Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 7

Backup Module or 8 MB flash for 2MB Visor?

Hi. I have a standard 2MB Visor. I have a HotSync cradle, but would like some other form of backup too, since I use it away from home a lot. I really don't need a whole lot more memory, but I am starting to fill up the 2 MB. Would a Backup Module or 8 MB flash module be a better choice? I know the Backup Module is cheaper. Also, I've heard that some things shouldn't go on the flash module (databases, e.g.) . Could you back up databases on the flash module even though you're editing them only on the Visor, or would that screw things up? Could I use part of the 8 MB for backup and part for additional apps? Sorry if I'm not making any sense here, but I really am not familiar with how this module works.

Thanks for your input,
Pete

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 447

If you can swing the extra $15-20ish for the combo backup and 8MB module, that's probably what you should get.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Austin, TX USA
Posts: 178

I have a 2mb Visor with the 8mb flash, and I love it. I have 6.5mb on the flash, and 1.2mb free on the visor! And I run big apps like Wordsmith, mapopolis, eudora, etc.

A software alternative to the backup springboard is backupbuddy by Bluenomad (www.bluenomad.com).

__________________
--
ThirdMan

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 366

I would go with a combo module like Palmgear's stepup (both 8MB and 16MB models available) or Hagiwara's combo. As far as databases go on a flash module, it all depends on whether you are going to edit them or not. For example, say you have WordSmith. You would not want to put the docs you use into flash because they can be edited on WordSmith. But, if you have something like Noah Lite or Pro, it would be okay to put the dictionary database onto the Flash module because it is never edited.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 11

The only problem with this kind of memory module (8MB Flash) is that you can not put files larger than what you have in your Visor, which is 2MB. I used to have the 2MB visor and an 8MB Flash module. For me to store really large apps (like the Noah Pro), I had to ask a friend who has a VDX to store the apps in the Flash module from his unit.

Goodluck!

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 7

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

Zech: It does suck that you have to go through the Visor. That limits your options a lot. Are you saying that, in order to get a >2MB app on the flash module, you have to find someone with a VDX, give him your module, have him use his VDX to install the larger file on your module, then get it back? Also, are you using something different now, or did you just get rid of the 2MB visor?

volcanopele: I think those combo modules are way more exotic than what I'm looking for. Basically, I'm looking for something that will give me some extra memory and will also allow me to back up specific files rather than the whole Visor. Do you think the flash module would fit? Re database files: For backup purposes, I really just want to use the module in case the visor crashes. So, if I've changed several databases, I could back them up on the module. If the Visor crashed, I could then copy them back onto the Visor after a hard reset, then edit them on the Visor. In the meantime, if I changed them again (and it hasn't crashed) , I could just edit them on the Visor. It sounds like you're saying this would work as long as no editing is done on the flash module.

What about the Memory Access module? That has a couple of MB of memory too, doesn't it? Sounds like it costs more than it's worth, though.

Thanks,
Pete

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 11

Are you saying that, in order to get a >2MB app on the flash module, you have to find someone with a VDX, give him your module, have him use his VDX to install the larger file on your module, then get it back?
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Yup, that's what I did then and it worked!


Also, are you using something different now, or did you just get rid of the 2MB visor?
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Recognizing the memory "limitation" of my old 2MB visor, I sold it and just got myself a new Blue VDX. Together with the Flash module, I now have a total of 16MB!

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: El Segundo,CA
Posts: 374

You also could have had the memory chip changed from 2 meg to 8 meg.

__________________
My Treo has more memory than I do.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 268

Get a new visor. While flash and/or backup will give you temporary solution, you'll be much happier with an 8mb unit ... methinks.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 7

namja: I have actually thought about just upgrading to a VDX. However, I'd still want to have some form of backup for it. And, I'd still be able to use either module with a VDX if I do eventually upgrade.

I emailed Handspring, and they told me that you can use the flash module for backup and also that you should be able to back up databases on it as long as you don't modify them while they're on the module. This seems like a better fit for me than a backup module, so I've decided to buy one.

Thanks, everyone!

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 268

I realize that money is always a concern, but ... keep your eyes peeled to any bargains and buy the Visor Plat + backup module.

After coupons & free GC's, I ended up with a $200 Visor Plat and a $30 backup module. Brand new, not eBay.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 7

Hey, I'd made up my mind to buy the 8MB flash module when I saw that Palmgear is selling the Innopak 2MB flash/etc. for $25. That beats the hell out of $45. Has anyone ever used this? It sounds like this would be a better fit for the 2MB Visor than the 8MB flash module would be.

Comments?

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 7

Please disregard that last post. I just did a brief search on this site and found about 200 comments on the Innopak. I guess I should have looked first...

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 268

pje65,

something you might consider is the Marketplace here. You might be able to pick up a module for cheap(er), or maybe even a Visor Plat.

And, no, I'm not selling anything.