SD Memory Cards

mtbballer · 07-24-03, 02:05 PM

I've seen multiple threads on memory cards for the Axim. I've ordered the Sandisk 256MB SD card through Dell. My question is has anyone had problems that Dell won't support? What types of problems should I expect with this card? From what I recall, everything is mainly focused on large files.

Also, on another subject, how does Pocket Outlook handle multiple email accounts? I have an Exchange server than I connect to at work and a POP3 server that I connect to at home (through Comcast), but I want my contacts, email, etc to stand spart from each other. Does Pocket Outlook sync up with Outlook on my PC or does it get email directly from my server (no matter which server)? Also, if you can run multiple email accts, how is my contact list affected?

Still waiting on my Axim from Dell. I'm dying to get my new toy, but I want it to work correctly. Supposedly, it'll ship on 7/28...

cartvader1 · 07-24-03, 02:35 PM

I can only speak for the SD card question. Just expect it to randomly crap out on you and you will probably loose all the data you had on the card. I know someone who used one for about a month w/o problems.... then tons of problems. Also expect that app installs won't always install the first time you try. Anyone else out there - am I missing anything??

CV1

littlekevbo · 07-24-03, 02:38 PM

I have used mine since Feb (as has the 6 others we have).... installed apps, used for MP3s. sved backups to/from... pretty much all the things you might do with a SD card and had NO TROUBLES... not one.

Sandisk 256mb SD (also have 256mb CF without problems as well)

mtbballer · 07-24-03, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the replies. It really sounds like a crapshoot on the SD card. Bizarre...

dan12 · 07-24-03, 03:06 PM

I ordered the Kingston sd from Dell, and it has worked good so far.

07-24-03, 03:18 PM

uh what's your definition of "support".....technically Dell "supports" a lot of stuff....but most memory cards have decent warranties, so if Dell leaves you hanging (I know, it's hard to imagine), the manufacturer should set you back on your feet.

mtbballer · 07-24-03, 03:22 PM

My definition of "support" is if/when there is a problem with the SanDisk 256 SD, will they replace it (preferrably with something else), or merely tell me to contact the manufacturer? The latter is hardly support.

littlekevbo · 07-24-03, 04:20 PM

yes, it seems like the luck of the draw for SanDisk cards.... I may have gone with something else had I heard this info from the start... (just to be safe)..... but we have been lucky.

"support" is a very subjective word.... any answer to a question is support (even if the answer is one you do not like)....... it is the level of support we are talking about, yes? I seem to agree with you that the level of support I expect is that they activly DO something about the problem (ie replace with working or another brand) and find out why they are having troubles in the first place.

I am saddened by the level of support, not just in Dell's case, in the tech industry as a whole.... In outsourcing to save money they have cut support to a ridiculous level.

eurosteve · 07-24-03, 07:35 PM

Looks like a bad move to me. I got stuck with a SanDisk 256 meg SD card. AFTER 30 days Dell won't deal with it at all. Sandisk will give you another bad card. Why go with a known problem? I finally bought a Panasonic and I can focus my energy elsewhere!

My advice, don't even unpack it- send it back and get a brand that you KNOW will work. Check out HappyCheescake's site.

Steve

npoon · 07-25-03, 09:25 AM

Which brands of sd cards are known to work? Lexar, simple tech, viking?

corymcnutt · 07-25-03, 09:55 AM

I purchased my SanDisk 256 SD card from Dell when I got my AXIM about 6 weeks ago...I use it alot and have had no problems with it. I'll keep my fingers crossed now...I didn't realize there were so many problems with them.

AlanX5 · 07-25-03, 10:01 AM

I bought a SanDisk 256 from Costco and it was bad. It worked for 1 day then died ("Do you want to format your storage card so you can use it?") I tried mutiple methods of formatting in different formats. Most of the time it would run indefinetly, i.e. 8 hours or more. It lost 20 megs to "ROM" folders that could not be removed. blah blah blah!
I returned it and bought a SimpleTech 256 SD from TapeAndMedia.com for $88 abd it works perfectly. I've beaten it to death and it still works. The SimpleTech is rated at FULL 10Mbits/sec. this may be why it works better, you get an effective 244megs vs. 241, and it has a lifetime guarantee.
BTW, did you know that if you copy music that is copywrited, the SD Card will not let it play? Check out SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) for more info.

mtbballer · 07-25-03, 10:17 AM

Everything I've read is that cards that come from Japan are the good ones.

AlanX5 - is your card from Japan?

AlanX5 · 07-25-03, 10:35 AM

The SanDisk was China (or Taiwan?) and the SimpleTech is from Japan.

Magadin · 07-25-03, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtbballer
My definition of "support" is if/when there is a problem with the SanDisk 256 SD, will they replace it (preferrably with something else), or merely tell me to contact the manufacturer? The latter is hardly support.

I had two faulty SanDisk cards, Dell refunded my money for both with no problems.

I now use a Lexar which has been in my system for two months with no messages or problems...

On the support side, I guess it's just who you happen to get on the phone at the time (which really isn't an excuse)