Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 01:36 pm
mini-CD
A mini-CD performs the same function as a CD, albeit on a ‘smaller scale’. As its name suggests, it’s a miniature version of a CD.
It is 80mm in diameter (3 1/8-inch )(3.125 inches) as opposed to a regular CD which measures 120 mm in diameter.
mini- Audio CD
A mini-audio CD is also known as CD-3. The 3 refers to its diameter in inches.
A mini-CD (CD-DA) can hold up to 20 minutes of audio data. A regular audio CD holds 75 minutes of audio.
But then most mini audio CDs don’t always hold 20 minutes of music. For example, a Bruce Springstein CD-3 holds only two songs – One Step Up and Roulette. The total playtime is 8 minutes and 12 seconds.
mini-DVD
A mini-DVD has the same dimensions as a mini-CD. It only differs in storage capacity.
A standard DVD holds 4.7GB of data. A mini-DVD holds 1.4GB of data.
Business Card CD
A business card CD is a mini-CD-ROM cut into the shape of a business card. It can hold up to 50MB of data.

You can use it to promote your business. For example, you can create an auto-run PowerPoint presentation promoting your business.
How to Play a mini-CD
When it was first released in the late 1980s, mini-CD or CD-3 required an adapter to play on your CD player.
But then, if you were buying an audio CD, the adapter was included.

Newer players supported mini-Disc, though.
Sony Pocket Discman
Sony introduced this personal CD player exclusively for mini-CD playback. It is also called a mini-CD Walkman. With a size of about 4 square inches, it comes with a rechargeable battery lasting 2 hours back in the late 1980s.

Back in 1988, it cost $360. Sony attempted to provide a disc version of its popular cassette Walkman.
Modern Day CD/DVD Players
These days, you don’t need a special player to play a mini-CD. A mini-CD can fit into a regular CD/DVD player disc tray or a computer CD/DVD drive.
It is designed to sit on the inner ‘well’ of the tray.

mini-CD Camera
Sony MVCCD250 2MP CD Mavica Digital Camera
This camera captures only still images. It uses a standard mini-CD as the storage medium.
Equipped with a 2-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens, it sports a 2.5-inch display. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is provided for uninterrupted shooting.

You can playback a recorded mini-CD through PC or Mac disc drives.
Check out the Sony mini-CD Mavica Digital Camera.
Blank mini-CD
CDs may not be popular in this age of USB flash drives. Still, they’re available for sale.
You may want to buy them to store a small amount of data like software programs or drivers or even images. Those wanting to send press releases or media kits may find mini-CDs useful.
Also, they’re easier to mail. You may also want to use a mini-CD to send your resume to a prospective employer.
SpinX mini-CD-R
This silver mini-CD-R pack comes with 100 discs, including sleeves. Each stores about 190MB of data with a run time of up to 22 minutes.
