Abstract: A personal data storage device for storing information and a system for storing and reading such information from the storage device. A programmable memory is encapsulated in a potting compound which includes a plurality of channels enclosing leads of the memory package. The channels extend to the outside of the encapsulated memory to permit exterior contact with the memory leads. A conductive sealant placed in the channels for sealing the channels of the encapsulated flash memory makes electrical contact with the leads. A device for reading the information from the data storage device includes a PCMCIA interface which can read and write data to and from the personal data storage device and a computer. The computer further includes programming for compressing and decompressing data which is stored and read from the personal data storage device.