Even More Affordable Memory Upgrades

[Brad Adrian]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpctechs.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpctechs.com/</a><br /><br /></div>In my opinion, you can never have too much internal memory in a Pocket PC. I've had the RAM of one of my Pocket PCs upgraded to 128MB and I can tell you that the enhanced speed and convenience made it worth every penny.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/ppctechs.jpg" /><br /><br />Now, Leonard Wesson, the owner of the Pocket PC Techs upgrade company, has announced that some favorable chip deals have made it possible to lower the cost of performing RAM upgrades. Here are some examples of the price reductions:<br /><br />XDA 64MB Upgrade Was: $129 -- Now: $99<br />XDA 128MB Upgrade Was: $299 -- Now: $239<br />HP iPAQ 3900 128MB Was: $159 -- Now: $129<br />Compaq iPAQ 3600 32MB -> 128MB Stacked Was: $199 -- Now: $149<br />Compaq iPAQ 3600 64MB -> 192MB Stacked Was: $329 -- Now: $239<br /><br />I realize that this kind of upgrade represents a significant investment for most people, but if you really use your Pocket PC a lot and need to load a ton of applications to internal memory, the money is well spent. And at these new prices, it's an even better idea.

[24va]

I had the 3975>128M upgrade performed. Great transaction! The only problem is that my next PPC MUST have 128M! Limits the field to 1 choice right now :|

[Gottria]

Can't wait to see if they can upgrade the 2200 series. A 2200 series with 128 megs, that would be sweet :D

[maikii]

But CF cards are much cheaper. Why not upgrade the memory that way? Can't applications be run from flash memory?

Also, if a unit is under manufacturer's warranty, wouldn't having a third party tech take the unit apart to upgrade the memory void the warranty?

[Janak Parekh]

But CF cards are much cheaper. Why not upgrade the memory that way? Can't applications be run from flash memory?
SDRAM is much, much faster; also, in many cases, it increases not only storage, but program memory (up to 64MB in most cases, up to 128MB on the 3900 units).

Also, if a unit is under manufacturer's warranty, wouldn't having a third party tech take the unit apart to upgrade the memory void the warranty?
Yes. As a result, most people recommend you only do this towards the end of your device's lifetime... or if you're willing to take the risk. ;)

--janak

[crazy0000]

No 3800 upgrade...

[WyattEarp]

But CF cards are much cheaper. Why not upgrade the memory that way? Can't applications be run from flash memory?

Also, if a unit is under manufacturer's warranty, wouldn't having a third party tech take the unit apart to upgrade the memory void the warranty?

Using CF cards aren't a true upgrade in memory. It's the equivalent to using a disk in your PC. Plus more internal RAM is so much better than having to switch out cards all the time. And you will still have more memory than than someone who didn't upgrade their device plus the CF cards. Voiding the warranty is well worth it. But wait until it's up if you must. I couldn't cause I got a large discount at the time. Best money I've spent on my iPAQ.

[jmbneaf]

NO TOSHIBA e750/e755 upgrade.......

[retrogamer]

be careful..

some time ago, I had my CASIO EM500 upgraded to 32MB memory..
worked fine for about a year.. and then.. it started give me problems.. such as lossing data.. self-HARD-resets.. stuff like that.. basically making it TOTALLY USELESS..

for most purposes 64MB is plenty.. there is no need to put MP3s, movies, ebooks, and other data.. in the main memory.. just the programs.. I find 64MB memory is enough..

[jnunn]

I considered a memory upgrade with a screen "de-dust" for my old, reliable 3600 +SS2. The cost of this upgrade, however, is an appreciable proportion of the cost of a new PPC so I cannot justify the expense.

With Palm upgrading it's screen, I believe there is a strong liklihood that the PPC community will upgrade the screen resolution for 2004. I believe the change to .NET plus screen resolution would be too much for one year so the screen will happen next year. The screen has always been a major sellng point for the PPC and I do not see MS relinguishing that to Palm for the long term.

So, I am saving my cash this year against the lure of upgrades and new units so that I can feel good about spending some serious cash next year. My expectation is that y2004 devices will be analogous to the y2000 iPAQ in their impact on the handheld community and I believe the screen will be the driver of that impact.

[Brad Adrian]

Yes, for a lot of people, these upgrades are kinda expensive. Even though it is possible to add storage space via storage cards, upgrading the RAM means I can keep many, many apps running at once and can install a lot of the kinds of drivers that perform best when running from RAM.

[Thinkingmandavid]

I hear you on that one. I am looking forward to what "might" be available next year. I think upgrading to more ram is a great idea for the speed alone. If you are going to keep your model for over a year after hte upgrade it is worth it. I wonder who else sells the ram and how competitive their prices are, and if cheaper?:)
MOst people may not "NEED" that much ram, but once used I am sure they wouldnt live wihtout it 8)

[WyattEarp]

be careful..

some time ago, I had my CASIO EM500 upgraded to 32MB memory..
worked fine for about a year.. and then.. it started give me problems.. such as lossing data.. self-HARD-resets.. stuff like that.. basically making it TOTALLY USELESS..

for most purposes 64MB is plenty.. there is no need to put MP3s, movies, ebooks, and other data.. in the main memory.. just the programs.. I find 64MB memory is enough..

Who upgraded it for you? That should not happen since memory is only being added, not taken away and replaced?

[jnunn]

If the added memory has errors then the device would fail. Also, the work itself could cause errors and failure: perhaps excess solder collecting charge, etc.

The upshot for me, though, is that it just seems wasteful to spend half the price of a 1940 to increase the RAM of a 3600 and still remain stuck with no internal slot, a 12 bit screen, and a less than recent OS. My old PPC only has 32MB of RAM but it is plenty for me because I manage my CF well. If I were worried about more speed then I would buy a device with a faster processor instead of adding onto an old chipset.

Of course, that's just me. Some guys spend a fortune tricking out old cars and love it. Just do what makes you happy.

[Cortex]

I considered a memory upgrade with a screen "de-dust" for my old, reliable 3600 +SS2. The cost of this upgrade, however, is an appreciable proportion of the cost of a new PPC so I cannot justify the expense.

agreed

$100 could be better spent on a referbished hp1910 for $199 or an Axim....