Ram & Rom?

[wct097]

Ok, I'm not so new as to not know the difference between RAM and ROM...... I'm just wondering what the signifigance of 48mb of ROM is..... Also, is ROM, not Read-Only on handhelds like it is on a desktop? Hopefully somone can alleviate some of my confusion.

[gamoooos]

basically ROM is where pocketpc2002 and all the software that comes with it is stored. (ROM - read only memory). RAM is where u can download stuff and store files (RAM - random access memory)

[vbhonda]

I'm used to the desktops where the more memory the better. Are the PC2002 OS PDAs equally sensitive? Can I get by with the cheaper dell or will it be well worth my dollars to go with the higher end model?

I use my current Palm based pda for appointments, a task list and it's appointment book. I would also use the Dell to store some pictures, but not as a heavy graphics use machine. I would also take advantage of the mp3 capabilities.

My current pda is a Handspring Visor Neo which is more the adequate for my current uses. I want to add the picture and mp3 capabilities and I'm sick of the monochrome screen. I do recommend the Visor for people who are only looking for an appointment book\task list manager. It does that job to perfection.

Thanks
~Mark

[gamoooos]

PocketPC programs are usually around a Meg each. So if you're a user who wants to donwload a lot of software, then get the highend Dell. $299 is not that much to spend considering the features. the highend dell has 48megs of ROM and from what i hear it comes using 26mb already which leaves you another 22 megs for your programs. The advantage of buying the more expensive dell is the 64mb or RAM which will be usefull for you to store pictures. But ofcourse you can always buy a 128mb Compact Flash card for as little as $30 - $45.

[wct097]

Now I'm more confused......

Programs are stored in the ROM (which means I can write programs to the READ-ONLY memory). Files are stored in the RAM (which includes flash cards). The machine uses RAM while running programs.

So.... programs cannot be stored in RAM, but only in ROM. Flash cards expand what? RAM? Can I not store a program on a flash card?

[gamoooos]

ok here is the breakdown for you.

1) ROM - Stores operating system and you can put programs you download on it also. Can not store files on there.

2) RAM - Can store either programs or files. You always need a few megs available here for some of the programs to run.

3) Compact Flash - that's the expanded memory cards you can add. You can actually store programs on there, but most of us just store files on it. So a 128mb card stores 4 hours of music.

4) SD/MMC - Another expansion slot on the Axim for more memory, can be used just like the compact flash.

Here's what I would do when I get it. Save all programs to the ROM. And when that's almost full, then I'd start saving programs to the RAM. The RAM holds things like your calendar info, your notes, your word or excel files ...etc. If you want to record music, I would suggest buying either Compact flash or SD card to record music. Again a 32 meg card holds about an hour of music.

[vbhonda]

Thanks gamoos that was exactly the information I was looking for! I wish that happened more often when I asked questions! Thanks again.

~Mark :)

[wct097]

Thanks for the info!! Exactly what I needed.

[hyl]

Can we remove the programs that are installed in the ROM?

I am looking to get more memory. Should I get regular CompactFlash memory, or get an SD card and leave CompactFlash slot for future wireless access installation.

Thanks.

[phxflyboy]

Along with hyl, I too am wondering which is better, CF or SD? I have some CF cards but both are pretty cheap and if the SD has an advantage, I'd get them.

Also, is there an advantage to saving programs in the ROM or RAM as opposed to just putting it on a card?

phxflyboy

[_ig_]

CF seems to be more portable across other devices, but SD frees up the CF slot in the Axim for other CF devices such as LAN/Modem/Wireless/GPS/Camera, etc... tough call... maybe you should get just one 128MB SD for Axim use only (it's what I did in the end)... $52 at amazon.com...

[dwinget]

I think I would go with SD so that the CF slot can remain available for other things like modems and wireless lan cards. Also, SD cards don't drain the battery as fast as CF cards. The only CF advantage I am aware of is in its higher storage capacity.

However, you might consider getting CF if you plan to share a CF memory card with a CF digital camera, etc.

Saving data on a memory card or rom is better than saving in ram. If you save data in rom or on a memory card, you don't have to worry about data being erased when the battery drains or if you have to do a hard reset. You should save critical documents on a memory card. Important programs should be installed into rom. Ram is more of a temporary storage area.

[hyl]

Which one have higher access speed, CF or SD card?

[gamoooos]

CF memory is faster than SD. Here is what you need to consider when you purchase each. I will list advantages of each of the SD & CF and based on that you can make your decision.

1/ Compact Flash Memory.

- Cheaper than SD (meg/$)
- Faster speed, so if you want to save a program that needs speed then buy CF over SD.

2/ Secure Digital Memory - SD

- Smaller size
- If you plan on using CF slot for expansion(GPS,GSM,WiFi,Modem), then buy SD memory.

[hyl]

Sorry for didn't ask this in my last post.

How much faster is the CF cards than SD cards?
What are their transfer rates?

Thanks.

[tonic32]

Here is a good websit to answer your questions:

http://www.envynews.com/review.php?ID=196&page=3

As you can see, they vary a lot between manufacturers.
I hope this helps.

[terrapin24h]

Call me dense but it just dawned on me that you can use the two slots at the same time, so you can jam tunes WHILE you use your gps!!!! aww man, I wish I bought one of these for myself now, not just for my wife :) As an aside, does anyone use any gps thingys with their axim? is there a particular model that gets better reception than others? I have a 12 channel garmin gps3 that I love, but the axim could prove to be the better gizmo.

--chris

[phxflyboy]

I'm wondering the same thing as terrapin24h. I would like a GPS unit for my Axim but don't know what is the best. Is there one that works for street level as well as aviation?

phxflyboy

[_ig_]

I've purchased the Pharos GPS and it works pretty well with my Axim X5 300MHz. I've only used it for road navigation though, nothing related to planes - yet ;-) - BTW, I have a 128MB SD card and maybe that's why I'm not complaining about the 40MB of maps I had to install.
ig