CompactFlash cards are designed with flash technology, a non-volatile storage solution that does not require a battery to retain data indefinitely. CompactFlash storage products are solid state, meaning they contain no moving parts, and provide users with much greater protection of their data than conventional magnetic disk drives. They are five to ten times more rugged and reliable than disk drives including those found in PC Card Type III products.
CF cards consume only five percent of the power required by small disk drives.
CF cards are also available for data storage using the Microdrive. This means that any CF card can operate at either voltage. Years of field experience in portable devices have proven the reliability and durability of this connector in applications where frequent insertions and ejections of the card are required. Other small form factor flash cards use connector technology that is not reliable or durable in these applications . With typical usage, a CF card can be used for more than 100 years with no loss or deterioration of data.