Develop Bugs

Is it really worth the upgrade?

Hello everyone!
I now have a I-Mate JasJar and I love it!
However, it is a 64 mb unit and I am considering the upgrade!
So I wanted to ask everyone that has already done the upgrade if they think it was worth it?
Also I would like to know where you can see the improvment the most?
I like Nav n go Igo 8 navi program and my device clearly
does not have enough memory to run it properly, will it help to do the upgrade or is it so that the graphic card is not quiet up for the challenge to be able to show 3d terrain and everything else in Igo8?
So basicly I want some coments from you guys, what works after the upgrade and what does not work?
For me I am considering either to do the upgrade or to buy the Touch pro when it cames out, but the thing is that I like this device to much to sell it!
So is there any hope for it? Is it going to be as good as the rest of the devices that has more memory (like tytn II), or is it just not worth it?
Oh and buy the way, I do own a tytn II so I know all about the missing drivers and stuff, the fact that it has a gps is great but somehow I dont mind that my universal does not have gps becouse I have an external gps anyway and it is much better then the built in gps in tytn II!

not get mine upgraded yet but I won't even though the xda exec might be stronger and faster / more stable? I have no idea but I never want mine to be disassembled or replaced sth. I want it to be still original and untouched inside, I love software and OS modding but no hardware modding seem to be interesting to me.

Well, I have send my Qtek9000 yesterday to the shop in Germany to get it upgraded...
Why, becose I am running IGO8 and have not enough Ram to run it properly.
I hope it solves the problems I have running IGO8 like the 3D map wich somethimes dissapears after a while...
I let you know my experience after the upgrade...!

Actually, if you install many softwares then ROM is more important because even though you can install the softwares to the memory card but many programs would install either in part on in full to the ROM
You'll reach a stage whereby you cannot install programs even to the memory card because you'll face 'Storage Memory Low' error
I wonder whether it's possible to upgrade the ROM too say to 512MB?

FOSA said:
Actually, if you install many softwares then ROM is more important because even though you can install the softwares to the memory card but many programs would install either in part on in full to the ROM
You'll reach a stage whereby you cannot install programs even to the memory card because you'll face 'Storage Memory Low' error
I wonder whether it's possible to upgrade the ROM too say to 512MB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know if you are familiair with the memory of computers, but...
See the SD-card as the harddisk. That's clear.
See the ROM as memory that you cannot use for your own (exceptions are Flash and extended memory, but those are 'hard disks' too)
So, all 'hard disks' are used to store stuff onto. This can be programs, images, databases, whatever.
See the RAM as usable program memory (the RAM of your computer - might be 1Gb or 2Gb or 4Gb)
The 128MB is RAM, so only to be used as program memory, memory used while running programs.
Each program that is installed costs NO RAM, except when you (or the OS) run it. Drivers only consume program memory when they are loaded.
So, installing eg. a large game won't change anything to your RAM.
Most programs can be installed to SD. Only a few cannot. However, often can be tweaked (eg. Opera, Wisbar) to run from SD without any problem.
I would very much like to have 128MB too... I was under the impression that the store in Germany would not do this anymore (it is not on their web site)
So, CFDS, when you get the Universal back, please inform us of its state!

RE
I think you're mistaken
I'm referring to the storage memory vs the program memory.
The Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. Similarly, the SAMSUNG SGH i900 has 256 MB Flash ROM and 128 MB SDRAM
Here's the spec for the Uni (QTEK 9000)
http://www.qtek.nu/europe/products/9000/specifications.aspx

Are they really doing the upgrade?
cfds said:
Well, I have send my Qtek9000 yesterday to the shop in Germany to get it upgraded...
Why, becose I am running IGO8 and have not enough Ram to run it properly.
I hope it solves the problems I have running IGO8 like the 3D map wich somethimes dissapears after a while...
I let you know my experience after the upgrade...!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, yes Igo8 is why I am considering the upgrade myself!
Please let me know when you get your device back, I would really like to know how it works with Igo8!
Also I would like to know to what shop in Germany you sent your device?
The only shop I know of is this: http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html and I dont see that they can do the upgrade anywhere on their site!
I wrote them an email asking them if they can do it and what the cost will be, but so far I have not recieved any answer!
Is this the shop you are reffering to or do you know of any other in Germany that will do the upgrade?
Also do you know what the price should be and how long it should take?
Thanks in advance!

