Mini CDs are exactly that; they are smaller than your average CD with only a third of the capacity; sometimes referred to as “pocket CDs”.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I Give You, “Mini Me”

The Mini CD is frequently used for audio CD singles; an 80mm disk and will hold 24 minutes of music or 210MB of data. There is a low density version that holds 18 minutes or 155MB in addition to other formats. Created, but not readily available, is an 80mm enhanced density version holding 34 minutes or 300MB. There are two ways in which Mini CD duplication manufacturing is done. First, is a one step injection molded process that is shaped to its finished size. Data is imprinted on the disk just as with full size CDs. The second method of replication involves machine cutting regular sized CDs down to the proper size for Mini’s.

Oh Sure It’s Cute, But Can It Perform?

Compatibility wise, the mini CD will fit into the smaller well in all tray loading CD players available for purchase since the mid nineties. Upon introduction to the United States the Mini CD was referred to as CD3. Unfortunately we didn’t catch on right away; and though we did finally start making CD players with dual wells (mid 1990’s) it was too late for the record labels. Mini CDs had been discontinued.

The Sony D-88, in 1990, was the first Mini CD player referred to as a shirt pocket player. Although normal size players can be used with these CDs the pocket players were created for portability reasons. Compaq iPaq PM-1, and Memorex 8081 are some other Brands. Sony Mavica, Imation RipGo, and Sony Photo Vault are several Mini CD burners on the market, each having their own pros and cons. Mini CD’s… how cute is that?