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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Questions & Answers (General) |
| Q. Are your items from the genuine manufacturers? |
(Posted: 23rd Sept, 2004) |
A. Absolutely! All goods ordered from Cheap Chips are the genuine article, all in perfect condition and sourced from Australian distributors. We do NOT sell grey imported stock which may invalidate your warranty.
All goods we sell are backed by their respective manufacturers warranties. |
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| Q. Do you offer any other guarantees? |
(Posted: 23rd Sept, 2004) |
| A. We offer a 7 Day Money Back Guarantee no questions asked, providing the goods are returned in their original condition and packaging. See our terms and conditions for full details. |
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| Q. What happens if an item is not in stock? |
(Posted: 23rd Sept, 2004) |
| A. You will always know whether an item is in stock, as our stock system is fully integrated with our ecommerce backend. Accurate stock levels will be indicated on each individual product page, giving you peace of mind that good ordered can be delivered within a few days. |
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| Q. I dont have a credit card, what other payment options do you offer? |
(Posted: 24th Sept, 2004) |
| A. You can pay by Direct Deposit, Cheque, Money Order or Bank Cheque. You can obtain a money order by visiting any Australia Post branch, or a bank cheque from your bank. Paying by credit card is very safe, and is the recommended payment method for prompt delivery. |
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| Q. What if no one is home to receive the goods? |
(Posted: 24th Sept, 2004) |
| A. The Australia Post courier will leave a calling card and you may collect your parcel from the nearest Australia Post branch. |
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| Q. How will the product be packaged? |
(Posted: 24th Sept, 2004) |
| A. The products you order will be packaged to prevent damage, and will arrive in their original manufacturers packaging. |
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| Q. How many pictures can I store on this memory card? |
(Posted: 15th Oct, 2004) |
A. If a flash card is used properly will give many years of service. You could probably get away with just having one. But it you invest another your flexibility is vastly increased.
Use extra cards when it is impractical to download your pictures, before the card reusing the card - e.g. on holiday, or on the move.
Taking your pictures at a higer resolution allows you to crop the image to suit the content, without losing resolution.
Most digital cameras and other devices requiring flash cards are supplied with relatively small size (32MB for example). For most practical applications for digital cameras that are taking pictures greater than 2MP, a 128MB+ flash card is much more practical. |
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| Q. How can I get my digital pictures developed? |
(Posted: 17th Oct, 2004) |
A. Photos can be "developed" in seconds and transmitted or printed using high-resolution color printers. Most copy shops, camera stores, and major retail stores have digital photo printing services that can accept CompactFlash Memory cards and print 4x6 photos for as little as 30 cents.
You can also use a personal printer with photo paper and a photo quality toner/ink. |
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| Q. What are the different types of memory cards? |
(Posted: 17th Oct, 2004) |
A. Long answer! There are many types of memory cards (PC Card, CompactFlash, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Multi Media, Secure Digital, and XD Picture). The following gives a brief description for each type:
PC Card/PCMCIA
The PC Card (also known as a PCMCIA card) is one of the earliest types of memory cards that were used in digital cameras. The PC Card was originally developed to provide expandable system memory for portable computers, and was also a medium used to load programs on to early portable computers. The PC Card is generally larger in size also uses a lot of power. Cameras that used these memory cards had to have large batteries and used the batteries up very quickly. The PC Card is a very common type of card, which is still used in laptop computers as a means to add functions such as modems, network connections, and for transferring large files between computers. They are also very durable, and is well shielded from electromagnetic fields by it's metal casing.
CompactFlash
The CompactFlash memory card was developed soon after the PC Card, and in many ways is simply a smaller version of the PC Card. This was the first type of memory card that was developed for use in digital cameras. The CompactFlash Memory card has all of the same advantages as the PC Card, but is smaller. The CompactFlash Memory card is currently the most common type of memory card used in digital cameras, and is compatible with all current professional digital cameras. CompactFlash Memory cards have a control circuit built right into the memory card. This circuit allows the card to "tell" the camera or computer how much capacity it contains so the camera or computer can take advantage of all the available memory.
