Types of SD Cards

• As of June 2011, three types of SD cards are available: SD, high-capacity SD (SDHC) and extra-capacity (SDXC). Because the BlackBerry Curve 8520 supports up to 32GB of expanded memory, only microSD and microSDHC memory cards will work for expanding the phone's memory. While standard microSD cards offer up to 2GB of memory, microSDHC cards provide up to 32GB of memory. In other words, all microSD and microSDHC card capacities will work with the Curve 8520. MicroSD and microSDHC cards are available in a variety of capacities, including 2GB, 8GB and 16GB, and can be purchased from electronics and office supply retailers, such as Office Max and Best Buy. MicroSDXC cards, which are not compatible with the Curve 8520, offer between 32GB and 2TB of memory.
  
  

SD Card Speeds

• All SD memory card types fall into two speed groups: Speed Class and Ultra-high Speed Class. These categories relate to data transfer speeds needed for video recording, which is one of the BlackBerry Curve 8520's features. SC is subdivided into four categories -- Class 2, 4, 6 and 10 -- that refer to the type of bus interface used to record video: high speed and normal. Since the Curve 8520 records video at 320 by 240 pixels of resolution, SC 2, 4 and 6 microSD cards will suffice. UHSC is designed for recording large-scale, high definition video and is compatible with SDHC and SDXC technology.
  
  

SD Card Sizes

• Understanding the differences between the SD card types and their dimensions will make sure you purchase the right size of SD card for the BlackBerry Curve 8520. All SD memory cards of the same type are identical in dimensions. Standard-sized SD cards are about the size of a postage stamp, measuring 0.9 inches wide, 1.3 inches long and 0.08 inches deep and weighing 0.07 oz. About 37 percent the size of standard-sized SD cards, miniSD cards measure 0.8 inches wide, 0.8 inches long and 0.06 inches deep and weigh 0.03 oz. At 0.02 oz., microSD cards -- the type used by the Curve 8520 -- measure 0.4 inches wide, 0.6 inches long and 0.04 inches deep, and are about the size of a fingernail.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• Like most smartphones, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 does not allow you to save apps to the microSD card, which is designed to support larger files, such as video and photos. With the maximum amount of memory installed, the Curve 8520 supports a virtually unlimited amount of contacts with multiple phone numbers, photos and ringtone ID. To maximize the Curve 8520's memory, you should periodically check the phone's content for unwanted and unused files and delete them.