Implications of limited writes to flash drives

[Richard Gaskin]

Flash memory has an inherent limitation on the number of reliable write 
operations.  Unfortunately, that number is measured not in millions, but 
in thousands:

   Like all flash memory devices, flash drives can sustain only
   a limited number of write and erase cycles before failure.
   Mid-range flash drives under normal conditions will support
   several hundred thousand cycles, although write operations
   will gradually slow as the device ages. This should be a
   consideration when using a flash drive to run application
   software or an operating system.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive#Strengths_and_weaknesses>

The implications for applications are significant, esp. those which 
might seek the user convenience of an auto-save feature.

Have any of you had a flash drive fail on writes?
How serious do you think this limitation is in practical use?

-- 
  Richard Gaskin
  Managing Editor, revJournal
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