Flash Memory: Built-In or Removable?

I remember when the Nokia N91 launched, it was one of the first handsets on the market wtih a built-in HDD, and there was quite a bit of debate. At the time, with 4GB built-in, it was a 50-50 split whether users would prefer massive built-in memory like this, or if they’d prefer to buy memory cards.

Personally, I’ve always maintained that removable memory is superior, for several reasons. First, at least with Nokias, the internal memory is slow as all get-out. I believe I read somewhere that Nokia attaches their internal memory modules via USB1.0, which is why it takes three days to fill the N95 8GB or N81 8GB up with music, compared to a 20GB iPod, for instance (which I still have). The second reason is future-proofing. That 8GB iPhone still holds quite a bit of data, but what about in a year, when these new Sandisk 12GB microSD cards are out? You’re stuck.

Also, flash memory on cards such as microSD are dropping in price VERY quickly. The Sandisk 8GB microSD cards, on eBay, were going for US$120+ around Thanksgiving. Only a few weeks later, they’re down to around US$85 shipped. You can pick up a 2GB microSD for around $20 now, easily.

For me, I’m wondering why companies such as Nokia and Apple are bothering with fixed internal memory in the first place. With microSD prices dropping so quickly, why not market, say, the N95 8GB as the same phone, only with a microSD slot in place of the 8GB internal memory, and an 8GB microSD in the box? Wouldn’t that be cheaper, anyways? Then you’ve also somewhat future-proofed your handset, or at least given it a bit more life.

What do you think? Would you prefer to have internal memory, or simply a bigger memory card in the box, if it was the same price?