Built in storage

nomar05 · 02-11-03, 12:45 PM

How do you use your Built-in Storage?

I've just learned that it is basically your leftover ROM, that is not being used by the OS.
So on the 400MHz model, you have ~23 MB of storage to use as you see fit.

I'd like to use it as efficently as possible and some questions come to mind:
1) Does the Axim access data in Built-in Storage faster than Program/Storage memory?
2) If that's the case, should I install my frequently used (i.e. favorite) programs there?
3) I assume I can unistall, remove, and/or edit files I store in Built-in Storage, correct?
4) Is there any reason why I should not use up the Built-in Storage, before moving on to my Program/Storage memory?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Gabriel · 02-11-03, 01:47 PM

Hello there

1. I would think it would access the main memory a little faster but not really enough to notice.
2. I try to install all programs on the CF card, cause that way its easier and you know where everything is :)
3. Yes you can move, install, reinstall, uninstall, delete, rename anything with the CF card.
4. Only thing i can mainly think of is maybe easier to have all prog on CF card and back up the main mem for the reg installs kinda thing.
It would be a smaller back up file and u wont have to worry about things much.

I LOVE MINE :)
oh and if you can get battery pack 2003.. very nice program...
hope this helps

Mike1138 · 02-11-03, 05:35 PM

Can you do all of these things just as easily on the SD card?

Deputy · 02-11-03, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike1138@Feb 11 2003, 02:35 PM
Can you do all of these things just as easily on the SD card?

Yes and I would recommend doing that to keep your CF slot available for peripherals. I thought the more built in storage you use the less memory is available for programs to use (kind of like virtual memory). That is why I install pretty much everything to my SD card. Could be wrong here ...

nomar05 · 02-11-03, 07:13 PM

Secure Digital / MMC Memory Card Slot:
I have a 128 MB SanDisk SD Card which I use to load mp3s, jpegs, mpegs, photo albums, and ebooks...but I have no apps on it.

CompactFlash Type II Card Slot:
I keep free for my D-LinkAir DCF-660W Wireless Network 2.4GHz Wireless Compact Flash Adapter . Though I have my eye's peeled for the 32 MB CF Memory Card that CompUSA offers for free after rebate every once in a while.

All my apps (25 aftermarket apps) are loaded in my Program/Storage memory and I still have 42.5 MB free. My guess is as long as I have at least 10 MB of Program/Storage memory free, my Axim will continue to be lighting fast. Can anybody back up that statement?

That being said, I also have 21.2 MB free in my Built-in Storage. Now if I can just figure out the best way to utilize it.

Swordsman74 · 02-11-03, 10:42 PM

I have a 400, so I have the 64mb RAM + 21mb BIS to play with... along with a 256mb SD card.

Deputy - are you sure about the OS using the built-in storage? Even when I have programs running I never saw a change in available memory in that area. Can anyone else confirm that this is the case?

I'm concerned about that because I keep my "files" like Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, and even themes and photos in the Built In Storage area. I figured it is the most secure place since it won't get wiped even with a hard reset.

I load all of my programs and games into the main memory. This is mostly just for speed reasons...and so far I have no worry of running out of room there. If/when I do need to clear RAM space, I will move some slower programs to run from the SD card instead, leaving the faster games and such in RAM.

On the SD card I have a backup of the RAM/BIS data, music, videos/movies, and any other large files (like TomeRaider files of IMDB.com and Oxford English Dictionary).

My CF slot is empty except when I transfer files from my Canon camera. I am holding out until summer for one of those 256mb + WiFi combo cards that were recently announced... :D

I like seeing how other people organize their Axims - keep 'em coming!!

slam525i · 02-11-03, 10:54 PM

:o STOP!!! Do not install programs into the Built-in Storage! There's a bug in Pocket PC 2002 such that sometimes after installing/un-installing programs in to/out of the built-in storage, you'll actually loose your built-in storage and nothing you can do will bring it back. Ask me how I know. <_<

sid311 · 02-11-03, 11:01 PM

Is this true? I've never heard of such a bug affecting PPC 2002. Anyone else have any comments on this?

nomar05 · 02-11-03, 11:07 PM

I was experimenting with putting data files in the Built-in storage tonight and was able to delete them without any problem. But I have yet to install software there

...still waiting to hear other user's experience ;)

royboy81 · 02-11-03, 11:09 PM

Deputy-
You're getting built-in storage confused with RAM. The built-in storage is left over ROM. This is where the OS and various PPC2k2 programs are stored. Dell, and maybe other mfg., have found a way to open it up as storage. It is like having a small CF or SD card already on your system.

I would use it for data storage only...

sid311 · 02-11-03, 11:55 PM

Ok, so I've installed two programs into my built in storage, am I at some sort of risk of screwing something up? Did these programs both go into ROM memory? The two programs I installed were Pocket TV (I don't think its too big) and SimCity 2000 (which is fairly large).

-sid311

Mike C · 02-11-03, 11:59 PM

Sure. The OS is stored in ROM, except for the part that's used as RAM. That would be Built-in Storage, except for the part that's ROM. The ROM is read into RAM, but not in the part of ROM that's RAM, get it?
The RAM that doesn't get used for programs is storage memory (not the ROM RAM).

OK, now for memory cards ...

Deputy · 02-12-03, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike C@Feb 11 2003, 08:59 PM
The RAM that doesn't get used for programs is storage memory (not the ROM RAM).

OK, looks like I am still a little confused! So based on this statement, the more memory I use for installing programs, the less I have for RAM (running programs)? I'm thinking of the memory slider that allocates storage/programs memory ...

Mike C · 02-12-03, 12:25 AM

Ok ... really ... the preloaded software is loaded into ROM at the facrory, and the left over space is made available as "Built-in storage". This memory is non-volatile ... does not need power to "remember" and does not get erased in a hard reset.
The 64mb of RAM is volatile. The OS lives and runs in RAM ... usually taking up less than 15mb, depending on what you have running. The rest of the RAM is available as "Storage memory" for loading extra programs and files.
The operating system need some room to function, so if you fill up the storage memory, it will slow to a crawl as it fights for space. The slider tries to keep plenty of space for the OS and programs to work, but you can easily cramp it by loading too much stuff.

catskillian85 · 04-01-03, 12:42 PM

I understand the difference between these two types of memory, so, if I've got it straight, the Ax's "storage memory" is RAM, and the "built-in storage" is ROM. Am I correct so far?

But what I'm confused about is where the default "My Documents" folder is located -- is it in the "built-in storage" or the "storage memory"?

I would think it's in the built-in storage (ROM), since its contents stay in place when the device is turned off. But if that's the case, what is the storage memory (RAM) used for?

Battery Pack tells me I've got lots of free built-in storage space, but not much storage memory space. I can't understand what's taking up all that room! I have almost all my add-on apps (games, couple of utilities, etc.) installed on my SD card.

Can anyone clarify this for me, please?