MicroDrive issues

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I'd like to start this thread as a separate and dedicate one for the multiple MicroDrive issues ...

We have a few HTC Advantage (T-Mobile Ameo) devices here.

Basically there seem to be 3 issues with the device all of which are related to the MicroDrive:

1) MD = NOT ROBUST
despite marketing slogans the MicroDrives still obviously are not at all robust:
- a security mechanism shall stop them when exposed to shock
- the device comes with integrated GPS and therefore will be used as navigation system: permanent use (espacially accessing the MicroDrive) in the car
- we see the MicroDrive stop and cease to function from time to time up to even resulting in complete system freeze
=> interim summary: shock proof mechanism and permanent use do not work both at the same time, short term stops and complete malfunction to be expected (very likely for the majority of devices)

2) MD = SLOW
several years of using Pocket PCs with all kinds of storage have shown us, that the MicroDrive belonged and still belongs to the slowest on the market;
=> currently we see ...
- much slower start of system (i.e. after soft reset) the more applications are installed on the MicroDrive
- much slower start of several navigation systems (TomTom, iGo, Navigon) which of course are installed (at least their maps) on the MD
- explorer / start menu / several applications accessing files stored on or links to applications installed on the MicroDrive show dramatically bad performance

3) MD -> BATTERY DRAIN
the only issue we read of but cannot yet 100% confirm;
we avoided to install applications with permanant access to MicroDrive, i.e. no today plugins etc have been installed on MD;
but: we can confirm that it takes a long time to load an empty battery or almost does not reload when using USB cable (via laptop / PC) instead of charging via AC adaptor

We read about similar requests and would definitely support them (if possible):
For all 3 issues as described above we would strongly opt for and recommend replacement by CF drives (i.e. Transcend CF 8 GB 120x).

!!! Does anybody have access to the service manuals ?
We'd actally like to do that replacement asap if there is any chance to.

Any comments / other experience ?

Thanks for Your feedback

Originally Posted by Monaco

I'd like to start this thread as a separate and dedicate one for the multiple MicroDrive issues ...

We have a few HTC Advantage (T-Mobile Ameo) devices here.

Basically there seem to be 3 issues with the device all of which are related to the MicroDrive:

1) MD = NOT ROBUST
despite marketing slogans the MicroDrives still obviously are not at all robust:
- a security mechanism shall stop them when exposed to shock
- the device comes with integrated GPS and therefore will be used as navigation system: permanent use (espacially accessing the MicroDrive) in the car
- we see the MicroDrive stop and cease to function from time to time
=> interim summary: shock proof mechanism and permanent use do not work both at the same time, short term stops and complete malfunction to be expected (very likely for the majority of devices)

2) MD = SLOW
several years of using Pocket PCs with all kinds of storage have shown us, that the MicroDrive belonged and still belongs to the slowest on the market;
=> currently we see ...
- much slower start of system (i.e. after soft reset) the more applications are installed on the MicroDrive
- much slower start of several navigation systems (TomTom, iGo, Navigon) which of course are installed (at least their maps) on the MD
- explorer / start menu / several applications accessing files stored on or links to applications installed on the MicroDrive show dramatically bad performance

3) MD -> BATTERY DRAIN
the only issue we read of but cannot yet 100% confirm;
we avoided to install applications with permanant access to MicroDrive, i.e. no today plugins etc have been installed on MD;
but: we can confirm that it takes a long time to load an empty battery or almost does not reload when using USB cable (via laptop / PC) instead of charging via AC adaptor

We read about similar requests and would definitely support them (if possible):
For all 3 issues as described above we would strongly opt for and recommend replacement by CF drives (i.e. Transcend CF 8 GB 120x).

!!! Does anybody have access to the service manuals ?
We'd actally like to do that replacement asap if there is any chance to.

Any comments / other experience ?

Thanks for Your feedback

From what i heard, that's why Advantage is delay , because the Rom they wrote doesn't deal with Micro Drive in the right and correct way. BUT Dopod u1000 one is fine, i personally own the DOPOD U1000, and the reading and writting speed of MD is at least 3 times faster than my High speed mini sd. Battery Drain is nothing, i guess it's all to do the the ROM, again, Dopod has prove to be a better Athena for now until someone make a better Rom.

I would love to replace the Micro Drive with CF Flash card, anyone has any idea how to do that?

A few points:

1. HTC recommends using the Mini-SD slot for fast operation of applications, navigation maps, etc. Meaning: you better install this stuff to a fast Mini-SD or SDHC card.

2. the 8 GB HDD is mainly for data storage/media storage

3. since the Ameo is using a 2200 mAh rech. battery, it takes much longer until it is charged by the USB port of a PC/laptop. Recharging the Ameo with the AC ad. is highly recommended.

I agree with your concerns but I think that HTC had to keep the price tag of the Athena at a certain level and the only way to do that was using a MD instead of NAND memory. Maybe they should have talked to Apple first.

The HTC X7500/Ameo/U1000 is a very nice Pocket PC Smartphone but I think people expect too much from it. If you want something really nice but very expensive, wait for the Vaio UX with built-in UMTS/HSDPA modem rumoured for this autumn. If you don't want to wait, the Samsung Q1b is just around the corner, it should be released soon. Built-in HSDPA included, a SSD version should be released shortly after. At slightly below 900 Euro (Ameo), this unit can't do wonders.