Please confirm this?
FOSA said:
I think you're mistaken
I'm referring to the storage memory vs the program memory.
The Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. Similarly, the SAMSUNG SGH i900 has 256 MB Flash ROM and 128 MB SDRAM
Here's the spec for the Uni (QTEK 9000)
http://www.qtek.nu/europe/products/9000/specifications.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so you mean that if one does the RAM upgrade one will not get more PROGRAM MEMORY?
Please confirm this, it would really be shame to spend money on the upgrade only to not recieve any additional "program memory" which I think is equaly important!
I tought that by doing the upgrade it will be equalent to a Tytn II device both in "RAM" and in "program memory"! So please confirm this!
Thanks in advance!

RE
Quote
"Ok, so you mean that if one does the RAM upgrade one will not get more PROGRAM MEMORY?"
As I mentioned the Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. If you do a RAM upgrade you'll get 128MB SDRAM and that means you'll have MORE program memory but your storage memory remains the same at 128 MB Flash ROM
For comparison, I've taken a look at the SAMSUNG SGH i900 running WM 6.1 at its default installation and found that the FREE storage memory is about 30+ to 50+ MB. If you're the type who wants to install many programs then I think this amount is inadequate. The SONY EXPERIA X1 might be a good alternative giving 512 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM.
FI, my QTEK 9000's FREE storage memory is about 3 MB so can't do software installation even to the SD card because I'm facing the 'Storage Memory Low' error during installation of programs
Program memory is important for program running. Generally, if you do have 20 -30 MB of FREE program memory it's adequate to run most programs smoothly. However, certain programs may require more to ensure stability and smooth running.

Yes, this is the shop I send my Qtek to in Germany: http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html
He confirmed a couple of weeks ago that he's able to do the Ram upgrade on the Qtek9000. He charges 119€ for the upgrade and it would take a week excluding shipping...
Can hardly wait to get it back...!

How did you send it?
cfds said:
Yes, this is the shop I send my Qtek to in Germany: http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html
He confirmed a couple of weeks ago that he's able to do the Ram upgrade on the Qtek9000. He charges 119€ for the upgrade and it would take a week excluding shipping...
Can hardly wait to get it back...!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you just fill in the form and sent it? I dont see anywhere to fill in country!
Is this how you sent it or did you do any other way?
Thanks

FOSA said:
Quote
"Ok, so you mean that if one does the RAM upgrade one will not get more PROGRAM MEMORY?"
As I mentioned the Uni has 128 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SDRAM. If you do a RAM upgrade you'll get 128MB SDRAM and that means you'll have MORE program memory but your storage memory remains the same at 128 MB Flash ROM
For comparison, I've taken a look at the SAMSUNG SGH i900 running WM 6.1 at its default installation and found that the FREE storage memory is about 30+ to 50+ MB. If you're the type who wants to install many programs then I think this amount is inadequate. The SONY EXPERIA X1 might be a good alternative giving 512 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM.
FI, my QTEK 9000's FREE storage memory is about 3 MB so can't do software installation even to the SD card because I'm facing the 'Storage Memory Low' error during installation of programs
Program memory is important for program running. Generally, if you do have 20 -30 MB of FREE program memory it's adequate to run most programs smoothly. However, certain programs may require more to ensure stability and smooth running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I understand now, but is there a way of upgrading the storage memory as well or is it just possible to upgrade RAM?
Also does anyone know if 128 MB Ram is the limit or is it possible to upgrade even more, perhaps 256 MB?
Thanks

Info on the 128Mb Upgrade
I have do the 128Mb upgrade to my Uni. Was it worth it, well that depends, I think it was for me. You will not notice any big change in app loading speeds, but if you are running heavy weight app's like sat nav were you see lock ups or 'low resource' warnings them yes it is wroth it. It wont get you any more stroage space but it does give you more program running space.
Currently 128Mb is the max M-RAM that can be fitted to the Uni, I beleive due to ROM image limitations. The chips are also obsolite and can be hard to get hold of have a look at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_128_Shop for places that sell and upgrade. To do it yourself will require specialist equipment, so unless you know what is involved get it done for you.
Dave

