Flash/laptop compatability?

[Ron Whitfield]

I bought a 2GB flash drive and did the duo of flash drives on my laptop recently using my 1GB and the new one into two seperate USB ports, as suggested was doable, to see if there would be any leap in speed, and instead my laptop was VERY unhappy with it. Used alone, it didn't even like the new 2GB flash at all.
BTW, the geeks say that more flashes will eventually slow the system down.

What gives?

[helen]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

I am quite confused by your post. What exactly are you trying to accomplish here?

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

I believe you're attemting to use Vista/Windows 7 Ready Boost capabilities using USB flashdrives? I'm not sure but I think the flashdrive has to be readyboost ready (so to speak).

[Ron Whitfield]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

helen, this has to do with the info I've learned recently about using a flash drive to boost a laptops speed/efficiency. I have a 1GB and it does indeed give an increase.
So, with my newfound but totally insufficient knowledge, I surmised that if 1 is good, 2 or more is better. Didn't work... Maybe as Craig has denoted, and thanx for that info... now!

Yes Craig, I'm using Vista. I get a little audible boink and a page popping up that notes it whenever I insert the flash.

I'll be returning the purchased item and looking for one that's compatible.

BTW, the geeks at Best Buy all had no idea what I was talking about when asking them about the use of a flash for this purpose..., totally clueless!

[helen]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

I did not know about the Ready Boost until Craig mentioned in his response.

And while that 2 Gbyte flash drive may not be useful to increase the speed of disk access on your laptop, it is still useful as a device to hold files which is it's original intended use.

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

BTW, the geeks at Best Buy all had no idea what I was talking about when asking them about the use of a flash for this purpose..., totally clueless!

Typical response from them. I think a job interview with SuperGeeks should include throwing the prospective worker a broken computer and telling them they have one hour to fix it.

The problem with ReadyBoost is the read/write speeds of your flashdrive. You'll gain more memory capacity to enhance your RAM, but because USB flashdrives read and write slower than your RAM you won't see much improvement when it comes to speed, however apps will open smoother.

On the horizon if not already here is USB 3.0 or Superspeed USB running at 4.8Gbps as opposed to USB 2.0 at 480Mbps and firewireat 800Mbps. USB 1.0 runs at 12Mbps. When USB 3.0 hits the market coupled with ReadyBoost, then you'll see an improvement in speed.

[Ron Whitfield]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

I rarely use a LAN line, mostly wireless, and depending on the power rating of the connection I do see an increase in speed, as well as the apps.

Is 3.0 only an onboard service? Nothing outboard I can use? Can my laptop be converted to use this?

Look's like the biggies on gadgets are just now getting their hands on these 3.0s to analize and review, but already there are negs coming from some who've tried it.

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

I think for laptops you'll need to buy one with a 3.0 USB connector. This is why I still prefer desktops. Lots of potential for mods.

[Ron Whitfield]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

Took the flash stick back to Best Buy and had my laptop with me, so the tech tells me it will work on my computer once it is installed and read. He did it and found out it won't work with my computer.

Will another cheap Lexar flash like I'm having success with work with the same success?

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Flash/laptop compatability?

I only use SanDisk. They claim to be ReadyBoost compatible.

[Ron Whitfield]

I'll check out the SD...

Look's like the Lexar JumpDrive Lightning, $40, is pretty hot.

[Ron Whitfield]

wow...

$15 w/free shipping on the bay!