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Memplug vs. matchbookdrive Module


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Topic: Memplug vs. matchbookdrive Module

Jensterd
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Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 2

Author's disclaimer:
This is an opinion. This is only an opinion. Everyone has one. Here's mine....

Having tried the MatchBook Drive, the MemPlug, and the standard 8MB flash module...

I can tell you the MemPlug works the best!!

The 8mb flash module is the most reliable - and seems to cause the fewest lock-ups. But then, it's by Handspring for the Handspring....

The MemPlug is outstanding in its performance - and works without a hitch. The built in software installed perfectly and I was up and running within a minute. My only complaint is it is not 100% flush with the Visor.

The Matchbook Drive module has been tempermental since day one. It also seems to perform the slowest of the three - despite the use of fastest compact flash technology over smart media.

Battery life in order of shortest to longest : Matchbook Drive, MemPlug, Flash Module.

FYI: In both cases (Matchbok and MemPlug), the expansion memory card was a Kingston 64 Meg.

Next step?
Well, that Prism...or the Platinum is looking really nice. Could use the extra speed. The modules do take a toll on my patience.

Anyone know if a new Handspring is due out soon - ie, the 'Twist'??

05-30-2001 03:23 PM

septimus
VisorCentral Staff

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

Yep. It's time we jumpstarted the SM vs. CF debate. I gotta say I'm a little confused as to what's supposed to be coming down the pike on the CF side. I've heard that VFS is coming, and that PI is also developing software for CF, but I've seen no hard evidence yet.

Gotta say, I like the CF better but for no earthly reason other than I happen to have it & don't have the memplug.

Is ANYBODY out there going to stick it out and see if there is a better CF solution?

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05-30-2001 03:27 PM

hxh167
Member

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Penn State
Posts: 116

Jensterd,
Did you update your Kopsis software to the most recent edition? Dave improved the speed of the software A LOT. I have the three modules you mentioned above. On the contrary, I like the CF adapter better than Memplug because of its speed. I feel the CF adapter is much faster than Memplug.

06-04-2001 05:34 PM

Matthew Nichols
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Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 714

Kessler is practically promising VFS support for the Flash Adapters eventually, but who knows when?

PiDirect will be available soon & is compatible in the short run with every app, probably by the time enough VFS apps come out to make it really worth it I'll own a Visor w/ OS 4.0 and not have to worry about it.

Software that runs on the SMC MemPlug will work with the CF MemPlug.

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06-04-2001 07:36 PM

septimus
VisorCentral Staff

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

quote:
Originally posted by Matthew Nichols
Kessler is practically promising VFS support for the Flash Adapters eventually, but who knows when?

PiDirect will be available soon & is compatible in the short run with every app, probably by the time enough VFS apps come out to make it really worth it I'll own a Visor w/ OS 4.0 and not have to worry about it.

Software that runs on the SMC MemPlug will work with the CF MemPlug.

On the Yahoo Group, Dave wrote:

quote:
VFS is a "big" API so it's still too soon to say when it will be
"complete" and ready for a proper beta. However, I'm prioritizing the
functions based on what certain VFS apps require. At the top of the
list are all the functions required by the VFS support in Launcher III
(Bozidar Benc was kind enough to provide me with a list of all the VFS
functions his app calls). When those are in place and Launcher III
works, I'll do a dev release for people who want to start playing with
it. Incremental releases will follow as additional portions of the VFS
API are completed. Timeframe for the first dev release - 2 weeks
... but keep in mind that's a goal, not a promise.

As for an early release for Prism users, I do all my initial testing
on a VDX (I hate having to hard-reset/restore the PDA that I actually
use so whatever is released should work for everyone.

...And as I said before, when VFS is here you can use MSMount to include the functionality of PiXXX. And this will be a standardVFS. One month from now, I expect to be using my CF card all the time!

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06-04-2001 07:40 PM

yardie
Member

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 1571

quote:
Originally posted by hxh167
Jensterd,
Did you update your Kopsis software to the most recent edition? Dave improved the speed of the software A LOT. I have the three modules you mentioned above. On the contrary, I like the CF adapter better than Memplug because of its speed. I feel the CF adapter is much faster than Memplug.

