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[an error occurred while processing this directive] Flash Cards: a Solution for Low Memory Macs
- June 8, 2000
Let me ask you this question: on a PowerBook, have you ever seen an
out of memory warning? If not, you must have a newer machine. Every
time I use my PowerBook 190cs, I get
the same warning, but now that problem is gone. You could even say a
birdie told me. A camera birdie that is.
 One day at the elementary school where I help out, we were
viewing some pictures on a Compact Flash card. When I got home, I was
thinking how to solve my memory crisis (my 190cs is running Mac OS 8.1
in only 7 MB of RAM). Suddenly something came into my head: Why not use
Compact Flash cards as RAM?
All you need is this:
- A Compact Flash card
- A PC card slot or USB
- An adapter, if necessary
The way you do this is to format the Compact Flash card as a hard
drive and use it for Virtual Memory (instead of using your hard
drive).
I do warn you, try this out with someone who already has a Compact
Flash card. I've only tested 8 and 32 MB Compact Flash cards on a
PowerBook 1400. If you get big enough
cards, your PowerBook could have over 1 GB of RAM. Other computers this
may be useful for are PCI Performas and some low-end PCI Power Macs
like the 5500 & 6500, iMacs, iBooks (especially the Rev. A), and
some clones
For desktop models you will need a USB card and some form of adapter
such as VST's Tri-Media Reader (it works
with Compact Flash, Smart Media, and floppy disks). For first
generation Power Macs and 68k Macs, low memory is hopeless.* The
earlier the model, the less memory it will support. For some Power
Macs, it could be a waste of time. The 7300 I'm using right now can be upgraded to 1
GB for less than the cost of a Flash card upgrade. If you have any
trouble, email me and I'll try to help you.
- * You can use Virtual Memory, but it's very slow on 68k Macs and
not terribly fast on first generation Power Macs. Your best bet after
installing maximum memory is to try RAM Doubler.
Visit ramseeker to see if
Compact Flash cards fit your budget. Then compare that to current
memory upgrade prices for your Mac.
If you do try this, we'd love to hear how it works for you. Email
. Thanks!
- <back to the
original article>
Share your perspective on the Mac by emailing with "My Turn" as your subject. Recent My Turn articles- Using Low End Macs for Internet Radio, 08.18.
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