Could someone explain to me the importance of the CF drivers

[ragermac]

I am sorry for thr n00b questions. I just purchased an NX70 and I hear alot about the CF drivers. I just want to know what compact flash can be used for. How is it different than a Memory stick?

Thanks in advance.

[jmg_NX21]

Modem
Bluetooth
Wi Fi
MEMORY *cheaper than MS, so far* and limited to 128MB
GPS

THERE is so much & less 'expensive' peripherals than Memory sticks... and SONY DOES NOT ASSIST developers by releasing the information to make it easier for developers. =/

Sony's peripherals are TOO expensive and MANY AWESOME MS are not available in the US.

I luv my NX but... my CF slot is empty and will remain empty... =/

[n2ifp]

Currently, outside of Japan, some modems and the Sony WL100 card is the only thing that works in the CF slot.

Compact Flash is cheaper and faster memory with higher capacities.

[Tek Phreak]

keep in mind though that the current people working on the CF driver are just working on a driver for memory cards only. And not bluetooth, GPS etc.

Enjoi.
-Tek

[Token User]

Originally posted by jmg_NX21
Modem
Bluetooth
Wi Fi
MEMORY *cheaper than MS, so far* and limited to 128MB
GPSWireless Modem (CDMA-1xRTT/GSM-GPRS)
Presentation Display Modules (eg Margi Presenter)
Memory Adapters (SD/MMC/MS to CF)
Microdrives (I REALLY want to get my 1Gb online for this)
Barcode Scanners (Symbol)
Ethenet (10/100baseT)

Lots of potential ... just no access beyond what Sony are offereing via their WL100 WiFi card in the US (and translated drivers for CF modems).

I am not angry at Sony for not opening up the CF slot, but I am sure that a lot of people would jump at the Clie from a business perspective if the range of peripherals (especially something like the Sprint PCS CF2031 Wireless Modem) available to PPC users was suddenly available.

Such is life.

[sstrasser86]

do u think they will come out with memory drivers within the next 6 months?

[Token User]

Personally, I think there will be a workable CF Memory solution within 6 months from either Sony, or a 3rd party. This may be optimistic on my part, and is based purely on speculation.

If memory drivers come form a third party, I am guessing that auniversal CF driver will come fairly close behind PROVIDED that the driver has some "cash value" and acceptance by the Clie community.

[Rick 098]

also some people have cf cards doing nothing sinse they upgraded to a diff thing that uses diff cards.:D

[javadog]

My digital camera takes CF cards (and NOT MS), so the ability to shoot with a (real) camera and be able to pop the CF in the sony for viewing would be a real plus for me.

[cbulock]

Originally posted by Token User
If memory drivers come form a third party, I am guessing that auniversal CF driver will come fairly close behind PROVIDED that the driver has some "cash value" and acceptance by the Clie community.

I don't think we will see a universal CF driver anytime soon as a universal driver would have to work with hundreds of different CF cards. It would be a nearly impossible task.

[jimod]

1GB of MP3's, for LESS that $800

What could be more important than That????

LOL

[yorrick]

The CF slot on the NX70 can only support WiFi and wireless comms. There are no drivers to support CF memory cards, which is disappointing.

CF memory costs a lot less compared to MS.
CF memory comes in higher capacity than MS.

The CLIE is trying to force people to remain on their proprietary MS and milking us for all we've got.
If a CF driver was available - it would make that person a reasonable amount of money and put a huge dent in MS sales...

[Token User]

Originally posted by cbulock
I don't think we will see a universal CF driver anytime soon as a universal driver would have to work with hundreds of different CF cards. It would be a nearly impossible task. The difference between PCMCIA (PC Card) and CF cards is only at the interface and packaging level. Electronically, and in terms of coding, they are identical.

Over on sourceforge there is a Linux based project for plug and pray PCMCIA drivers - http://pcmcia-cs.sourceforge.net/

I have gone through the code, and there isn't anything particularly fancy, or Linux specific that does not have a PalmOS equivalent. All that is missing (and it is a BIG all) is the accessing the CF port from the PalmOs side of things. If that was know, this sourceforge code could be reworked to satisfy our needs AND it would be opensource.

If I had more time (ie was unemployed :)) I might look into it further, but this code base would prove to be an excellant starting point for a universal driver.

[cbulock]

Hey, thats cool. At least it looks like someone already went through and took on this type of task. I hope someone would be able to use this Linux code and make it compatible for the Clies. The best part about this type of project is that the drivers would be free!