Questions from a new user

[Unregistered]

I recently entered the magnificent world of Sony Clies, purchasing the NX-60 on sale last week. I have searched many of the old threads to answer my questions, but still haven't found the answers to a few of them:

1. What brand MS is recommended? I have heard about Lexar, SanDisc, Sony... Are there any advantages to using Sony's?
Also, I don't understand the talk about MS patches. If I purchase a 128mb stick, do I need these patches? And, what are patches?

2. Which types of programs should I leave in the Clie's RAM and which should I store on the MS?

3. Is the installed factory launcher my only built-in option? Are there any other ways of "cleaning up" the display aside from downloading one of the new launcher programs?

I tried searching the forum, but couldn't find the answers to these questions - they're a little basic!

All help is greatly appreciated!

[Rick 098]

1. any MS is fine, MS patches are for zMS pro. Unless you get a pro, you dont need them.

2 if it dosent work on MS put it in ram If it has ANYTHING to do with the PC such as a word prossesor with the function to tranfer docs, put it in ram.

3 Clielauncher? Go to options in the menu while in Clielauncher, tap go to standard veiw. If you dont like that, do the same exept tap go to clielauncher veiw to go back.

[Rick 098]

Any other questions? Did I misinterpet some of yours?
EDIT> why dont you register?

[yorrick]

Hi there - I'm happy that you have now acquired a CLIE and welcome to ClieSource.
Please register for CLIE Forums - at least we know who you are!

In relation to your questions...
1) Any memory stick would suffice.
My suggestion would be to buy the largest MS that you can afford - at least 128Mb. If your CLIE can handle the new MS Pro sticks - then go for that (they go above 128Mb).

2) There are three areas that you can store programs in a Palm device - (1) RAM, (2) external RAM (memory stick) and (3) Non-volatile RAM (where the OS is located). I suggest that you wait until you feel comfortable with the CLIE before messing around with non-volatile RAM since changes to NVRAM (such as deleting or moving out of NVRAM) cannot be reversed.
I had written up a long blurb about this on this forum : http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14089

3) The default launcher can either have large or small icons. And you can sort the tabs out. I suggest that you have a look at other launchers to see what bells-and-whistles they have (you will be blown away by them!). The top launchers are (a) ZLauncher, (b) YiShow and (c) MegaLauncher.
If you want to find out more about launchers - search in the forums at CLIESource. There has been a lot of discussion about this.

Since you are new to the world of CLIEs, I strongly recommend having a look at Launchplug (www.launchplug.com) and Tanker Bobs page (http://www.tankerbob.com/palm/) as they have great overviews to programs (and how to configure them), reviews and issues on memory stick management and so on. A gold mine of information which I wish I knew before I messed around with the CLIE! :)

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I recently entered the magnificent world of Sony Clies, purchasing the NX-60 on sale last week. I have searched many of the old threads to answer my questions, but still haven't found the answers to a few of them:

1. What brand MS is recommended? I have heard about Lexar, SanDisc, Sony... Are there any advantages to using Sony's?
Also, I don't understand the talk about MS patches. If I purchase a 128mb stick, do I need these patches? And, what are patches?

2. Which types of programs should I leave in the Clie's RAM and which should I store on the MS?

3. Is the installed factory launcher my only built-in option? Are there any other ways of "cleaning up" the display aside from downloading one of the new launcher programs?

I tried searching the forum, but couldn't find the answers to these questions - they're a little basic!

All help is greatly appreciated!

If you get a MS Pro stick, then you need the MS Pro driver. There is also a system update patch that fixes a very nasty bug. A soft reset can become a hard reset without warning and completely wipe the Clie clean. It fixes a memory stick power issue on reset. Always make lots of backups of your RAM and also copies of your memory stick on the desktops hard drive. Do NOT rely on the HotSync backup.There are too many pitfalls and it's all too easily corrupted for it to do you any good.

You try to put as much as possible on the MS to save RAM. It gets chewed up rather quickly when you start installing apps. PowerRun is a good app to have, because it moves both the application and it's related database to the MS. Apps that need to stay in RAM are ones that hook into the operating system, such as hacks, alarms, automatic backups, drivers, and system updates.

Some had problems with the Lexar sticks popping out by themselves, not locking in properly. There have been no issues with SanDisk or Sony.

Fancy Launchers are used more so by power users who demand more flexibity from their Clie. Some like the customizaton with skins and backgrounds. Many have their personal favorites, try them all and see what best suits you when the time comes. I would rather see you get PowerRun before getting a launcher.

As Yorrick says, Flash ROM can give you more memory to place apps using something like JackFlash. It's best as he says to wait until you get some experience. There is a learning curve and it may seem overwhelming at first, but you'll be a Pro in no time answering other newbie posts :).

Enjoy your new unit!

[n2ifp]

Oh, btw, you can find the updated patches and drivers here for the USA Clies from Sony Support.

http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/clie/

I agree, the other two links Yorrick gave you are good places to start.

[baw]

Everyone, thank you SO much for your prompt responses to my questions! Your answers have given me a tremendous amount of information and will help start me on my way.

I was "unregistered," but have now registered for this board.
I'm blown away by how helpful everyone is!

You answered all of my questions.
Now one quick follow-up question:

What's the difference between the regular MS's and MS Pro?
Any advantages to MS Pro?

Thanks again!

[crh3f]

The regular MS's go up to only 128mb; the MS Pros go up to 1gb. If you want to use a regular, you can do it right now...if you want to use a Pro, you need to get the driver/patch that's been mentioned.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by baw
Everyone, thank you SO much for your prompt responses to my questions! Your answers have given me a tremendous amount of information and will help start me on my way.

I was "unregistered," but have now registered for this board.
I'm blown away by how helpful everyone is!

You answered all of my questions.
Now one quick follow-up question:

What's the difference between the regular MS's and MS Pro?
Any advantages to MS Pro?

Thanks again!

Basically MS Pro has larger capacity available now over the regular 128mb MS. In devices that are native to the MS Pro, it's speed is a lot faster. Of course native devices would also be newer devices. In the Clie it's just a tad faster since it requires the driver as per Sony.