Using Built-in Ricoh slot for Windows Vista ReadyBoost

[johnvndnbrk]

Hello: I would be interested to know your thoughts on Windows Vista ReadyBoost and if this is worth pursuing. I find the technology interesting, but I have run into conflicting or vague information on this subject. Specifically:

1) What type of non-volitale memory to you recommend? I am not too interested in the USB option, but others might be.
2) Would a performance gain be noticeable on a T61p with 4Gigs of RAM and a 200Gig 72K Hitachi HD .
3) What size do you recommend, 2/4/8 Gig? This memory seems cheap enough.
4) What read/write speeds or other specifications are important?
5) Does the fact that I am using Vista 64-bit make a difference in the size of memory I could/should use.

I do not use the Ricoh card reader much, if at all, but do use my USB ports for other periferals. If you prefer one brand or type of memory over another it would be interesting to hear your feedback and advice.

Thank you so much!

John

[Radioguy]

I have a ReadyBoost dedicated 4GB Class 4 SDHC card in the slot, just for the fact that I bought a couple on sale.

I see it accessed often, but I'm none too sure if there's an actual improvement for me, especially since I have 4GB in RAM (3GB usable). Seeing that you have the same, plus a 64-bit OS using all that 4GB, I doubt you'd notice more.

In general though, I wouldn't use an externally based ReadyBoost drive at all short of a media card. USB drives stick out too much to be used for long periods of time and on the go. They could stress the usb port and get lost. Meanwhile, I leave the card in and forget about it. I even took a black paint marker to the edge to make it even less inconspicuous.

If you decide to get one at all, don't go for less than Class 4. Class 2 isn't fast enough. I was only able to use a minimum of Class 4 on a standard SD card as well (Ultra II).

On the other hand, the standard (Sandisk) Memory Stick Duo's (Not the Ultra II, or Extreme III) work fast enough for ReadyBoost too. They are still more expensive compared to SD, though.

[PSchueller]

As far as what size to get, I rememeber reading somewhere that Vista won't be able to use more than the amount of system memory you already have, 4 Gb in your case. Please some one correct me if I am wrong.

[Radioguy]

I'm sure I meant to say less conspicuous.

[bebzif]

Did anyone using the Ricoh card reader for RB experience problems when waking up from sleep and/or hibernate ? I ended up disabling RB because it would not recognize my device anymore when waking up, and when it did it was going crzay for hours writing to this device constantly, making the system unusable. I have 64 bits SP1.