Does anyone know whether you need a "high speed" pro duo card, like the ones Sony sells, or the Sandisk "Gaming" pro duo cards for the PSP to work correctly, or will a "regular" pro duo card work?

Like every other system beforehand.. I'd steer clear of any 3rd party "alternatives."

Here, here!

My ex-gf bought a third party memory card for the PS2 and lost her FFVII save three times. She finally returned it and bought an official one instead.

Just talked to Sandisk tech support. Rep claims the technology on the gaming card is different than technology on standard Sandisk cards. He says you will need gaming card to use on PSP. If that's true, might as well pay up for the Sony brand.

Knock on wood....but I've NEVER had lost game saves or data from any 'alternative' memory card. I know people do have problems with them....but I guess I'm lucky :-D ....plus I'm saving $$ for more important things

I think you mean hear, hear, unless you're calling your dog.

I agree, epecially if you're playing games like Final Fantasy, its just not worth it.

This situation is a bit different though. You're not buying a specific "PSP memory card" like you are with PS2. It's a memory stick which is used for many other products. ScanDisk has been making flash memory for a long time. I'd have no problem buying a product from them. I've never had an issue before.

IIRC, Memory Stick Duo was co-developed by Sony and Sandisk. You will have no problem with the Sandisk version because it is the same as the Sony.

This is definitely not the same thing as crap companies like Pelican and Mad Catz. Companies like Sandisk and Lexar make just as good memory sticks as Sony. I have used Lexar and Sandisk products in my PDAs for years and never had a problem.