D.Apsley said:
I have do the 128Mb upgrade to my Uni. Was it worth it, well that depends, I think it was for me. You will not notice any big change in app loading speeds, but if you are running heavy weight app's like sat nav were you see lock ups or 'low resource' warnings them yes it is wroth it. It wont get you any more stroage space but it does give you more program running space.
Currently 128Mb is the max M-RAM that can be fitted to the Uni, I beleive due to ROM image limitations. The chips are also obsolite and can be hard to get hold of have a look at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_128_Shop for places that sell and upgrade. To do it yourself will require specialist equipment, so unless you know what is involved get it done for you.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks for then info!
Have you or do you plan on testing your upgraded uni with Igo8 to see if it works properly? That is why I am considering the upgrade in the first place so it is very important for me to know if it works or not!
Thanks in advance!

I enclosed a letter in the shipment(registered mail) which explained my request, contained all details from my PDA and personal details. I also send him an e-mail with the same request...
Lets hope that all goes well!!!
Ciao!

D.Apsley said:
Currently 128Mb is the max M-RAM that can be fitted to the Uni, I beleive due to ROM image limitations. The chips are also obsolite and can be hard to get hold of have a look at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_128_Shop for places that sell and upgrade. To do it yourself will require specialist equipment, so unless you know what is involved get it done for you.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so sure, Universal also works with 256 mb BGA RAM chips from Notebook memory

Win_XP said:
Not so sure, Universal also works with 256 mb BGA RAM chips from Notebook memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? How can I get it upgraded to 256 mb?
Just think about it, 256 mb on universal, how cool is that?

If you are going to run Igo8 on your Uni then the answer to the question is YES, get the upgrade done.

Received my Qtek back today from its Ram upgrade...
86,5mb free of prog mem after reset...
Tried iGO8 on it...it used up to 65mb of prog memory but it ran very smooth...had all selected-3D building/terrain etc...
So far after 2X 30 min of usage/navigating I did not lost my 3D map...will see how it behaves when I use it for an 2.5hrs/250km trip...

That is GREAT news!
cfds said:
Received my Qtek back today from its Ram upgrade...
86,5mb free of prog mem after reset...
Tried iGO8 on it...it used up to 65mb of prog memory but it ran very smooth...had all selected-3D building/terrain etc...
So far after 2X 30 min of usage/navigating I did not lost my 3D map...will see how it behaves when I use it for an 2.5hrs/250km trip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great news, please tell me how much did the upgrade cost you?
Oh and I would also like to know exactly how you sent it for the upgrade, becouse I have so far not recieved any answer from them!
Thanks in advance!

Using my extra memory on my SD card

With all the things we can do with this PPC, coming loaded with 512 MB ROM / 288 MB RAM, and the fact i've got over a GIG of free space on my SD card and no real interest to put movies or music on it.
Can i add that spare memory into windows, maybe give it a few extra megs of RAM.
It would be crazy if something like this were impossible.

Well, technically it wouldn't be RAM but rather SWAP or VRAM (VirtualRAM) as it's called on Windows. Not as good as actual RAM, but good for being able to handle more programs without too much bottlenecking.
No idea how to do it, though I used to do it on an old Linux based phone. Good luck finding an answer, I'd like to have this as an option as well

LOl yes i know, but thank-you for the reminder. It was just easier to say RAM than going into the explanation I'm thinking this shouldn't be a major issue.

Where does all the memory go

According to the specs the phone comes with 576mb of ram, yet when I got my new phone it only had 140mb available, which seems to me that you lose around 75% of the memory advertised before you actually get the phone.
Anyone know what is using up all this memory

walkerx said:
According to the specs the phone comes with 576mb of ram, yet when I got my new phone it only had 140mb available, which seems to me that you lose around 75% of the memory advertised before you actually get the phone.
Anyone know what is using up all this memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is using it. It doesn't RUN from ROM, no modern OS does that. ROM is merely where it's stored, it run's in RAM.

thanks for the response, i understand it doesn't run from ROM but just couldn't believe that you lose 75% of the ram.

walkerx said:
thanks for the response, i understand it doesn't run from ROM but just couldn't believe that you lose 75% of the ram.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't lose 75% of anything, it's still there. You're using 75% of it!. A phone that uses 0% of it's RAM would be a real-fancy paper weight after all.
If you try to open an app and you don't have enough RAM to run it Android will close activities and apps until there is enough. Any half way decent modern OS acts this way.
75% usage is fine and normal, don't worry about.

