Program memory, data memory?

[Lasalas]

Hi there, I've just bought an Axim X5 + GPS bundle, and while it's being made by Dell, I've been looking around for memory. I want to be able to try and play "The Curse of Monkey Island", using the SCUMMvm software, which will need a 1gb card.

I have opted to use SD for my Axim stuff, and CompactFlash only for my camera data (I want to use the X5 on holiday as a larger screen to preview photographs).

My question is, do programs need to be stored on either of the memory cards, or is there some internal memory that is set aside for this purpose? It has 64mb SDRAM, but I gather that's cleared on a restart? What about the 40mb ROM?

[JakeRich]

Memory types:

ROM, BIS, Program, Main, CF Card, SD Card

ROM is Read Only Memory (hence ROM) and is where the operating system is stored. You can't use that for anything, it's all taken.

BIS is Built In Storage, and is the "leftover" of the ROM after the operating system was burned in by Dell. Dell provided a way to get to it so it can be used for storage, but it is slower than main memory or card memory. In the 300 mhz machines, there is about 5 Meg of BIS, in the 400 Mhz machines it's about 21 Meg.

Program and Main Storage are all in the 64Meg of SDRAM, with the boundary being automatically moved between them as needed (no, you can't set it permanently, the operating system controls the boundary). Program is where the programs run. To run, they get copied from wherever they are stored to Program Storage and then execute.

Main Storage is where you can store files of any type, install software, etc. It's roughly equivalent to the hard drive in your PC. Programs stored there are copied to Program Storage to run.

CF and SD Card is memory you can add. Most, but not all, programs can be installed on these cards, although most of them have at least some component that is required to be in Main Storage. You can also store files, such as your pictures, there. Programs installed on these cards are also copied to the Program Storage to run.

So, I'm not familiar with it but if your game will fit in Program Storage, it should run.

[Lasalas]

Hi there - The data files for the game are 0.98gb, so they'd need to go on an SD card - As far as the emulator goes, that I suppose would go onto the axim itself?

[JakeRich]

Or the card, if it will install and fit there. Emulators tend to be large and slow, so I'd keep as much out of Main Storage as I could. You could even try installing in the BIS, but be sure you have enough space. Some folks have reported that it gets corrupted and unusable if you try to store more than it can hold.

[Lasalas]

So do you use different cards for different programs?

[JakeRich]

No, I have one 1gig SD card and I have most of my programs installed on it. Of course, I don't need .98gig just for one program!

[Lasalas]

I've just bought two 1gb cards, so i'll keep Monkey Island on one and the rest on another. Thanks for your help!