Memory Confusion

sdearth · 02-20-03, 08:23 AM

I'm a bit confused about the memory that my system is reporting available to me and am hoping someone can clarify this.

I have a 300MHz device, which is supposed to have 32MB SDRAM and 32MB ROM. When I inspect the memory usage under settings, it reports:

Main Memory:
Storage 17.33 allocated, 14.49 in use
Program 14.22 allocated, 5.93 in use

fair enough, this I can understand. But when I look at Storage Card (Built-in), it reports:
Total storage card: 5.62MB
In use: 0.01 MB Free: 5.61MB

I'm confused, is this normal, or do I have a memory problem?

Mike C · 02-20-03, 08:56 AM

It's normal. The 5mb you see is the left over ROM space that the pre-installed software didn't consume. This space is made writable and called Built-in Storage.

pmoto · 02-20-03, 09:13 AM

The internal "memory" of the Axim can be divided into 3 catagories.

The ROM memory is the memory that is reserved for operating system "stuff". However, a portion of this ROM is made available to users. It is referred to as Built-In Storage. Information stored in ROM is not lost when batteries are removed or a hard-reset is performed. Many users use this area to store backups, and other vital files.

The RAM memory is allocated between two catagories. The Program Memory is that portion of RAM that is used by programs in order for them to start-up and run. Similar to what PC users think of when referring to RAM.

The remainder of the RAM is referred to as Storage Memory. This memory can be used as another storage location for files, programs, etc. However it differs from Built-In Storage in the fact that all information stored in this area is lost when both batteries are removed or a hard-reset is performed.

The allocation between Program Memory and Storage Memory is managed by the operating system. However, you can temporarily modify the amount allocated to each of these types of storage.

I believe your situation would be normal. I have an Axim 400 so can't say for sure, but I think the operating system uses approx 27 MB of the ROM. This would leave about 5 MB of Built-In Storage for those users with 32 MB or ROM and 21 MB of Built-In Storage for those users with 48 MB or ROM.