X3i only 32MB Built in Storage Memory?

fdwang · 10-27-03, 04:24 PM

Hi,

I just got my X3i and it shows only 32MB Built in Storage.

I thought this was supposed to have 64MB of ROM and 64MB or RAM?

Help

Astounded EEG · 10-27-03, 04:42 PM

32MB is used for WM2003.

My X5 Advanced only has 21.24MB of BIS for the same reason.

fdwang · 10-27-03, 06:54 PM

If the 32MB of Windows Mobile 2003 is stored in the Axim's Built in Storage, then what is stored in the 64MB of ROM?

And What happens if you only have 32MB of ROM and 32MB of RAM?

Seems like if 64MB of ROM and 64MB of RAM are barely enough, then if you are at 32/32, you probably are SOL????

Astounded EEG · 10-27-03, 09:21 PM

BIS = user available ROM

The Axim Basics have about 3MB of left over ROM that are user available after WM2003 is accounted for. I think the OS is slightly less than 30MB, not 32MB.

All Axims (currently) also have either 32MB or 64MB of RAM.

This can be used for anything. Some of it is used by the Axim as program memory, depending on what and how many programs are being run.

What is left over is available to the user as storage memory. My experience is that at most my axim needs about 20MB of RAM for program memory if I'm running something really intensive. This means:

-If you have 64MB (63.33MB) RAM, about 44MB are available to you for storage purposes.
-If you have 32MB RAM, about 12MB RAM are available to you for storage.

The important difference between ROM and RAM is that RAM gets purged when the axim loses power (both batteries die) while the ROM remains intact.

This method of advertising memory is, by the way, entirely the norm for PPCs.

tralalala · 10-27-03, 10:06 PM

Astounded EEG - thanks for detailed explanation!
I was wondering about that too...

jmwils1 · 10-30-03, 07:07 PM

Exactly which processor does the x3i have? I can't find this on Dell's site. I have seen one review (cnet) stating it is the PXA255 which according to intel supports 32 MB ROM(http://www.intel.com/design/pca/prodbref/252780.htm), and another (on bargainpda.com) stating it has a PXA263 which according to intel only has up to 32 MB ROM(http://www.intel.com/design/pca/prodbref/251671.htm). This 32 or 64 issue keeps coming up. I realize that about 32 MB of ROM is used by PPC2003, but isn't there a program that reports the total amount of both RAM & ROM - including what's in use? I'd really like to put this issue to rest - I want ~96 MB available for my use (128 total) and it appears, at least according to Intel's document, that Dell has mis-advertised its product.

Astounded EEG · 10-31-03, 02:13 PM

the x3i has the pxa 263.

it seems to have some kind of integrated ROM memory with it, probably in the amount of 32MB.

you really only need to concern yourself with the speed and type of the processor (300 or 400mhz, pxa 263).

For ROM and RAM, just look at what dell says on its customize pages. know that about 30MB of the ROM on any unit (any ppc) will be used for the OS, and the rest is available to the user for storage.

as for RAM, a considerable portion will be used as program RAM, on average probably 7-12MB, depending on your usage. this probably goes for any other ppc as well.

jmwils1 · 10-31-03, 03:20 PM

Well if it has the 263, then doesn't it only have 32 MB total of Strataflash ROM (according to the intel doc) - which would leave about 3 MB available there, and about 52 available in the RAM? Or do you think the document is outdated, and Dell has worked some sort of deal with Intel that would allow for a 64 MB model of Strataflash ROM on the 263? Or is there another 32 MB of strataflash ROM stored seperately from the processor (this seems unlikely looking at the intel figure in that doc)?

I understand what you are saying, but if users are reporting (on multiple sites) that the model only shows 32 MB of ROM total & the intel site itself reports only 32 MB of strataflash ROM, this leads me to think that maybe Dell has posted incorrect specs. Is there any freeware program that actually shows how much ROM is on the machine? What I'd like to see is 64 MB ROM (30 in use by WM2003), 64 MB RAM (12 used by running processes).

BTW, I really do appreciate all the help, and I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm arguing or whining. I just want the best PPC for the money, and the Toshiba 755 is now slightly less expensive than the X3i, has all the same specs that Dell reports, and has a CF slot in addition to the SD.

Thanks,
John

silentknight · 10-31-03, 04:20 PM

Its really simple...
You know you have 64 MBs of usable storage...

and you know you have 34 MB of built in storage...

now the OS cant be stored no where... so it must
be the other 30 MB .... thus = 128 MB total.... 64 and 64...

But just for kicks here's the program you are looking for..
http://www.freewareppc.com/utilities...myramarm.shtml

jmwils1 · 10-31-03, 05:38 PM

I feel like such an idiot. My x3i finally finished charging and I understand what this is about finally. System Information shows 64 MB RAM/64 MB/ROM. I thought people were looking at this and seeing 32 MB ROM, but they were looking at the Built In Storage under the Memory Settings tab. I still don't understand why Intel's site shows only 32 MB of ROM, but now that I'm sure I have 128 total, I don't care. Many apologies and thanks!

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