Is it really worth the upgrade?

[branko.savic]

Hello everyone!

I now have a I-Mate JasJar and I love it! :D

However, it is a 64 mb unit and I am considering the upgrade!

So I wanted to ask everyone that has already done the upgrade if they think it was worth it?

Also I would like to know where you can see the improvment the most?

I like Nav n go Igo 8 navi program and my device clearly
does not have enough memory to run it properly, will it help to do the upgrade or is it so that the graphic card is not quiet up for the challenge to be able to show 3d terrain and everything else in Igo8?

So basicly I want some coments from you guys, what works after the upgrade and what does not work?

For me I am considering either to do the upgrade or to buy the Touch pro when it cames out, but the thing is that I like this device to much to sell it!
So is there any hope for it? Is it going to be as good as the rest of the devices that has more memory (like tytn II), or is it just not worth it?

Oh and buy the way, I do own a tytn II so I know all about the missing drivers and stuff, the fact that it has a gps is great but somehow I dont mind that my universal does not have gps becouse I have an external gps anyway and it is much better then the built in gps in tytn II!

[loithuxua]

not get mine upgraded yet but I won't even though the xda exec might be stronger and faster / more stable? I have no idea but I never want mine to be disassembled or replaced sth. I want it to be still original and untouched inside, I love software and OS modding but no hardware modding seem to be interesting to me. :D

[cfds]

Well, I have send my Qtek9000 yesterday to the shop in Germany to get it upgraded...

Why, becose I am running IGO8 and have not enough Ram to run it properly.

I hope it solves the problems I have running IGO8 like the 3D map wich somethimes dissapears after a while...

I let you know my experience after the upgrade...!

[FOSA]

Actually, if you install many softwares then ROM is more important because even though you can install the softwares to the memory card but many programs would install either in part on in full to the ROM

You'll reach a stage whereby you cannot install programs even to the memory card because you'll face 'Storage Memory Low' error

I wonder whether it's possible to upgrade the ROM too say to 512MB?

[Bright.Light]

Actually, if you install many softwares then ROM is more important because even though you can install the softwares to the memory card but many programs would install either in part on in full to the ROM

You'll reach a stage whereby you cannot install programs even to the memory card because you'll face 'Storage Memory Low' error

I wonder whether it's possible to upgrade the ROM too say to 512MB?

Don't know if you are familiair with the memory of computers, but...
See the SD-card as the harddisk. That's clear.
See the ROM as memory that you cannot use for your own (exceptions are Flash and extended memory, but those are 'hard disks' too)
So, all 'hard disks' are used to store stuff onto. This can be programs, images, databases, whatever.
See the RAM as usable program memory (the RAM of your computer - might be 1Gb or 2Gb or 4Gb)

The 128MB is RAM, so only to be used as program memory, memory used while running programs.

Each program that is installed costs NO RAM, except when you (or the OS) run it. Drivers only consume program memory when they are loaded.
So, installing eg. a large game won't change anything to your RAM.

Most programs can be installed to SD. Only a few cannot. However, often can be tweaked (eg. Opera, Wisbar) to run from SD without any problem.

I would very much like to have 128MB too... I was under the impression that the store in Germany would not do this anymore (it is not on their web site)

So, CFDS, when you get the Universal back, please inform us of its state!

[FOSA]

I think you're mistaken

I'm referring to the storage memory vs the program memory.

The Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. Similarly, the SAMSUNG SGH i900 has 256 MB Flash ROM and 128 MB SDRAM

Here's the spec for the Uni (QTEK 9000)

http://www.qtek.nu/europe/products/9000/specifications.aspx

[branko.savic]

Well, I have send my Qtek9000 yesterday to the shop in Germany to get it upgraded...

Why, becose I am running IGO8 and have not enough Ram to run it properly.

I hope it solves the problems I have running IGO8 like the 3D map wich somethimes dissapears after a while...

I let you know my experience after the upgrade...!

Thanks for your reply, yes Igo8 is why I am considering the upgrade myself!
Please let me know when you get your device back, I would really like to know how it works with Igo8!

Also I would like to know to what shop in Germany you sent your device?
The only shop I know of is this: http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html and I dont see that they can do the upgrade anywhere on their site!
I wrote them an email asking them if they can do it and what the cost will be, but so far I have not recieved any answer!

Is this the shop you are reffering to or do you know of any other in Germany that will do the upgrade?

Also do you know what the price should be and how long it should take?

Thanks in advance!

[branko.savic]

I think you're mistaken

I'm referring to the storage memory vs the program memory.

The Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. Similarly, the SAMSUNG SGH i900 has 256 MB Flash ROM and 128 MB SDRAM

Here's the spec for the Uni (QTEK 9000)

http://www.qtek.nu/europe/products/9000/specifications.aspx

Ok, so you mean that if one does the RAM upgrade one will not get more PROGRAM MEMORY? :confused:

Please confirm this, it would really be shame to spend money on the upgrade only to not recieve any additional "program memory" which I think is equaly important! :eek:

I tought that by doing the upgrade it will be equalent to a Tytn II device both in "RAM" and in "program memory"! So please confirm this! :confused:

Thanks in advance!

[FOSA]

Quote

"Ok, so you mean that if one does the RAM upgrade one will not get more PROGRAM MEMORY?"

As I mentioned the Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. If you do a RAM upgrade you'll get 128MB SDRAM and that means you'll have MORE program memory but your storage memory remains the same at 128 MB Flash ROM

For comparison, I've taken a look at the SAMSUNG SGH i900 running WM 6.1 at its default installation and found that the FREE storage memory is about 30+ to 50+ MB. If you're the type who wants to install many programs then I think this amount is inadequate. The SONY EXPERIA X1 might be a good alternative giving 512 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM.