I agree. The speed is phenomenal. Furthermore, the software is always being updated. Too bad we do not hear much about the Innopocket/Matchbookdrive on this board anymore. It seems that the folks at PiTech have won the marketing war. They really pulled a coup when their module start appearing on Handspring's main page.

06-04-2001 08:10 PM

Matthew Nichols
Member

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 714

quote:
Originally posted by yardie
They really pulled a coup when their module start appearing on Handspring's main page.

Not MemPlug's fault they had a real Springboard

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06-04-2001 08:13 PM

septimus
VisorCentral Staff

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

quote:
Originally posted by Matthew Nichols

Not MemPlug's fault they had a real Springboard

While I see that MemPlug beat everybody else to the punch with a SM and CF memory solution, seems to me that it's substandard, it doesn't match up the the VFS standard that all the developers are using for the M series, Sony Clie, Handera 330, and the TRG. If everybody else is going to use that VFS standard, and the Memplug is backordered until who knows when, why would I want it? What am I missing? Seems that the Kopsis/Innopocket Flash Module VFS solution is the best all around.

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06-04-2001 08:24 PM

yardie
Member

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 1571

quote:
Originally posted by dietrichbohn

While I see that MemPlug beat everybody else to the punch with a SM and CF memory solution, seems to me that it's substandard, it doesn't match up the the VFS standard that all the developers are using for the M series, Sony Clie, Handera 330, and the TRG. If everybody else is going to use that VFS standard, and the Memplug is backordered until who knows when, why would I want it? What am I missing? Seems that the Kopsis/Innopocket Flash Module VFS solution is the best all around.

I agree. I was lusting after the Memplug CF until I learned about VFS and what Dave have planned. I really do not need the "substandard" frills that come along with the Memplug. all I was interested in is the Backup/File MOver and PiDirect.

06-04-2001 08:31 PM

Jensterd
Member

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 2

Thanks for all the feedback!

No - I must admit that I did not upgrade my software.
Based on ya'lls info, I'll give the Matchbook another try

06-05-2001 02:19 PM

septimus
VisorCentral Staff

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

quote:
Originally posted by Jensterd
Thanks for all the feedback!

No - I must admit that I did not upgrade my software.
Based on ya'lls info, I'll give the Matchbook another try

Well, don't try them yet... They're on the brink of coolness, but haven't delived the mother lode yet.

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06-05-2001 02:21 PM

hxh167
Member

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Penn State
Posts: 116

quote:
Originally posted by dietrichbohn

Well, don't try them yet... They're on the brink of coolness, but haven't delived the mother lode yet.

I will say, "Just give it a try." It won't hurt, right?

06-05-2001 05:35 PM

Magic_Al
Member

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 17

PIDirect may not be a free download

I visited PI's website yesterday. I'm not 100% sure because there is some contradiction, but a disturbing message appeared at http://www.memplug.com/Compare.htm. At the bottom of the page it says that PiDirect is sold separately, but no price was listed...:confused

quote:
Originally posted by Matthew Nichols
Kessler is practically promising VFS support for the Flash Adapters eventually, but who knows when?

PiDirect will be available soon & is compatible in the short run with every app, probably by the time enough VFS apps come out to make it really worth it I'll own a Visor w/ OS 4.0 and not have to worry about it.

Software that runs on the SMC MemPlug will work with the CF MemPlug.

06-05-2001 11:47 PM

PiDeveloper
Member

Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 159

quote:
Originally posted by yardie

I agree. I was lusting after the Memplug CF until I learned about VFS and what Dave have planned. I really do not need the "substandard" frills that come along with the Memplug. all I was interested in is the Backup/File MOver and PiDirect.

VFS is a standard File System interface for PalmOS.

VFS support will be our next project to focus on. Memplug users will have free upgrade to VFS support once it is available.

- PiDeveloper

06-06-2001 12:43 AM

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