Many tech writers, obsessed with Internet music downloads, have already written their obituaries for the SanDisk slotMusic MicroSD card, according to the New York Times. Even so, music distributors are aware that distributing music in many forms for many different needs is good business.

SanDisk slotMusic MicroSD card

Saul Hansell noted that lots of people are reluctant to change their ways. Three quarters of music is still sold on CDs. AOL customers stay with AOL e-mail because it’s convenient and changing e-mail providers is work. Few customers change settings on computers or electronic products to suit their taste.

It’s not that the cards are for dummies. Rather, there are a billion phones with MicroSD slots, and that may just be the easiest way for many to get music onto a mobile phone.

While the SlotMusic cards may be small an easy to lose, they could also become a competitive delivery mechanism to even the Internet.

In the end, the customers, given something easy and cheap to use, with the advantage of something they can hold in their hands, will decide the viability of the format. Instant obituaries have to be considered premature.

In addition, iPO notes, Apple has carefully defined the environment in which their iTunes users live, and that’s strictly Internet downloads. Recognizing the broader market and the current needs of millions of users outside the Apple ecosphere is just SanDisk’s recognition of a current business opportunity.