Perhaps your phone is developing Alzheimer's?

Actually you guys are confusing a lot here!
The 140MB that are available are ROM memory. The rest of the 512MB is used by the system and Sense etc.
That's not much available, since apps can only be installed into those 140MB.
Of the 576MB RAM, the system also uses some of it. But there's more than 140MB available.

it is indeed the rom, however, being that a massive majority of android apps are less than 1.5 mb in size, and if programmed properly use the SD card for storage means, the likelyhood of most people ever having a problem is minute.
I've read people on these forums with 70 odd apps on their desire and they have no issues whatsoever.
it really is not an issue.

after upgrading from the G1 with only 70mb-80mb available for installing apps unless you used the sdcard for storage was just a shock to only see 140mb available on the desire.

Agreed, it definitely is a problem if you install an app like Google Earth (22meg) and a few large games you will soon run out. On my G1 with apps2sd I had over 200meg of apps installed.

Meh, and HTC put 8GB of internal memory in the Droid Incredible (basicly the US desire), really don't understand why they don't put some internal storage in all of these devices..

Guys is there a tool where I could see how many rom and ram memory is available to install apps.

rhedgehog said:
it is indeed the rom, however, being that a massive majority of android apps are less than 1.5 mb in size, and if programmed properly use the SD card for storage means, the likelyhood of most people ever having a problem is minute.
I've read people on these forums with 70 odd apps on their desire and they have no issues whatsoever.
it really is not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd have to disagree with you I'm afraid - it really is an issue.
My Desire has about 80 apps installed, including Google Earth, Navigon satnav, and about 5 games. I have literally less than 10mb of ROM space left - not even enough for another game.
The space supplied on the ROM for apps is pathetic, and the sooner the Desire gets rooted (to enable apps2sd) the better.
EDIT: I've just realised I've repeated what other people said, and also may have come off like a douche - no offence intended!

Adding SD Storage does not help!
abats said:
Meh, and HTC put 8GB of internal memory in the Droid Incredible (basicly the US desire), really don't understand why they don't put some internal storage in all of these devices..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you think about it, this will make the new HTC Incredible (coming this year) with 8GB on board a big seller for HTC, do feel a little bit let down by HTC on this
I have to admit up until today when I got an "out of space" message I assumed apps were going on the SD Card, I'm really gutted about this. But in my heart I knew at some point went rooting was possible I would do it anyway.

sdemmery said:
When you think about it, this will make the new HTC Incredible (coming this year) with 8GB on board a big seller for HTC, do feel a little bit let down by HTC on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Afaik the 8GB onboard is as storage, not as ROM. So if android is still like today (only allowed application to be installed in ROM) those 8 GB can't be used as well. The main reason of this limitation is to prevent the piracy, but I read somewhere that there is a plan to add a function to store the encrypted application in the external storage. Hopefully that can be realized soon.

setspeed said:
EDIT: I've just realised I've repeated what other people said, and also may have come off like a douche - no offence intended!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I probably sound like a douche most of the time, but after doing my job for as long as i have, i no longer really care. but no offence intended from my end either. i may be a grumpy sod, but i'm not an a-hole.
anyhoo, most people will get nowhere near 80 apps.
I've been on android since the magic and got nowhere near that yet. most people won't. but yeah, lets hope either HTC start putting more memory in the phones, or google just add pss2sd capability as standard.
either would solve this for those few people that it does effect.

abats said:
Meh, and HTC put 8GB of internal memory in the Droid Incredible (basicly the US desire), really don't understand why they don't put some internal storage in all of these devices..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but u cant use them as system memory so its like a 8gb SD

Yeah, perhaps I'm spoilt from having apps2sd on my Dream - I've got used to installing whatever the hell I like, and leaving it there!
Let's hope Paul from MoDaCo finishes rooting/getting write access to the system partition soon. Or indeed, any other dev who can manage it

How do you guys get so many apps? I have installed around 20 apps and it's telling me I'm running low on space.......quite annoying. Having to remove apps to instal others.

