I don't get what you are freaking out about. Yes, they come in different sizes, but you can buy what you want and what will work. You don't have to buy a 3" long device and you don't have to buy a
0.75" long device. Most of them run around 2". You can just leave space for a 3" one if you want. Or it would be a very easy job to go to the store and buy one that matches the tick marks on your ruler. That is my point.I have no idea what you are picturing. I am seeing a device on a piece of metal with a strap across it holding it flat. I guess you are picturing a typical PC with the USB device sticking out like a diving board. Again, if you want to imagine something that won't work, then it won't work. The original point was that the makers of this small PC could have built in a space (much smaller than a CF card) that would accept a USB stick or an SD card and hold it securely. It is getting pretty silly to say this can't work.
Yes, most of them are "strip mined". However, I did a quick search and found several "industrial" temp USB memory sticks. Here's one...
I also found that the PCs we are talking about putting them in are
*far* from even commercial temp much less industrial.Fit PC: Operating temperature: 0-45C
The eeBox didn't even spec temp, but I am sure it is about the same.
So what is all the noise about? With SD or USB you can do a lot in a smaller package and you can either go the super inexpensive route with retail units or you can go with rugged, industrial temp units. I guess there are some USB memory that is raised up the old fashioned way...
Rick