Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 4

Newbie - Memory Expansion Modules

I'm getting a Neo for Xmas and am interested in memory expansion. The Handspring modules seem a bit pricey, and I'm looking at the Compact Flash adapters as a way to expand more economically. What I don't know is:
There seem to be three types of expansion available, direct memory expansion modules (like the Springboard 8 meg for $79.95), backup modules (considerably less) and the Compact Flash adapters (which, after the initial $50 for the adapter, seem to offer a very economical alternative). What are the differences in capability of the three types? In particular, what can I do with the $80 Springboard module that I cannot do with the Compact Flash adapter/module?
Thanks in advance for lifting the veil of ignorance!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

You can take the Backup Module out of the equation. It's sole purpose is to provide backup & restore functions and cannot be used for any other purpose. This doesn't make it a bad module... quite the contrary, it's a very good and well-liked module, it just doesn't fit in the memory expansion category.

As for the differences between regular Flash RAM modules and the CF or SmartMedia ones, there's been a lot of discussion here already. Reading through the existing threads should give you a lot of answers.

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 29

Re: Memory Expansion Modules

I was in the same boat back in august. I didn't know which external memory to buy. I had a 8 meg expansion card from HS which worked well but was rapidly filling up. The two choices I was considering were memplug and flashplus. In the end I chose the flashplus which I ordered from Keith Hudson at matchbook drive, and I have to say I'm very happy with it. Dave at Kopsis writes some great software, and is very responsive to bug reports. He's also continously working to improve and update his product.
I can't in all fairness compare flashplus to memplug because I have no experience with memplug. But you could get a good idea of what is going on by visiting the yahoo memplug and flashadapter discussion groups. Good luck!
memplug
Flash Adapter forum

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 832

The HS module comes ready to roll - There is one for sale by Euangel right now for $40 shipped. The CF adapters require you to purchase extra software -PiDirect or Kopsis software - so that's an added expense over the module & CF card. I guess it boild down to how much extra storage you need.
Sterling

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 25

Extra software is optional

quote:

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Originally posted by dampeoples
The CF adapters require you to purchase extra software -PiDirect or Kopsis software - so that's an added expense over the module & CF card.

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 832

I know the PiDirect only allows for one directory and 20 files in that directory unregistered, I don't know about filemover, I assumed it was limited in some form out of the box.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 80

Kopsis software isn't limited in any way out of the box.

In fact, you get the added bonus of participating in Dave's awesome betas. The people who had registered kopsis software (or bought a flashplus) got to beta test the VFS portion of his software for a long time before it was released in 2.0.0.

I can also say i've never had my visor lock up due to one of Dave's betas, and I have my Matchbook drive MD-001 in my visor 24/7.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 29

Ditto here. Kopsis software has done nothing but enhance my Prism's capabilities.The only problem I've run into with this VFShelper software so far was deciding what to do with all the extra memory I've gained. Even the betas have worked well so far (knock on wood)!
But dampeoples has a point. If all your going to do is use the PDA for basic address, memo,and similar organizer functions, a HS memory module would do you fine.In fact the RAM on the basic unit would probabely be enough.