Help HTC Desire - Internal Memory Capacity Issue

[TimMatrix]

According to HTC Desire's specifications, there is around 576Mb Internal RAM. That's brilliant, except for one thing:-

I only got 77Mb space available. The biggest app program I have in this HTC Desire is 7Mb (Photos by HTC). 19 Apps are between 1Mb and 7Mb.

So I ask this question: Where did the other 500Mb odd space go? Did T-Mobile reserve this much space?

With 77Mb space left, it would severely limit the number of apps I could download from Android Market, and that is not fair.

Any ideas what or why it has "eaten" up 500Mb of RAM?

 

[lukeyboymac]

Ram and Rom are different things.

RAM is what the phone uses for helping things work whereas Rom is where you store stuff. It's the Rom you need to look at for your storage needs.

Hope that helps

 

[TimMatrix]

Ram and Rom are different things.

RAM is what the phone uses for helping things work whereas Rom is where you store stuff. It's the Rom you need to look at for your storage needs.

Hope that helps

Surely RAM is where you store the stuff, and ROM is where the Operating System (aka Android) is stored?

The RAM is usually a FLASH RAM, ie. retains memory after switch off, the same memory properties as the MicroSD card.

So, sorry, I think your answer didn't explain the question I asked. I did ask where did the 500Mb go?

 

[matt542]

I noticed this too . There's 70 or so left on mine , not quite sure where it went to . Interested to hear if anyone knows ?

 

[DaveDesire]

Where do you think the android OS is stored? There's just over 100mb left on the ROM to install applications

 

[gogol]

I think you install apps in the ROM ... and not RAM.

ROM and RAM - xda-developers

 

[gie62001]

Surely RAM is where you store the stuff, and ROM is where the Operating System (aka Android) is stored?

The RAM is usually a FLASH RAM, ie. retains memory after switch off, the same memory properties as the MicroSD card.

So, sorry, I think your answer didn't explain the question I asked. I did ask where did the 500Mb go?

RAM is random access memory which is the same as on PC and laptops gives you additional memory to store things on the go, while you working with programs, etc. but
and ROM is amount of memory you have for your applications, music, etc. like SD card.
if you have a problem with low RAM that means either Sense UI is taking up alot of memory out of 576 Mb available or you're running too many apps at the same time which use RAM. btw there smart guys at Samsung Galaxy thread where you could ask questions about Ram and Rom (KAM187,Infomale,etc)
so don't be lazy and use this great Android forum as there are loads of smart people always willing to help.
btw how did you fetch this RAM information? as its not available through android interface unless you install apps like task killer, or android information or similar where you can view processes running and how much memory which app is taking.
me myself Samsung galaxy user from day one (back in July 2009) so we have big issue with galaxy's RAM memory which is misserable 192mb. so there were many discussions about it
btw one more thing i think it has to do with kernel version which is .29 and can only access around 380 RAM and not whole 576 Ram which i read somewhere will be accessibe from .33 kernel. but too lazy to look for this info now
take care (waiting for my galaxy next Tuesday )

 

[grainysand]

.33 can't access that much memory, if you really wanted to know. My phone is running on that kernel.

 

[carthesis]

The Nexus One had a similar problem - Cyanogen managed to solve it in his mod. I would assume that the almost-certainly-coming Cyanogen mod for the Desire will have a similar fix, assuming HTC don't beat him to it.

 

[Yenzehn]

I must admit that the low amount of internal memory worries me somewhat.

Even one gig like on the X10 would help my worries about running out of space for applications, or the ability to install to the SD without rooting.

 

[grainysand]

The Nexus One had a similar problem - Cyanogen managed to solve it in his mod. I would assume that the almost-certainly-coming Cyanogen mod for the Desire will have a similar fix, assuming HTC don't beat him to it.

Google would have to be the one to do it, since it's a core OS function.

On which note, I'm not sure about Cyanogen's new apps2sd, but the more common/older method--used by Modaco, Enomther et al--doesn't actually shove everything onto the SD card; apps still generate a certain amount of data that goes into the internal storage. Still saves you a lot of space, but doesn't mean internal storage ceases to become a problem.

 

[Stoo]

sorry for my noobness but can you not store apps on a SD card to free up any internal memory????

 

[Markiz]

Surely RAM is where you store the stuff, and ROM is where the Operating System (aka Android) is stored?

The RAM is usually a FLASH RAM, ie. retains memory after switch off, the same memory properties as the MicroSD card.

So, sorry, I think your answer didn't explain the question I asked. I did ask where did the 500Mb go?

You cant be serious? Have you ever heard of Google? Have you ever tried installing a game on your PC on your RAM MEMORY? Do you even have a computer? Maybe you should stick with iphone?

I dont mean to be rude, but im shocked how conviced you are in something so terebly wrong.

 

[grainysand]

Yeah, I think he's new to this computer/smartphone thing.

 

[gie62001]

.33 can't access that much memory, if you really wanted to know. My phone is running on that kernel.

sorry, what i meant was that kernels after .33 should be able to access more RAM memory. sorry was early morning after work and was just in general unhappy with person's unknowledge about the difference between RAM and ROM and still keeping to his position even if someone already stated what is what.
seriously so why do we have google for? or any other search engine? but thanx for correcting me

 

[Lukehluke]

Rooting your phone and having a big SD card can solve the apps space issue.