The CompactFlash Type II, or more commonly known as the Microdrive Card, is similar in size to the but is thicker. They contain a tiny hard drive. These memory cards are available in very large capacities (currently up to 1 GB) and are fairly inexpensive. But this type of memory card is not durable. They are sensitive to impact and vibration and can be damaged if dropped. They also do not tolerate drastic changes in temperature.
Smart Media
The Smart Media memory card (also known as a SSFDC - Solid State Floppy Disc Card) is a more recent product which became commonly available in the mid 1990's. This memory card is smaller and much thinner than the CompactFlash memory card. Smart Media Memory Cards are also more efficient with regards to power, and the batteries in the digital cameras that use this type of card tend to last longer.
There are some drawbacks to the Smart Media memory card system. One problem is that the cards have no shielding, so they are susceptible to data loss and damage from electromagnetic fields (such as airport x-rays).
These memory cards are also not as compatible with various electronics as CompactFlash memory cards. Smart Media memory cards also do not have a memory controller; which means the camera you purchase will not be able to read any cards with a larger capacity than was available when the camera was manufactured.
Memory Stick
The Memory Stick was developed by Sony. The Memory Stick memory card is well shielded and durable like the CompactFlash memory cards but is much smaller to allow it to be used in smaller products such as compact digital cameras, PDAs, and MPEG players.
The Memory Stick is used mostly with Sony products and allows you to transfer data between Sony’s PDAs, televisions, computers, and cameras. This is very convenient if you only purchase Sony products. Sandisk’s memory stick is compatible with Sony products.
MultiMedia Memory Card
The Multi Media Memory Card (MMC) was developed to try and incorporate the best features of Smart Media and CompactFlash memory cards in to one system. This memory card system is very similar to the Memory Stick card with regard to its capabilities but is a non-proprietary form.
The MultiMedia Memory Card has become fairly common in products such as ultra compact digital cameras, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), cell phones, and MPEG players. They cost about the same as CompactFlash memory cards.
Secure Digital (SD Card)
The Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card is similar to the MultiMedia Memory Card in appearance and is compatible with the MultiMedia Memory card. It is a highly secure stamp-sized flash memory card. Jointly developed by Panasonic, Sandisk, and Toshiba, the Secure Digital Memory Card maintains a high transfer rate for fast copy/download.
It also exhibits low power consumption to maximize battery life in small portable devices; making it a good choice for digital cameras and other portable digital devices. The Secure Digital Memory Card is distinguishable from the Multi Media Memory Card by the user selectable mechanical write protect switch on the exterior card casing.
XD Picture Card (Extreme Digital)
Developed by Fuji film and Olympus, the xD-Picture Card is a high-capacity flash memory format for digital cameras. The xD-Picture Card is currently the smallest storage format of its kind on the market, about the size of a penny. It has the potential for up to 8GB of storage capacity in a single card. Currently, the xD-Picture card is available in capacities up to 512MB.
Fujifilm and Olympus offer cameras compatible with the xD-Picture Card. In addition, the xD-Picture Card was designed to minimize power consumption, saving battery life and with fast read/write capabilities for smoother digital camera operation. Compact Flash adapters are available, allowing the use of xD-Picture cards in a variety of cameras and other devices from multiple manufacturers. |
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| Q. Can I still purchase a product that is out of stock? |
(Posted: 17th Oct, 2004) |
A. Our policy is to hold stock of every product we sell for immediate delivery. On some products, it will clearly give the following message:
This item is on purchase order from our suppliers and will ship within 14 days. Order this item now and it will be back-ordered for immediate dispatch when stock arrives.
This means that the product has been ordered from our suppliers, is enroute and can be expected in stock shortly.
You can still order this item! Your order will be placed in a priority shipping queue once the stock arrives.
If you order any item that is out of stock, and change your mind later - we will give you a 100% refund on the spot at your request. |
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| Q. Can I delete pictures from a memory card? |
(Posted: 17th Oct, 2004) |
| A. Yes! When a memory card is full, you can either delete pictures or data from the card or transfer them to a computer or storage device to free up space for additional pictures or data. |
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| Q. How secure is payment gateway you use? |
(Posted: 11th Nov, 2004) |
A. We use a payment gateway operated by SecurePay, Australia's largest payment gateway providers. Through their secure 128bit payment gateway, your credit card is charged immediately then the full card details are not kept in any database.
