29 MB Internal Storage NOT "Virtual Memory Stick"

[EdFrmBrighthand]

In my article on Brighthand about the UX series, I said that the 29 MB of internal storage was like an internal Memory Stick. Unfortunately, this turns out to have been not quite correct. I just spoke with the head of PR for the Clie line and he confirmed that while this storage can be used for many types of files -- MPEGs, JPEGs, MP3s, Microsoft Office documents, etc. -- you can't run applications from it. This is an important distinction that I wanted to be sure everyone is aware of.

I apologize for any inconvenience,
-Ed

p.s. He also said the API to support the full screen in landscape mode will be released soon in the U.S. I've heard it's already available in Japan.

[cbulock]

So how do applications access this space? Does it use VFS, or is it another proprietary setup that only the Sony apps can use? I'm just wondering if they mean apps can't be launched from there because the application launcher only sees the RAM and the MS, or if they designed this space to be incompatible with any apps.

[mvfrancisco]

wow.... what did they do, disable it on purpose? do you think you'll be able to run apps off the 29M with some third party launcher?

[ozgurbulbul]

So if applications can reach this area (video/audio/documents), can't a launcher also reach and run applications (maybe not the Sony 3D launcher, but Zlauncher?)..

[n2ifp]

Sony strikes again??

[OcellNuri]

Wow... that stinks. Maybe they mean apps cannot be run in the traditional sense... but it would still be possible to run apps like they are run from Palm/Launcher? Maybe it's just a feature that needs to be written into a 3rd party launcher.

[SumDumGuy]

Sony PR makes mistakes too.

[JackAxe]

I wonder if SONY will limit it like they did with MP3s on memorysticks, where if a MP3's name was changed, AudioPlayer would no longer recognize it?

And on this question, can you rename a MP3 and change the order on a MSPro stick without loosing AudioPlayer compatibility?

<]=)

[Eddy]

then what the heck is that space reserved for? :confused:"
oh well, just wait & see..

[Unregistered]

Sounds like the internal is a NAND

[icarus]

Hhmm.

So SONY did it again. Really looks as we should take a closer look at T|T3 and other upcoming Palms.

[EdFrmBrighthand]

Originally posted by Eddy
then what the heck is that space reserved for? :confused:
You can use it to store audio and video files, Microsoft Office documents, etc., which can't be put in RAM.

[cykalan]

this really doesn't make any sense.....

i think the PR is trying to say that it is not like RAM - you can, but not DIRECTLY launch applications from it.

[DonWon]

so basically data files

[n1nsei]

Personally I do not care if I can run apps from this additional memory or can not. Memory management can't be any worse than on my NX70, and it is always welcome to have couple of MB more - I mean 16MB vs 11MB. Time will tell how we can use these 29MB of memory. For me most important thing in UX-50 is its size, weight, battery life (probably better than on NX), keyboard, and of course integrated WiFi+BT. In my city we have free hotspots to use for tourists and everyone else. With T68i I will be always connected, almost anywhere - remember, nearly 100% GSM/GPRS coverage in Europe :-) So decision has been made - I will buy UX-50.
I don't need plenty of memory or horsepower in MHz - what I need is trusty device with as much software and hardware features out-of-the-box as possible. I don't think I'll install more software than AcidImage, polish localization software, and maybe couple of apps to manage secure informations from company I work for, and some MP3's on Memory Stick.
UX-50 looks like perfect device for me :)

[EdFrmBrighthand]

Originally posted by cykalan
i think the PR is trying to say that it is not like RAM - you can, but not DIRECTLY launch applications from it.
This isn't your typical clueless PR dip. He knows his handhelds. If he says this area can only be used to store media files, then I believe it can only be used to store media files.

Possibly some third party app will find a way to run apps from it but I'm convinced that, out of the box, you won't be able to.

I suspect, but do not know, that you might be able to store .prc files in this area but they won't show up in the Launcher and you'll have to manually put them back in RAM to run them.

[ErnieB]

If you want a lot of memory, buy a Tungsten|C.&nbsp; You can't beat 51M of usable memory and a 400MHz processor.

[cykalan]

Originally posted by EdFrmBrighthand

This isn't your typical clueless PR dip. He knows his handhelds. If he says this area can only be used to store media files, then I believe it can only be used to store media files.

Possibly some third party app will find a way to run apps from it but I'm convinced that, out of the box, you won't be able to.

I suspect, but do not know, that you might be able to store .prc files in this area but they won't show up in the Launcher and you'll have to manually put them back in RAM to run them.

well, in that case....if that other 29/22Mb can't be accessed by other apps.....then i will just consider that as non-existent....

com'on Sony....:(

[n2ifp]

I willing to give it a chance, it's hard to comment on stuff that's not been in users hands yet.

[Reggie]

Originally posted by ErnieB
If you want a lot of memory, buy a Tungsten|C.&nbsp; You can't beat 51M of usable memory and a 400MHz processor.

But then you can't use 51MB to store jpegs, mp3, and MS Office docs. ( or can it?)

As for the internal data memory of the UX, I wonder if it will be browsable using Clie Files? if it is, 3rd party launchers should be able to do something about it. And, I agree with Larry, let us see first.

