Flash memory + ReadyBoost = MegaRam Vista Tips Discuss Flash memory + ReadyBoost = MegaRam in the Windows Vista forums; Vista's ReadyBoost is my favorite feature. Basically, you insert any flash memory device (USB Memory Stick, SD Card, Compact Flash, etc.) and ReadyBoost uses that device as EXTRA RAM. ...

[dazzlin]

Vista's ReadyBoost is my favorite feature. Basically, you insert any flash memory device (USB Memory Stick, SD Card, Compact Flash, etc.) and ReadyBoost uses that device as EXTRA RAM. So if you buy a 512MB ($70) or a 1GB ($100) or even a 2GB ($150) flash drive from your favorite electronics store, and shove it into an available USB port, you've just increased your computer's RAM by that much. How cool is that?

[Lorlen]

That is a fantastic idea, I hope it plays out well. While it will not be as fast as normal RAM it will certianly help, Vista should be great as long as they do include all the features and not cut any out.

[W.Harbaugh]

That sounds amazing! The prices of memory sticks are going to go up now, and USB 3.0 is going to be released to increase the speed of this new idea....it's agreat idea for finding use for these memory sticks that we dont use at times...

[dazzlin]

Yeah, it is a great idea...I can't believe they didn't do this sooner. It's a no-brainer.

[triumph]

That is actually awesome... because I bought a jump drive a while back and really have not been able to find a good use for it.

That being said, doesn't flash memory wear out after repeated writings over time? It seems using it as an extended memory would wear it out much faster than just read access.

[W.Harbaugh]

Originally Posted by triumph

That is actually awesome... because I bought a jump drive a while back and really have not been able to find a good use for it.

That being said, doesn't flash memory wear out after repeated writings over time? It seems using it as an extended memory would wear it out much faster than just read access.

Not to my knowledge...there's nothing to run out of there's no discs or spinning heads inside....it's just basically a RAM chip...

[triumph]

Originally Posted by W.Harbaugh

Not to my knowledge...there's nothing to run out of there's no discs or spinning heads inside....it's just basically a RAM chip...

Yeah but my understanding is the writing to flash ram is limited. It has to do with the way the magnetic surface works and it deteriorates all the time. I don't know the full scientific explanation, but i will see if I can dig something up on it.

[W.Harbaugh]

Magnets take a long time to demagnatise, I'd say they'd each have the same timespan as normal RAM or normal hard drives...we'll see in due time.

[MsMcClain]

Originally Posted by W.Harbaugh

The prices of memory sticks are going to go up now, and USB 3.0 is going to be released to increase the speed of this new idea.......

It's funny because that's the first thing that I thought about too. Better get on ebay and load up because prices are about to skyrocket.

[sopaman]

This really is a great idea.... not sure about the cynics suggesting that USB 3 and increased demand will push up the prices of memory sticks...

I don't think it will have that greater effect on the market.

Although of course it might help keep USB3.0 prices at a premium for a while.....