There is next to no chance that your credit card information could be intercepted during processing. No individual has ever cracked 128bit SSL encryption - there is a higher chance of somebody looking over your shoulder than your card details being taken using the SecurePay payment gateway!
As with all internet transactions, be sure to look for the Lock symbol at the bottom right hand corner of your browser which guarantees the page (where you enter your credit card details) is secure. |
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| Q. If I tell you the make and model can you confirm this product works with my device? |
(Posted: 16th Nov, 2004) |
A. If you are still unsure about whether a particular flash memory card works with your device/camera etc. then simply contact us at the bottom of the page using the enquiry form. Try and give us as much information as possible, for example the device name, model etc and what memory card you think it takes. We will confirm for you, 100% whether you are ordering the right product, and within 4-16 hours of your enquiry.
Remember that if you simply remove the existing memory card from the device, it should clearly indicate the type of card (e.g. SD or Compact Flash). If this is the case, then you can order ANY SIZE of this type of card, and it will work 100% guaranteed. |
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| Q. How do I know this card works with my camera/phone/device? |
(Posted: 17th Nov, 2004) |
A. Easy! Check the existing card and see what is written on it. Then click on the category down the left hand side that matches your card.
You can choose any size of card, so even if your current card is only 128MB you can choose a 1GB card (1024MB) and it will be compatible.
Also, all the Ultra cards (these are faster versions) such as Ultra CompactFlash will also work with devices that currently use just CompactFlash (and the same applies to Ultra Secure Digital and Ultra Memory Stick).
The only exception is with MemoryStick. If your existing card is for example a 64MB MemoryStick, then you may also be able to take MemoryStick Pro (check the compatability tool below in this case).
There is also a compatability check tool at the sandisk site - you can click on the link below to choose your device:
Flash Memory Card Compatability Check
If you are still unsure, use our contact page to lodge a request and we will confirm the compatability normally that day. Remember too, that we offer a full 7 day money back guarantee for all orders. |
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| Q. How fast do memory cards process? |
(Posted: 17th Nov, 2004) |
A. Some memory card manufacturers, including Sandisk, are releasing new models with higher speeds, such as the Ultra range which is three times faster (and suitable for digital cameras of 4 Mega Pixels or above).
These cards are more expensive, but for some photographers they're worth the price. It takes less time for the image to be sent to the card so a photographer can take more pictures in less time. While the casual photographer may not notice the difference, this speed is a requirement for photographers who take rapid fire pictures for action shots (like sports).
The quickest way to process photos from your memory card is via a memory card reader. |
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| Q. Do you ship overseas? |
(Posted: 9th March, 2005) |
| A. Sorry as our products are largely covered by Australian warranties only, we can only ship to Australian addresses. There are no exceptions to this. |
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| Q. If the product is faulty where do I return it? |
(Posted: 16th Feb, 2007) |
| A. Call us on 1800 779 004 and we will provide further information to facilitate a return of the product and replacement. |
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| Q. What happens if I order the wrong product? |
(Posted: 16th Feb, 2007) |
A. Don't worry this can happen, there are many flash memory cards to choose from and you may accidentally order the wrong card.
However, the best way to avoid this is to simply check what card already exists in your device, then order the same type of card (all sizes will generally work).
If you do make a mistake and order the wrong card just call us ASAP on 1800 779 004 to obtain an RA number (Return Authorisation) and we will instruct you how to send it back. Of course, we can refund you in full if the goods and packagaing are in perfect condition within 7 days of your receiving them. |
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| Q. Can I place an order over the phone? |
(Posted: 15th May, 2007) |
| A. Call 1800 779 004 for all customer service enquiries or orders. Alternatively, visit our contact page above and email us directly. |
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| Q. When will I receive my order? |
(Posted: 2nd Oct, 2007) |
| A. All orders are dispatched same day if ordered before 4PM Eastern Standard Time (Sydney) via Australia Post Express and take 1-3 days to receive depending on your location. Most orders will be received the followin day from ordering. |
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| Q. How much do you charge for shipping? |
(Posted: 25th Jan, 2008) |
| A. Shipping is just $8.95 by Australia Express Post. |
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