FI, my QTEK 9000's FREE storage memory is about 3 MB so can't do software installation even to the SD card because I'm facing the 'Storage Memory Low' error during installation of programs

Program memory is important for program running. Generally, if you do have 20 -30 MB of FREE program memory it's adequate to run most programs smoothly. However, certain programs may require more to ensure stability and smooth running.

[cfds]

Yes, this is the shop I send my Qtek to in Germany: http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html

He confirmed a couple of weeks ago that he's able to do the Ram upgrade on the Qtek9000. He charges 119€ for the upgrade and it would take a week excluding shipping...

Can hardly wait to get it back...!

[branko.savic]

Yes, this is the shop I send my Qtek to in Germany: http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html

He confirmed a couple of weeks ago that he's able to do the Ram upgrade on the Qtek9000. He charges 119€ for the upgrade and it would take a week excluding shipping...

Can hardly wait to get it back...!

Did you just fill in the form and sent it? I dont see anywhere to fill in country!
Is this how you sent it or did you do any other way?

Thanks

[branko.savic]

Quote

"Ok, so you mean that if one does the RAM upgrade one will not get more PROGRAM MEMORY?"

As I mentioned the Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. If you do a RAM upgrade you'll get 128MB SDRAM and that means you'll have MORE program memory but your storage memory remains the same at 128 MB Flash ROM

For comparison, I've taken a look at the SAMSUNG SGH i900 running WM 6.1 at its default installation and found that the FREE storage memory is about 30+ to 50+ MB. If you're the type who wants to install many programs then I think this amount is inadequate. The SONY EXPERIA X1 might be a good alternative giving 512 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM.

FI, my QTEK 9000's FREE storage memory is about 3 MB so can't do software installation even to the SD card because I'm facing the 'Storage Memory Low' error during installation of programs

Program memory is important for program running. Generally, if you do have 20 -30 MB of FREE program memory it's adequate to run most programs smoothly. However, certain programs may require more to ensure stability and smooth running.

Ok I understand now, but is there a way of upgrading the storage memory as well or is it just possible to upgrade RAM?

Also does anyone know if 128 MB Ram is the limit or is it possible to upgrade even more, perhaps 256 MB?

Thanks

[D.Apsley]

I have do the 128Mb upgrade to my Uni. Was it worth it, well that depends, I think it was for me. You will not notice any big change in app loading speeds, but if you are running heavy weight app's like sat nav were you see lock ups or 'low resource' warnings them yes it is wroth it. It wont get you any more stroage space but it does give you more program running space.

Currently 128Mb is the max M-RAM that can be fitted to the Uni, I beleive due to ROM image limitations. The chips are also obsolite and can be hard to get hold of have a look at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_128_Shop for places that sell and upgrade. To do it yourself will require specialist equipment, so unless you know what is involved get it done for you.

Dave

[branko.savic]

I have do the 128Mb upgrade to my Uni. Was it worth it, well that depends, I think it was for me. You will not notice any big change in app loading speeds, but if you are running heavy weight app's like sat nav were you see lock ups or 'low resource' warnings them yes it is wroth it. It wont get you any more stroage space but it does give you more program running space.

Currently 128Mb is the max M-RAM that can be fitted to the Uni, I beleive due to ROM image limitations. The chips are also obsolite and can be hard to get hold of have a look at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_128_Shop for places that sell and upgrade. To do it yourself will require specialist equipment, so unless you know what is involved get it done for you.

Dave

Ok thanks for then info!

Have you or do you plan on testing your upgraded uni with Igo8 to see if it works properly? That is why I am considering the upgrade in the first place so it is very important for me to know if it works or not!

Thanks in advance!

[cfds]

I enclosed a letter in the shipment(registered mail) which explained my request, contained all details from my PDA and personal details. I also send him an e-mail with the same request...

Lets hope that all goes well!!!

Ciao!

[Win_XP]

Currently 128Mb is the max M-RAM that can be fitted to the Uni, I beleive due to ROM image limitations. The chips are also obsolite and can be hard to get hold of have a look at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_128_Shop for places that sell and upgrade. To do it yourself will require specialist equipment, so unless you know what is involved get it done for you.

Dave

Not so sure, Universal also works with 256 mb BGA RAM chips from Notebook memory :)

[branko.savic]

Not so sure, Universal also works with 256 mb BGA RAM chips from Notebook memory :)

Really? How can I get it upgraded to 256 mb?
Just think about it, 256 mb on universal, how cool is that? :cool:

[D.Apsley]

If you are going to run Igo8 on your Uni then the answer to the question is YES, get the upgrade done.

[cfds]

Received my Qtek back today from its Ram upgrade...

86,5mb free of prog mem after reset...:D

Tried iGO8 on it...it used up to 65mb of prog memory:eek::( but it ran very smooth...had all selected-3D building/terrain etc...

So far after 2X 30 min of usage/navigating I did not lost my 3D map...will see how it behaves when I use it for an 2.5hrs/250km trip...

[branko.savic]

Received my Qtek back today from its Ram upgrade...

86,5mb free of prog mem after reset...:D

Tried iGO8 on it...it used up to 65mb of prog memory:eek::( but it ran very smooth...had all selected-3D building/terrain etc...

So far after 2X 30 min of usage/navigating I did not lost my 3D map...will see how it behaves when I use it for an 2.5hrs/250km trip...

This is great news, please tell me how much did the upgrade cost you?
Oh and I would also like to know exactly how you sent it for the upgrade, becouse I have so far not recieved any answer from them!

Thanks in advance!

[cfds]

119€ plus shipping charges...

Call them and ask if they received your device and how far they are with it, they are very bussy in that shop!

P.S: iGO8 ran fine during an 250km trip, I would recommend everybody who runs iGO8 on their device to go for the upgrade...!