Confused about microSD support in the G1

[RegGuheert]

Please help me by answering any or all of the below questions:

1) What are the specific differences between class 2, 4 and 6 microSD cards?
2) What class microSD cards are supported by the G1?
3) Is the new Sandisk 16 GB microSD really only class 2?
4) Do some laptops support class 2 microSD but not higher classes (using an SD adapter)?
5) Should I expect much faster transfers (internal transfers within the G1) using a 8 GB class 6 microSD versus a 16 GB class 2 microSD?

The reason I'm asking these questions is that I have a Dell Windows Mobile PDA (which I hate) that is PAINFULLY slow when making transfers between SD and CompactFlash cards within the unit. (100 MB takes like 30 minutes IIRC) Both of these cards are *much* faster when used within a laptop and the PDA has a microprocessor that has a similar clock speed to the G1.

The bottom line is that I'll probably choose speed over capacity given my bad experience with the Dell PDA. However, I'm not convinced that flash memory speed has *anything* to do with the SD card in my case, but perhaps it is an OS or other PDA issue. Perhaps a class 6 microSD will be just as slow within the G1 as a class 2 microSD?

Thoughts,

Reg

[HTC-G1]

Please help me by answering any or all of the below questions:

1) What are the specific differences between class 2, 4 and 6 microSD cards?
2) What class microSD cards are supported by the G1?
3) Is the new Sandisk 16 GB microSD really only class 2?
4) Do some laptops support class 2 microSD but not higher classes (using an SD adapter)?
5) Should I expect much faster transfers (internal transfers within the G1) using a 8 GB class 6 microSD versus a 16 GB class 2 microSD?

The reason I'm asking these questions is that I have a Dell Windows Mobile PDA (which I hate) that is PAINFULLY slow when making transfers between SD and CompactFlash cards within the unit. (100 MB takes like 30 minutes IIRC) Both of these cards are *much* faster when used within a laptop and the PDA has a microprocessor that has a similar clock speed to the G1.

The bottom line is that I'll probably choose speed over capacity given my bad experience with the Dell PDA. However, I'm not convinced that flash memory speed has *anything* to do with the SD card in my case, but perhaps it is an OS or other PDA issue. Perhaps a class 6 microSD will be just as slow within the G1 as a class 2 microSD?

Thoughts,

Reg

1.data transfer rate
2.class 2, class 4 and class 6
3.yes, I believe so
4.my sd card reader for my laptop can read classes 2,4 and 6
5.class ratings are based on the minimum speed transfer, so you will get
at least 6mb/s with a class 6 vs 2mb/s with a class 2
http://www.sdcard.org/developers/tech/speed_class/

hope it helps

[RegGuheert]

Thanks, HTC-G1!

That's VERY helpful information! I appreciate the link, also. There is an interesting quote at the link:

"Fragmentation and Speed The memory of a card is divided into minimum memory units. The host writes data onto memory units where no data is already stored. As available memory becomes divided into smaller units through normal use, this leads to an increase in non-linear, or fragmented storage. The amount of fragmentation can reduce write speeds so higher SD card speeds help compensate for fragmentation."


I wonder if this is part of the problem I have experienced in the past. Perhaps it makes sense to occasionally delete all the data from the card and then reload it? Maybe that would clean up the fragmentation.


So, what to do? I have a 4 GB microSD card in my Blackberry. I've just looked at it and it appears to be class 2. I think I will go ahead and purchase an 8 GB class 6 microSD and then make some speed comparisons when I receive my G1s. Based on that, I can then decide whether I want to spring for the 16 GB microSD now or wait for faster versions to come out later.


Other thoughts?


Reg

[HTC-G1]

you can always, use both in the G1, and then make your own conclusion about which is faster

I will be using an 8 gig class 6 myself, and i'm pretty sure i won't come close to filling it up. and by the time i do. the 16gig cards will be cheaper than $100, and maybe even a 32gig card will be out.

i have a 2 gig non-sdhc micro sd card in my unlocked 8525, and i have 4-5 movies, lots of songs, ringtones, pictures and games. and i'm only using 1.5gigs and all my needs are met, only thing i will do, is by using the 8 gig card, increase the amount of movies/music/ringtones i have lol but even then, i can honestly say i don't listen to music on my phone so don't really know why i have any on there at all, plus that 8 gigs will also be holding the trillions of apps i will be downloading on the G1

[RegGuheert]

I'm with you. I just purchased the A-Data 8 GB class 6 microSD for $35.99 shipped from SuperMediaStore:

http://www.supermediastore.com/adata...d-adapter.html

My son and I can decide who gets the 8GB class 6 and who gets the 4GB class 2 for now. Price is less than half the cheapest 16GB I've found and can wait to get better-and-cheaper 16GB later, if needed.

My thinking is that IF the G1 is a very useful device I will need a lot of storage for movies, maps, apps, pictures, etc. Like you, I don't currently listen to music on my phone...

Thanks again!

Reg

[mast3rpyr0]

Hmm 8GB or 16GB...

[bizarro_stormy]

plus that 8 gigs will also be holding the trillions of apps i will be downloading on the G1

thats what i'm thinking too.

[HTC-G1]

I'm with you. I just purchased the A-Data 8 GB class 6 microSD for $35.99 shipped from SuperMediaStore:

http://www.supermediastore.com/adata...d-adapter.html

My son and I can decide who gets the 8GB class 6 and who gets the 4GB class 2 for now. Price is less than half the cheapest 16GB I've found and can wait to get better-and-cheaper 16GB later, if needed.

My thinking is that IF the G1 is a very useful device I will need a lot of storage for movies, maps, apps, pictures, etc. Like you, I don't currently listen to music on my phone...

Thanks again!

Reg

35.99? my brotha you spent 15.99 too much! 8 gigs can be had for $20.00

[New World]

35.99? my brotha you spent 15.99 too much! 8 gigs can be had for $20.00

Yeah, but he also got Class 6 Vs. our Class 4

[VikingDave]

35.99 is a great price for a class 6.

The cheapest I've found the Sandisk 8GB Ultra (class 6) Micro is $44 on Amazon.