Mini CD is a new form of CD that can be very useful when you only want to distribute a small amount of data like device drivers you would find with mp3 players for example.The format is mainly used for audio CD singles in certain regions, much like the old vinyl single. An 80 mm disc can hold up to 24 minutes of music, or 210 MB of data. They are often referred to as Maxi CDs in some countries.

A great way to show off your new Mini CD ROM is to use a Mini CD Case. The Mini CD Case is usually supplied with the 8cm disc when you buy a branded product. If you buy your Mini CD ROM in bulk it may prove hard to source the case that you require.

Mini CD Cases are the same as a full size jewel case used with a normal CD, but due to their compact nature they can often be perceived as offering more style.

While almost any spindle-based or tray-based CD device can utilize mini CD media, some devices have been designed expressly to use the smaller format, usually for portability reasons.

Most tray-loading CD devices have 2 'wells'; one sized for a regular 120 mm CD, and a smaller, deeper well for MiniCDs to fit into.

Devices that feature an opening lid have no problem with MiniCDs, as the disc can simply be placed onto the spindle as with a normal CD.

Some vertically aligned tray-loading devices, such as the PlayStation 2 when placed vertically, require an adaptor for use with 80 mm CDs which can be annoying sometimes. Slot-loading CD drives are generally incompatible, (the iMac of 1999 is an exception), but adapters are available into which one can snap an 80 mm round miniCD in order to extend the width to match that of a 120 mm CD, and thus work in many slot-loading devices. There are no adapters for business-card sized CDs.

The Nintendo GameCube for example, uses 80 mm discs for all software. The slot-loading Wii accepts GameCube discs.

As well as mini CDs, you can find mini DVDs for the same purpose.
A mini DVD is an 80 mm diameter disc like the mini CD. In normal recording, it can hold up to 30 minutes of video or up to 1.4 GB of data. Under SLP mode, which is comparable to VHS quality, it can hold up to 120 minutes of video. The mini DVD was originally developed for use in camcorders, but unlike its full-sized 120 mm counterpart, it cannot be played back in most DVD players.

Although working out at around £1 per gigabyte, they are aimed at the Camcorder market where they will nearly double the length of recording time but are also compatible with DVD players and drives that support dual layer media.

You can easily find companies doing mini CD or mini DVD replication or duplication on top of normal sized CDs and DVDs duplication and replication. They are becoming more and more popular as they offer a unique way to store your data and are usually cheaper than normal CDs or DVDs when you only have a small amount of data to copy. So think about it next time you want to do CD or DVD duplication or replication.