internal memory HW upgrade?
 

Is it possible to pull out the current 64 MB memory and install a larger one? I'm not afraid of soldering, I just don't know 1) the kind of memory, 2) how easy it is to remove, and 3) whether the hardware can handle it (the software will, I'm sure).

Ted

I'd like to know this also. On the other day I was trying to open 770 to see if it would be possible. I had some difficulties to get circuit board away so I let it go.

Memory is mobile DDR, however I don't know how easy it is remove. Maybe some hot air blower (is this correct word?) with small nose is needed to remove it. Soldering equipment must be offcourse designed to be used with surface mounted components. I think that microscope is also needed to check correct soldering. Alas, I thing that biggest problem might be finding some mobile DDR memory chips.

If I understand ti's OMAP1710 specification correctly it should handle it. It says that:

* Comprehensive memory controller for interfaces to:
o 128 MB of mobile SDRAM and mobile DDR
o 256 MB Flash (for burst, programmable NOR flash)

Have anyone gone further investigating this issue?

I've done the research on this and believe me, unless you can desolder and resolder a BGA chip, no dice. The chip is a Samsung I have the model # at home (I'm currently at work). My mom is a rework tech which means all she does is solder all sorts of stuff and she told me it's not something you can do at home without having a BGA machine. The memory is located all on one chip, it's one package this is the PDF that explains the chip. Once I get home in a few hours I'll give you guys the chip model #.

Even if you could upgrade it, wouldn't you also have to get into the BIOS (or whatever the 770 equivalent is) in order for the unit to recognize the larger memory.

I wouldn't fool with it. Even if you could A) find the proper memory chip B) desolder and resolder it and C) update the BIOS, the OS may be written such that many internal functions exist at static memory locations, which could be thrown awry if you swap chips.

IOW, the "brick potential" is a solid 9.9.

thanks for the info
 

That's unfortunate. I don't know why Nokia didn't go for 128 MB internal memory at least, but 64MB makes the 770 much less useful than it could be.

Ted

Yeah, I know that brick potential is quite high, but from time to time you just need to do some sacrifices for the sake of science. :D

BGA chip is of course bad news. I don't have tools assembling those chips. So it seems to be no go for me at least. If someone of you are ever going to make some sacrifices, please tell the results :)

I think, it is still premarket unit, just to investigate, how well it will go...
At this price you can't expect somesing better, but it can match other PDA
in same price line...

memory prices
 

Memory prices are so ridiculously low, though, that the 64 MB difference couldn't have been more than $20. I would have gladly paid that for a more stable device.

The 770 certainly wasn't marketed as a premarket unit by Nokia. I don't like the way they are delaying the promised OS upgrade, how unstable the device is, and the complexity of the existing swap solutions. I hope the next OS release addresses at least some of the problems.

Ted

128 RAM would also have doubled the power consumption of the memory. I think that All things considered, 64 was a decent choice, but they should have allowed easy enabling of swap.

Well, but Pocket PC Tech offers upgrade for 128Mb for just 169$.
http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main~un...updateunit.htm
Think, they have reason to do it...