Formatting SD, CF cards?

[cemuller]

Am I correct that I need Resco Explorer or similar software to format cards in my X50? What are alterantives, if card management is all I am looking to add to built-in functions? (Search at FreewarePocketPC did not turn up anything.)
Thanks in advance for any ideas-

[AnswerDude]

Alternatives:
Flash Format
http://www.cnetx.com/format/

StorageTools
http://www.softwinter.com/storagetools.html

Pocket Mechanic
http://www.omegaone.com/PocketPC/PM.html

If you have usb card reader that attach to the desktop, you can also format it on the desktop inside Explorer just like any other desktop's drives.

[cemuller]

Thank you for the fast, complete information, AnswerDude... When I format from the desktop (or from X50 via software)- what should I be specifying for FAT type (16, 32, whatever) if I am asked the question when formatting SD and CF cards. -I appreciate the help.

[AnswerDude]

From Anton Tomov the author of Pocket Mechanic ;

To summarize: FAT16 + larger cluster size = better performance (use if you will store a few large files on the volume to avoid large "slack"). FAT16 should also be used if the card will be used in a digital camera. Most digital cameras only support FAT16. FAT32 + smaller cluster size = better space allocation (less "slack") - use for cards larger than 64-128MB and when storing a lot of small files.