[Eddy]

I might just buy one & find out what the heck is this all about.
wait... don't fall into sony's deceptive business tricks... :p

[Eddy]

but really this doesn't make sense, why have a memory there, but yet you can't access it?
So would one consider that as a place for temporary storage? :confused:
then free up space in MS, for more data, then after you get home, free up the data there?
Or will there be like a USB to MemoryStick accessory that allows you to connect to the USB port on the UX then connect the MS end to the MS Slot? I know I'm a bit dramatic. heheh :D

[cykalan]

Originally posted by Eddy
I might just buy one & find out what the heck is this all about.
wait... don't fall into sony's deceptive business tricks... :p

hm...! I think i am going to get one once it is released to find out the truth....! :D

LOL.

But still, I can't believe if this 22/29Mb thing is not in the form of VFS....

[techdude]

I still say Virtual Memory Stick... Why? You can't run applications from it, but so does a memory stick, it is copied to RAM then executed there. You can also put your mp3, office files, and other non PDB/PRC files on memory stick.

NX series can support two external drives, so why not UX, one is the default memory stick, the other is the 29 MB. That makes the most sense, and since most apps already support dual external storage, they don't need to be re-written. Sony apps this time will natively support both UX drives, since they will not lose any memstick sale to CF unlike the NX series.

[Eddy]

so kinda like a HDD & the Clie gains access to the files there, eh? :D

[cykalan]

Originally posted by techdude
I still say Virtual Memory Stick... Why? You can't run applications from it, but so does a memory stick, it is copied to RAM then executed there. You can also put your mp3, office files, and other non PDB/PRC files on memory stick.

NX series can support two external drives, so why not UX, one is the default memory stick, the other is the 29 MB. That makes the most sense, and since most apps already support dual external storage, they don't need to be re-written. Sony apps this time will natively support both UX drives, since they will not lose any memstick sale to CF unlike the NX series.

exactly, there is just no other simplier way to take care of that 29MB.

for any other way sony is just wasting their time.

[techdude]

Isn't that how all current expansion cards work on the Palm OS platform. Some apps can access it for data but none will run directly off it.

[EdFrmBrighthand]

Originally posted by Eddy
but really this doesn't make sense, why have a memory there, but yet you can't access it?
So would one consider that as a place for temporary storage? :confused:
I'm guessing you can use Clie Files to add and remove files. Plus, the internal apps (Audio Player, Movie Player, PicselViwer) will display the contents of it. But you won't have a category listing it in the application Launcher.

But we won't know for sure until someone gets their hands on one of these babies for long enough to give it a real test.

-Ed

[Reggie]

My guess is you can't create folders but Clie Apps (Audio Player, Viewer, Clie Files, maybe Docs to Go, etc.) were modified to recognize that partition. If you can't create a /Palm/Launcher folder, you really can't launch programs using the default launcher. But then, this will probably be an easy hack for some.

[Medcat99]

So will third pary launchers like Silverscreen be able to access the 29mb? If you can store .prc files there and a third party laucher can access them, the 29mb might be useful. I have tons of medical books and I store the database files on the stick and the the reader on the machine. Will an app in the 29mb be able to read database files on the disk or does it have to be moved to RAM? I guess that's the question no one know yet.

Also, what about flash memory? Does the device have any and will the Brayder apps support it eventually? With so little memory, I'm going to need assurance that I can access some flash memory before I would consider buying it.

[Reggie]

Originally posted by Medcat99
Also, what about flash memory? Does the device have any and will the Brayder apps support it eventually? With so little memory, I'm going to need assurance that I can access some flash memory before I would consider buying it.

Another guess is, Sony is pushing for the MS Pro for those who need really big space. Have the internal RAM almost empty and put everything in the MS Pro. The swapping time with the higher processer speed and faster MS Pro access will be good enough (slower of course if compared to running it directly from RAM). You can then label your MS Pro's as "Medical Apps", "Music", "Videos", etc. and keep them on the UX40/UX50 case (not sure how many the case can keep).

[quintuss]

If you can store media on those 29mb you can store other files on it.
If you can store them, ... well you can also read them from there. Ergo, Zlauncher will be able to start apps from there. (copy and start it is) :D

Could be a great place to store prc's, because you have some more space to store things and access them without the trouble of inserting the right memorystick.

[Medcat99]

I agree, I want to upgrade specifically because I want to buy a 256 or 512 card (maybe 1gb). The problem is that not all prc's can be stored on the card. They need to be on the main memory to access the pdb files they are associated with. That is the problem I am running into right now. I am overloaded with prc files as well. Ideally, I think I could go a long time with 64 megs and probably never use all that space. That's why I'm pushing for a machine from Sony with more RAM as they are the only ones with extra large external storage cards.

[Medcat99]

Actually, they do make 512 meg SD Cards. I guess if the T3 rumors are true, I'll be leaning towards Palm again.

[Eddy]

512 meg SD Cards
yep, but they're pricely little things. :eek:
ranging from around $200+
Whereas for the 256 meg SD Cards are less costly, going around for $70+
The megs per. $ just don't make sense. :(

[NJL!2016]

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