Registered: Jul 2002
Location:
Posts: 120

MemPlug Newbie

Just got a great deal on a MemPlug smartmedia module. I've been tinkering with the idea of adding one to my famous Blue Neo for awhile. MemPlug's preinstalled version of CSpotRun was also a big draw for me.

And, speaking of my favorite book reading software, there is a new version of THE NEW JOY OF READING.

So, now I get to enjoy the fun of being a newbie again. .

I know nothing about using MemPlug and smartmedia cards, etc. and would greatly appreciate hearing from y'all.

I'm doing my homework on the PItech MemPlug and Launchpad sites and appreciate your additional input.

Thanks very much

Registered: Feb 2003
Location: somewhere in texas
Posts: 12

Start with a launcher that can directly access the card. I prefer Launcher III, which has now been replaced with Launcher X. Then you can start moving applications to the card.

PiMover will also let you move applications to the card, but in my experience a launcher that accesses the card is better.

If you are interested in reading ebooks, check out Blackmask Online.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Misplaced Canuck in Charleston SC
Posts: 257

I recommend reading through the stuff at www.launchplug.com

It orginally covered all things Memplug related, but now has extended itself to covering everything VFS and external memory related for all manner of PDAs. But still a very useful resource for Memplug owners.

There's also a Memplug Yahoo!group that you might want to join as well. It's a pretty active discussion group with lots of people that can give you advice on using your new Memplug.

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Registered: Jul 2002
Location:
Posts: 120

A little USB card reader/writer just arrived. The MemPlug hasn't arrived yet but should be here soon.

So.. it is time to look for a smartmedia card. What brand and how big? I know most people say to go with as big as you can get, but I prefer slim and trim. Am definitely interested in your input... especially regarding brands/off-brands, etc.

Thanks again, this is a big help for the MemPlug newbie (can you get one of these to stick somewhere in your cranium?)

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Misplaced Canuck in Charleston SC
Posts: 257

quote:

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Originally posted by alight

So.. it is time to look for a smartmedia card. What brand and how big? I know most people say to go with as big as you can get, but I prefer slim and trim. Am definitely interested in your input... especially regarding brands/off-brands, etc.

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Registered: Jul 2001
Location: OOB, ME
Posts: 176

talk to your geek friends... you'll likely find one who has a camera that uses SM and upgraded their memory.

I scored a free 4MB and a 40MB CF card.

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Only in a Jeep.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 118

I learned everything I know about MemPlug from www.launchplug.com

There are incompatibility issues with MemPlug CF but I don't think there were any with MemPlug SM. Info at the PiTech website only specifies 3.3V SM. Some really old SM needed 5V.

The good thing about SM is the very low power consumption. Have fun.

I spent a lot of time, effort, and $ figuring out CF compatibility before I settled upon a 128MB SanDisk CF. Viking was faster so it was promoted to my digital camera.

Registered: Jul 2002
Location:
Posts: 120

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnKes
The good thing about SM is the very low power consumption. Have fun.

I spent a lot of time, effort, and $ figuring out CF compatibility before I settled upon a 128MB SanDisk CF. Viking was faster so it was promoted to my digital camera.

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I think I just got confused again (doesn't take much ).

You mention the good thing about SM, then say you settled on CF??

The more I read the "confuseder" I get. Maybe I'll just be happy with my Neo the way it is.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 118

After reading about MemPlug and SM vs CF in VisorCentral*, I decided that CF was best for me. Plus I had a digital camera that used CF, so I had an 8MB CF to use on day 1. Then I went on my 128MB crusade.

CF is:
faster than SM
available in sizes >128MB
but only certain brands work with MemPlug

SM is:
much less (1/100th) power consumption
no apparent problem with different brands

My MemPlug+CF doubled the power use in my Deluxe (half the battery life). My Prism has such a huge battery that I don't notice it these days, even though the MemPlug is in all the time. I have megabytes of pictures, movies, games, and two backup sets. The original 8MB RAM is way too small for me now.

*They had great, up to date reviews at one time.

Registered: Jul 2002
Location:
Posts: 120

Thanks, folks

Finally went for a Viking smartmedia card.

Thanks for all the good info. Most helpful.