running Android 9 or later with Google Play Services installed.

Register your Chipolo CARD Point after adding it to the Google Find My Device app and you’ll get an email reminder with a 50% discount code for a new CARD Point in 2 years. Send your used CARD Point back to us for recycling free of charge.

Another example of the devices whereabouts when shared to a friend

Features

Make it ring – The loud sound of the Chipolo Point will help you find your misplaced things quickly.

Find nearby – Get distance hints in the Find My Device app and pinpoint the location of your misplaced things.

Locate far away – Check the location of your things on a map with the help of Google’s Find My Device network.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Chipolo Card

The Chipolo Card is a Bluetooth item tracker designed to help locate lost items, such as wallets or keys. It is touted as the thinnest Chipolo, measuring 2.55mm in thickness, and is used in conjunction with the Chipolo app. The card is made of solid hard plastic, ensuring durability when placed in a wallet. It is approximately half the size of a typical credit card and emits a loud 95 dB sound that can be activated from the paired phone to aid in locating the unit. The device has a range of up to 200 feet in line of sight and is water-resistant with an IPX5 standard. The word “Chipolo” is derived from “chip” and “colours.”

Setup and Use: The Chipolo Card is compatible with the Chipolo app for both iOS and Android. The setup process involves downloading the app, pairing the device with the phone, and enabling key features such as locating the Chipolo, range alerts, activating the ringer, and taking a selfie. The device also utilises the Limited Chipolo Community search to find the unit if marked as lost.

Features

Compatibility Note: Users should be aware that if the Chipolo Card is used with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking wallet, the wallet’s design may interfere with the device’s functionality. This is not a fault of the unit, but rather a limitation of the RFID wallet design.

 

 

 Overall Assessment

The Chipolo Card is user-friendly and compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. However, it is important to note that the device is equipped with a non-replaceable battery that has a lifespan of 1 year. Chipolo does offer a renewable option for the battery. The device’s numerous features, including receiving notifications when an item is accidentally left behind, make it a valuable tool for preventing the loss of belongings. In summary, the Chipolo Card is a reliable item tracker that could prove to be a worthwhile investment in the event of misplaced property.

Buy 

Video Review

 

Evolve IP Launch Powerful Card Payment Solution To Combat Radical Compliance Changes

Global collaboration provider, Evolve IP (EMEA), has launched a seamless end-to-end secure solution to address major payment card information (PCI) changes happening in March. 

Significant reforms are about to come into force that require businesses to have an evidence-based process for card payments, particularly over the phone. Ignoring the impending rule changes could expose businesses to sanctions, fines and irreversible reputational damage.

To help address this major market shake-up, Evolve IP has launched Anywhere Secure Call, the latest addition to its Anywhere Product Suite. This new innovation is powered by technology partner BroadSource who work to drive collaboration in the cloud by helping the globe’s most sophisticated service providers automate, integrate and differentiate their cloud collaboration solutions.

Evolve IP UK Solutions Director, Scott Rixon.

Simplifying business practices

Anywhere Secure Call has been designed to simplify PCI compliance and redefine the card payment landscape. It’s cost-effective, simple to set up, flexible and has been built from the ground up, ensuring proof of active adherence. The critical differentiation lies in ensuring customer payment card details are not stored within recorded voice communications.

Anywhere Secure Call, intelligently directs all transactional voice calls to a designated, PCI-compliant segment of its network automatically. In the event of a PCI audit, businesses need only prove the compliance of this specific component, simplifying the overall process. This innovative approach allows businesses to demonstrate that the relevant voice traffic is isolated from their intricate network infrastructure, effectively ‘de-scoping’ the compliance challenge.

Many organisations are still unaware and unprepared for the radical changes they need to introduce, according to Evolve IP’s UK Solutions Director, Scott Rixon.

He revealed: “From Spring, businesses will need to prove their innocence by providing real-life data and proof of their compliancy, rather than simply verbally defending any guilt that has been implied.”

Time is running out

Anywhere Secure Call is priced on a per-user basis rather than a per-transaction percentage, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether a small business with just one seat or an enterprise call centre with hundreds, the solution caters to diverse organisational needs.

Rixon emphasised: “At Evolve IP, we believe solutions should work for everyone but currently, that’s not always the case. Some PCI solutions require a minimum deployment of say 50 users which simply isn’t viable for a small business. Equally, other options need to have the ability to scale up to larger enterprises. Also, we even know of some models based on a low cost of entry but then charge higher transaction fees.

“Now any business that needs to take card payments can just enable Secure Call, from a small florist to a gardening company. It can be as simple or sophisticated as required and can even be plugged into a CRM database to automate the whole process. We are covering all angles. But time is running out. Don’t wait any longer.”

Continuing to partner with leading technologies

Haydn Faltyn, CEO and Co-founder at BroadSource, shares the same enthusiasm. He highlighted: “Anywhere Secure Call represents a revolutionary step forward in telecommunications, offering a secure, cost-effective, and customer-friendly solution for payment transactions over the phone. We are thrilled to be working closely with the team at Evolve IP to further solidify our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the needs of businesses and their customers. Anywhere Secure Call is poised to redefine the landscape of payment processing over the phone.”

Tech Review – DriverGenius HB371 CompactFlash Card Reader with SD/microSD Slots

The DriverGenius HB371 3-In-1 CompactFlash Card Reader boasts an array of features designed to cater to your diverse data management needs. Equipped with three memory card slots, including CF, SD, and microSD, it allows you to read various types of storage cards simultaneously (please note that all three slots cannot read and write data at the same time due to hardware constraints). For photographers using Compact Flash cameras, the HB371 provides a convenient solution for quickly transferring high-resolution photos to your computer or other devices. In addition to CompactFlash support, this card reader also accommodates SD and microSD cards, making it a versatile choice for various media types.

Ideally this product is for those who need to access and transfer data on the move with minimal effort and this will also fit into your pocket or travel bag taking up minimal space, it serves multiple formats which are current today which makes it the right tool for those who require it at an affordable price. It is super fast and efficient with fast read and write speeds and simple to use on many formats.

Features

■ Idea for professionals in photography and video, video editors, everyday users, and mobile workers.
■ Compatible with CompactFlash (CF), SD, and microSD cards (Note: Not Simultaneous Read/Write). Universal Compatibility: With both USB Type-C and USB Type-A interfaces
■ USB 3.0 Speed and Back support USB2.0/1.1
■ Compatible with Windows 11, macOS 14, Linux, and more
■ Backed by a 3-year warranty | EAN – 5060955721097

 

BUY

Video Review

New Irish multi-brand no-fees digital gift card – OptionsCard the Christmas gift of choice

The new multi-brand digital gift card, OptionsCard, is the perfect gift this Christmas. OptionsCard was created to provide a world-class gifting experience, free from fees and fuss and with an always visible live balance in your mobile wallet. The multi-choice OptionsCard can be redeemed for more than 60 premium brands such as Brown Thomas, Ikea and Ticketmaster. OptionsCard allows people to easily share or re-gift part of their gift card. To find out more visit www.OptionsCard.ie 

An iReach consumer sentiment survey of over 1,000 adults nationwide commissioned by OptionsCard, revealed that almost 4 in 10 (37%) would share their last gift card value of €20 with a family member and 31% would share the last €20 on their gift card with their partner. The survey also revealed that 62% of consumers see a gift card as a special treat, preferring to spend it on something that they would not normally buy, such as a premium product or experience.  

OptionsCard holders will have access to exclusive special offers and promotions from retail brand partners.