Originally Posted by P996

A few points:

1. HTC recommends using the Mini-SD slot for fast operation of applications, navigation maps, etc. Meaning: you better install this stuff to a fast Mini-SD or SDHC card.

2. the 8 GB HDD is mainly for data storage/media storage

3. since the Ameo is using a 2200 mAh rech. battery, it takes much longer until it is charged by the USB port of a PC/laptop. Recharging the Ameo with the AC ad. is highly recommended.

I agree with your concerns but I think that HTC had to keep the price tag of the Athena at a certain level and the only way to do that was using a MD instead of NAND memory. Maybe they should have talked to Apple first.

The HTC X7500/Ameo/U1000 is a very nice Pocket PC Smartphone but I think people expect too much from it. If you want something really nice but very expensive, wait for the Vaio UX with built-in UMTS/HSDPA modem rumoured for this autumn. If you don't want to wait, the Samsung Q1b is just around the corner, it should be released soon. Built-in HSDPA included, a SSD version should be released shortly after. At slightly below 900 Euro (Ameo), this unit can't do wonders.

by the way, TOMTOM is pre install on Micro drive in Advantage.....

Micro Drive is a bloody problem after all...

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Originally Posted by Monaco

I'd like to start this thread as a separate and dedicate one for the multiple MicroDrive issues ...

We have a few HTC Advantage (T-Mobile Ameo) devices here.

Basically there seem to be 3 issues with the device all of which are related to the MicroDrive:

1) MD = NOT ROBUST
despite marketing slogans the MicroDrives still obviously are not at all robust:
- a security mechanism shall stop them when exposed to shock
- the device comes with integrated GPS and therefore will be used as navigation system: permanent use (espacially accessing the MicroDrive) in the car
- we see the MicroDrive stop and cease to function from time to time up to even resulting in complete system freeze
=> interim summary: shock proof mechanism and permanent use do not work both at the same time, short term stops and complete malfunction to be expected (very likely for the majority of devices)

2) MD = SLOW
several years of using Pocket PCs with all kinds of storage have shown us, that the MicroDrive belonged and still belongs to the slowest on the market;
=> currently we see ...
- much slower start of system (i.e. after soft reset) the more applications are installed on the MicroDrive
- much slower start of several navigation systems (TomTom, iGo, Navigon) which of course are installed (at least their maps) on the MD
- explorer / start menu / several applications accessing files stored on or links to applications installed on the MicroDrive show dramatically bad performance

3) MD -> BATTERY DRAIN
the only issue we read of but cannot yet 100% confirm;
we avoided to install applications with permanant access to MicroDrive, i.e. no today plugins etc have been installed on MD;
but: we can confirm that it takes a long time to load an empty battery or almost does not reload when using USB cable (via laptop / PC) instead of charging via AC adaptor

We read about similar requests and would definitely support them (if possible):
For all 3 issues as described above we would strongly opt for and recommend replacement by CF drives (i.e. Transcend CF 8 GB 120x).

!!! Does anybody have access to the service manuals ?
We'd actally like to do that replacement asap if there is any chance to.

Any comments / other experience ?

Thanks for Your feedback

I've now got me an Ameo and can say this much...the above scenarios are slowly becoming a reality for me. MD is slow as hell and I can't even active sync large files across to it from PC. I can transfer no probs to SD card via card reader on PC then to MD via SD card once re-inserted.

This is not good. HTC should have known better and at least implemented a bit of software to allow for USB mass storage capability. I think I'd better do some more reading of the manual and research more about USB mass storage software.

I'm sure this was available some time ago for the Universal...just can't remember when or where.

Originally Posted by mackaby007

I've now got me an Ameo and can say this much...the above scenarios are slowly becoming a reality for me. MD is slow as hell and I can't even active sync large files across to it from PC. I can transfer no probs to SD card via card reader on PC then to MD via SD card once re-inserted.

This is not good. HTC should have known better and at least implemented a bit of software to allow for USB mass storage capability. I think I'd better do some more reading of the manual and research more about USB mass storage software.

I'm sure this was available some time ago for the Universal...just can't remember when or where.

I have the software here if you want, just give me your e-mail, i can send it to you
In the other hand, the result of DOPOD U1000 is very different, the Micro Drive in my device runs really well, (even faster than my mini-SD by doing the benchmark)
Transfer large file is no problem and is fast. Don't see any problem on it.
I guess after all, DOPOD still on top on writing Roms, hopefully the Advantage will sort their machine out when it comes out (since they are getting the help from DOPOD).

I also looking for a software can emulator USB mass storage , can u send me a copy? Thanks !

e-mail: simdao@yahoo.com
P.S. Card Export II doesn't work on Dopod U1000 >.<

Wu....your the man. Thank you. My e-mail address is mackaby007@myway.com

Appreciate this.

Originally Posted by wu5262

I have the software here if you want, just give me your e-mail, i can send it to you
In the other hand, the result of DOPOD U1000 is very different, the Micro Drive in my device runs really well, (even faster than my mini-SD by doing the benchmark)
Transfer large file is no problem and is fast. Don't see any problem on it.
I guess after all, DOPOD still on top on writing Roms, hopefully the Advantage will sort their machine out when it comes out (since they are getting the help from DOPOD).

Dont suppose i could have the software too? animas@hotmail.com

Originally Posted by mackaby007

Wu....your the man. Thank you. My e-mail address is mackaby007@myway.com

Appreciate this.

@wu...Hiya mate. Have you had a chance to send that USB mass storage file over yet? Thanks.