boge said:
Afaik the 8GB onboard is as storage, not as ROM. So if android is still like today (only allowed application to be installed in ROM) those 8 GB can't be used as well. The main reason of this limitation is to prevent the piracy, but I read somewhere that there is a plan to add a function to store the encrypted application in the external storage. Hopefully that can be realized soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL that was pretty much what I wrote originally & thought I was talking nonsense so I edited the post, should have left it I guess
For me its not the number of apps its that some are large. Anyone have copilot installed, im thinking of getting it but im worried the maps are going to fill the memory up & leave me room for no other apps! The Desire is a cutting edge device & we just shouldn't have to contend with this issue, Heck I never had this with Windows Mobile. Then again I never had any apps for Windows Mobile

OnlinePredator said:
How do you guys get so many apps? I have installed around 20 apps and it's telling me I'm running low on space.......quite annoying. Having to remove apps to instal others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not only the issue with the number apps you can install. This issue is also limiting developers. There are a couple of reasons iPhone applications/games are usualy higher quality then the android counterparts. Storage problems is one of those issues sadly.

372mb RAM instead of 512?

I tried searching for this one and couldn't come up with any good answers on here, but it's something that I've been wondering since I got the G2. I've noticed that no matter what rom I use, the total memory in settings>about phone never shows up more than 400mb. I can't be sure of the exact amount for all the roms I've tried in the past, but I remember thinking it peculiar, although thinking about the internal memory and the fact that it was advertised as 4gb and only registers as 1.2gb, I was thinking maybe this is a similar thing?
Sent from my G2 running GingerMex Ghost Chili

Gwanatu said:
I tried searching for this one and couldn't come up with any good answers on here, but it's something that I've been wondering since I got the G2. I've noticed that no matter what rom I use, the total memory in settings>about phone never shows up more than 400mb. I can't be sure of the exact amount for all the roms I've tried in the past, but I remember thinking it peculiar, although thinking about the internal memory and the fact that it was advertised as 4gb and only registers as 1.2gb, I was thinking maybe this is a similar thing?
Sent from my G2 running GingerMex Ghost Chili
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a better phone, this is normal.

Get a good one damnit
meXdroid Ghost Chilli

The rest is used up by the operating system.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

Normal. My mt4g never shows more than 500mb after a fresh reboot.
Sent from prison

tackleberry said:
Normal. My mt4g never shows more than 500mb after a fresh reboot.
Sent from prison
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's normal to..
Look at this example
You buy a computer for 400 and in order to play crysis you need to have 2000 total dollars.
The 400 is for the computer, 50 of that is for crysis and the remaining 1550 is used to increase your computers everything just to freaking play that graphic hog game..
Okay better example
You eat a twinkie, it looks good at first, the commercial urges you to buy it. Even the box makes it look good, but once you eat it you realize your stomach hurts and it was a waste of time buying something that is so fattening you wish you hadn't.. bloatware much?

Read the details here HTC Vision XDA wiki

melodicjunkie said:
That's normal to..
Look at this example
You buy a computer for 400 and in order to play crysis you need to have 2000 total dollars.
The 400 is for the computer, 50 of that is for crysis and the remaining 1550 is used to increase your computers everything just to freaking play that graphic hog game..
Okay better example
You eat a twinkie, it looks good at first, the commercial urges you to buy it. Even the box makes it look good, but once you eat it you realize your stomach hurts and it was a waste of time buying something that is so fattening you wish you hadn't.. bloatware much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what? how does this at all help anyone understand this.

martonikaj said:
what? how does this at all help anyone understand this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think he's just saying that the OS is using up the other resources
compare it with a sony PSP.. since it doesn't run a lot of programs in the background, it can play graphics intensive games with such low clocked cpu and less ram compared to mobile phones
BTW i know you are talking about the physical memory but just wanted to bring it out there
you can check the link given by Innocent Devil and check the "The Missing 2GB" part. it explains it there

krizz07 said:
BTW i know you are talking about the physical memory but just wanted to bring it out there
you can check the link given by Innocent Devil and check the "The Missing 2GB" part. it explains it there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has *ABSOLUTELY NOTHING* to do with the "missing 2GB".
The question is about RAM, not storage.
Most relevant example;
You buy a new computer with an integrated video adapter. You go into the BIOS configuration program and it has an option to change the amount of RAM being allocated to the GPU -- 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, or 512 MB. You have 4 GB total and set the GPU to 512 MB. When you boot into your operating system, you only see 3.5 GB. Where is the missing 0.5 GB? Its allocated to the GPU.
In addition to allocating a whole bunch to the GPU, these phones are actually TWO COMPUTERS (with two separate CPUs) that run two different operating systems concurrently. The first one is the RADIO system, responsible for messing with the wireless. The second one is the APPLICATION system, which runs the user operating system and interface (Android). They share a common pool of RAM, so some of it is allocated to the RADIO, some is allocated to the GPU (and other media components), and only what remains is available to Android.

