CHIP FIRM Advanced Micro Devices said it has designed a flash device which will speed the adoption of Bluetooth and GPS modules in personal digital appliances (PDAs). The eight megabit AM 29SL800D is a 1.8 volt device with read times of 90 nanoseconds and will give 22MB/s read throughput. It has a standby current of two micro amps for saving battery life but only uses five micro amps during operation, the firm claimed.
The low power consumption is important because Bluetooth, named after a wicked Viking ruler, eats battery life like he probably consumes chicken bones in Valhalla. The tiny devices cost $1.30 each when you buy 10,000 of them.