Question about SD Memory Cards / Digital Camera . . .?

I am planning a trip in a couple of weeks and will be taking a whole lot of photos.
I have a 512MB SD Memory Card in my camera and I never take it out. I always just download to the computer and let the computer delete the files on the card or I delete them manually.
Here's the question: I want to pick up another 512 card and switch out the used card (when it's full) for the unused card at some point.
Is it dangerous to remove the card while it still has photos on it that I have not yet downloaded to my computer? In other words, if I remove the card, do I risk losing what is saved on it? I still have the little plastic case to store it in.
I'm just not that experienced and thought someone might have some insight.
I'd really appreciate any good advice I can get. Thanks!

It is safe to remove. For added protection, please lock the card by turning the switch up on the left-hand side of the sd card. Enjoy taking those pictures!

You can remove the card with out any problem and put in the new card. You might want to consider purchasing a card with higher capacity, 1Gb or 2Gb. Prices for those have really come down quite a lot and you can keep the smaller 512Mb card as an emergency spare.

Check out google products or tigerdirect.com

No it is safe to take it out just make sure it doesn't get damaged.

no, it's not dangerous...I do it daily. I have a Fuji A820 point and shoot digital and a Nikon D40, both with SD chips.

you will be perfectly ok to take it out.. if you feel iffy about it.. you can always lock the memory card, there is a very small switch on the side of the memory card .. and yes, i recommend buying a bigger memory card.. they are very innexpensive now.. you can usually get a gig of memory for about 30 dollars or so..