Sorry if this is answered elsewhere but I did search and couldn't find anything.

What I'd like to know is, is there any benefit - other than increased storage capacity - for getting a 16GB card for the N900? Does it give any functional benefit to the OS or user experience, I.E. is the memory shared with any function of the OS?

Thanks in advance!

The memory isn't used elsewhere, no. It provides additional storage, and also is a useful location for keeping backups.

That's what I thought, but I didn't want to miss out if it could be used to expand system memory (although exactly how that would be possible is something else, I know...wishful thinking!)

Cheers for clarifying.

Well you could use the memory card to expand the system memory (e.g. expand root, or expand the /opt partition, etc..). However this does mean your device will not work without that memory card in there. Though the method in the n900 is quite new and not advised for people who are unfamilar with Linux.

what about, you have a friend who's also using microsd enabled devices. and you to want to share some gigs of files to your friend. using bluetooth? you'll grow moustache by the time the transfer finished. use your sd card. sd is de-facto standard these days

Oh of course, I mean that's a no brainer
I was just thinking more along the lines of what the immediate benefits are of buying a 16gb card- I didn't know if the device could indeed split system memory; interesting that there's been a yes and a no so far?...

It can't split it - you can set up an alternate bootloader and boot directly off the card though. This will be slower than the main memory though, and the procedure for doing so is still pretty unpolished.

Actually you can split up memory cards. It's a block device like a hard drive. Its can be split into multiple partitions. But it's use in other devices will be limited. Most non-computer devices will only see and use the first partition (assuming it's still formated as a FAT file system).

I think unless you are running out of space in your 32 gig main memory (delete some videos!), or you want to copy files somewhere else and wifi is too slow, there's little reason to get an external card.