 

[lazarus101]

Rooting your phone and having a big SD card can solve the apps space issue.

yes, but no one has managed to root the Desire yet, they say it's a lot more secured than older devices

 

[lukeyboymac]

Aside from the misunderstanding of Rom and Ram he does have a point. Have just done a factory reset and put nothing on the phone. Available space is showing as 141mb. Is that big enough in the long run? Probably not but I guess Google appreciate this. As the desire is my first android phone (coming from Winmo) I'm impressed with the ease of downloading stuff from the market place and then deleting it if not required.

I always remember my first hard drive on a pc was 500mb. Thought that I'd never use it, then came MP3s. So I got a 20gb one, thought I'd never fill that. Then came movie downloads and amazing games. Now my 1/2 gig drive is full. When is enough, enough?

 

[grainysand]

Word is that Paul O'Brien of Modaco, the man who ported the Desire ROM to the N1, said he's got a rooted Desire ROM and will be testing it once he's gotten his hands on an actual Desire unit. I'm not saying this is solid set-in-stone certainty, though, since I don't follow him on twitter or anything and am only paraphrasing someone else.

 

[lazarus101]

yes, I know, he posted that on the Modaco forum, he'll get the Desire tomorrow and try to load that ROM on the device but he will then go on holiday for 2 weeks.
I just can't understand why HTC hasn't added more internal storage space.

 

[TimMatrix]

You cant be serious? Have you ever heard of Google? Have you ever tried installing a game on your PC on your RAM MEMORY? Do you even have a computer? Maybe you should stick with iphone?

I dont mean to be rude, but im shocked how conviced you are in something so terebly wrong.

Offence none taken. I do understand what you are saying. What I am saying is the difference between ROM and RAM (mind you, there are different memory types and their characteristics).

I am referring ROM as in Firmware ROM, one whose data can be upgraded with special software (downloaded either from HTC or Google) in order to upgrade/fix any bugs or enhancements to the Desire handset (Android v2.2, etc).

I am referring RAM as in either internal RAM or external RAM (microSD card). Now, both can retain their data, even if switched off. This is because they are Flash RAMs, which is completely different to those type of RAM used inside your PC (Flash RAM vs. Volatile RAM).

The point is, if HTC Desire has 512Mb ROM and 574Mb RAM. From the layman's point of view, this appears as if the firmware's in 512Mb ROM, and there's apps and spaces in the 574Mb RAM. And the layman would "see" that there is microSD slot, that can take up to 32Gb. Now, why, I ask, can't this be 'treated' as if I got 512Mb ROM, 32.575Gb RAM?

I am not sure if you get my drift here? I just want to be able to download, either few big apps or as many apps, as well as music, photos, videos, in that 32Gb microSD card (which would be a doddle).

Limiting to 574Mb for apps, does make you wonder of its limitations, when compared with others like the iPhone. Why can't we save apps in that 32Gb card?

Sorry for this long text, but thought perhaps a little explanation might help you see what I am trying to say?

Oh, I don't like iPhone, cos there is no sense of 'individuality' with that phone. Everytime I see someone using a iPhone, there's this boring black background with tiles (apps icons). Android is a breath of fresh air. You can customise to your heart's contents. Big clock, widgets, live wallpaper, and the lot - it's simply magical.

Cheers.

 

[Jack10]

Not good news for the desire :S

 

[lukeyboymac]

Same as all unrooted android phones. You can't store apps on memory card. It's something google apparently are looking to address. I'm not sure it's a problem for me because I only put things on there that I use regularly and are top quality and if I want to play a quick game I download it, play it then remove it. I'm not sure I'd want my phone filled with 1000s of apps. Incidently, the only slow down I've had occured after I install several beta apps - things just started behaving a bit strangely so did a hard reset and all is fine in desire world again

 

[TimMatrix]

Yeah, I think he's new to this computer/smartphone thing.

Sorry, no. I know quite a lot about computers for the last 20 years. [I build PCs from empty case to fully working PC for my friends (12 so far)]. I have read as many as I can on all kinds of new emerging technologies. I love reading new hi-tech stuffs. [Any of you remember the good ol' ZX Spectrum 48K way back in the 80's. Such lovely nostalgia memories.]

Back to the subject of HTC Desire:
It's just the "limitations" that I want it removed/resolved by Google/HTC. I want to be able to install as many apps as I want, knowing that there's plenty of room in that 32Gb microSD, and not be worried about the "tiny" 512Mb/574Mb memory capacity.

That is all.

 

[TimMatrix]

Same as all unrooted android phones. You can't store apps on memory card. It's something google apparently are looking to address. I'm not sure it's a problem for me because I only put things on there that I use regularly and are top quality and if I want to play a quick game I download it, play it then remove it. I'm not sure I'd want my phone filled with 1000s of apps. Incidently, the only slow down I've had occured after I install several beta apps - things just started behaving a bit strangely so did a hard reset and all is fine in desire world again

I agree, Lukeyboymac.

I admit mentioning the words "as many apps as I want" but certainly not 1,000s of them. What I meant is how would you find some room in that "small" memory capacity for those big apps, such as Google Earth? I just discovered that Google Earth app eats up 7Mb of internal memory so decided to uninstall it! You see where I'm driving at? Clever apps will grow in size, therefore would mean an even FEWER apps be able to fit into that 'already tight' 574Mb memory capacity. Which is why I want the limitations removed, so to make use of that 32Gb microSD (or 16Gb or 8gb, whatever you've got).

Yes, I have seen an article somewhere that Google may look into this. I sincerely hope that they do, as Google would not risk losing their customer base once they discover of its limitations on their flagship, HTC Desire!