SD Card spec, class 4 vs. 6

[KenK]

I understand the differnce between the two cards but I was wondering
if using a class 6 card might be faster than what the TomTom 720 can offer.
In other words, would a class 6 card can read and write faster than the spec
of the 720?

So what is the SD class spec for the 720 ?

thanks
Ken

 

[dhn]

720's can deal quite well with class 6 sdhc cards.

 

[Radiorara]

Class 6 SDHC Cards

I bought a TomTom 720 Gps and I am awaiting its arrival. I am looking into a card to expand its capabilities and storage for mp3 and maps and what not. There are a dizzying array of brands and capacities but I want either a 16gb or 32gb. I have heard that others have had success with Sandisk but have not heard from people about other brands such as Transcend, Patriot, Ritek and others presumably from China. Class 6 Is what I hear works best but I have heard anything above 2 should as well. I was looking at a Sandisk 32gb Ultra2 SDHC Card but its Class 4. Anyway I just want to buy something that will work and not break the bank either. Any recommendations? I have seen some real inexpensive class 6 ones on ebay.

 

[dhn]

My 4-gig SanDisk Ultra II sdhc is a class 4 and I have no issues with it. I also keep my Western Europe map on a Kingston 4-gig class 6 sdhc card.

 

[mikealder]

I use Class 6 SDHC cards made by Peak with no issues at all, beware of purchasing from e-bay though as quite often you but what looks like a class 6 only to find its a far less capable card with a sticker dressing it up to look like another (dearer) product - Purchase from a reputable source, e-bay is not reputable in my opinion - Mike

 

[Radiorara]

SDHC Cards

Oh ok. Thanks Mike. I have noticed that based on the specs as well. Some seem to be newer but the read/write times seem low. That is horrible and false marketing/advertising if manufacturers slap a class 6 label on something not certifiably in that class. No wonder the top brands are more expensive and clearly state a lifetime warranty unlike others. I wonder if those other ones are not just re branded with generic stickers much like store batteries. Wishful thinking I know. I might just take the chance though as the price is very attractive and if it fails then I will buy a Sandisk/Toshiba/Patriot. Hopefully by that time the prices will have dropped as well. I like the idea of using the biggest card possible as well because that will avoid having to take cards constantly out of the device and I think the less you mess with it the better.

 

[Radiorara]

Sdhc

Well I pushed the button and bought a card. 32gb SDHC card. NEW 32GB SDHC Secure Digital Memory SD Card 32 GB 32GO - eBay (item 220430640947 end time Jun-17-09 14:25:00 PDT) Bought a 3 year squaretrade warranty and the total for everything came out to less than 30 bucks. I have peace of mind for at least 3 years and by that time these cards will be really cheap even for more reputable manufacturers like Sandisk, etc. etc. I took the chance as it was for a gps but if it were for a camcorder or a digital camera I would have gone brand name.

 

[dervari]

Other than during route calculations, is it REALLY neccessary to have a Class 6? I just bought an 8gb Sandisk Class 2 and it is working great for music, audiobooks, and maps.

 

[Radiorara]

Sdhc

I agree with you on that. I think the only reason for me getting a Class 6 was compatibility. I had read of others having issues with class 2 cards and I did not want the hassle just to save a couple of bucks. In my case I saved money and got the latest. But yes for those people with existing cards class 2 should work but make sure you have the latest firmware for your device. If not then you have no choice but to upgrade your Brand or Class.

 

[DanofNJ]

I use a Sandisk 4 category and it works great...8 gigs

Dan

 

[sageuvagony]

See if you can test your read/write speeds on your ebay card when you get it. It has been found that 85% to 90% of name brand high capacity/high speed cards are fakes. Some are even just 1 gb cards flashed to read 8/16/32GB sizes. The data will write to them, but when attempting to read back from them, you get all sorts of read errors. Here's a simple guide regarding fakes.

http://www.overclockers.com.au/wiki/Fake_Memory_Cards

There are tons of guides with really nice high resolutions pictures posted all over ebay/google as well.