Thanks for those of you that gave me good answers! This clears things right up!
dhkr234 said:
This has *ABSOLUTELY NOTHING* to do with the "missing 2GB".
The question is about RAM, not storage.
Most relevant example;
You buy a new computer with an integrated video adapter. You go into the BIOS configuration program and it has an option to change the amount of RAM being allocated to the GPU -- 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, or 512 MB. You have 4 GB total and set the GPU to 512 MB. When you boot into your operating system, you only see 3.5 GB. Where is the missing 0.5 GB? Its allocated to the GPU.
In addition to allocating a whole bunch to the GPU, these phones are actually TWO COMPUTERS (with two separate CPUs) that run two different operating systems concurrently. The first one is the RADIO system, responsible for messing with the wireless. The second one is the APPLICATION system, which runs the user operating system and interface (Android). They share a common pool of RAM, so some of it is allocated to the RADIO, some is allocated to the GPU (and other media components), and only what remains is available to Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting, didn't know about the dual OS thing. Makes sense though, and I figured that was the case but just wanted a sure fire answer. Thanks a lot!!

dhkr234 said:
This has *ABSOLUTELY NOTHING* to do with the "missing 2GB".
The question is about RAM, not storage.
oopsie you're right.. i guess the PSP comparison is the one applicable then haha
he's absolutely right, the other ram is for the OS itself and the rest is for your other apps. this makes the phone silky smooth when running tasks unlike my touch pro 2 before, which has a very low ram plus all the "memory leakage" but it still has the best keyboard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Storage space?

I got my (allegedly) 16GB Note 2 on Saturday and installed loads of stuff, including some pretty big Gameloft games. When I go into Storage from the Settings it says that my device memory has total space of 10.36GB with 2.98GB of it left. The fact that 7.38Gb is used up is probably about right given all the large games I've got on there, but why is the total space only reporting as 10.36GB when it's a 16GB model I bought? I'd expect some space to be used up by the OS itself and the various protected system partitions that come with it obviously, but does Jellybean really consume the GBs of space that make the difference between the 10.36GB reported and the 16GB that should be on there?
I used a disk info app to see what was going on and have attached a screenshot of it's output. I'm not sure what the difference is between the Data and SD card partitions there. Note that I do have a proper external SD card in the phone but it's only 2GB and so isn't any of those partitions. Anyone know what I'm seeing here and where my 16GB has gone?

Yes, this is the available amount of of space you get in this phone.
Its not just this phone! Any phone you get from market will have less user-available storage.
One X is said to be 32 gb but you can use only 25 gb
Here is a mod whoch can increase your space to around a bit above 11 gb http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931500
Any 16 gb phone made has around this much user available space rest is OS and other stuff.
HINT: buy a 32 gb memory card? it will replace your internal memory card need exactl as if it was internal memory storage.
How? You can transfer all apps to SD Card using titanium backup so your phone memory and SD card memory is basically unified.

Read this: http://compreviews.about.com/od/storage/a/ActualHDSizes.htm
Partitions of the SGS III (I assume pretty much the same in Note II):
/system: 1G
/data: 11G (shared with /sdcard)
/cache: 1G
Add to this space required by OS and installed apps.

Kiahnlliya said:
Partitions of the SGS III (I assume pretty much the same in Note II):
/system: 1G
/data: 11G (shared with /sdcard)
/cache: 1G
Add to this space required by OS and installed apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 'Advertised vs actual' factor as described in that article would take just over 1GB away from a 16GB start (70.3 MB x 16 = 1.12GB).
Adding in the Cache, System and Data/SD Card values from my screenshot would take us up to 13-and-a-bit GB. (1.12 GB + 1GB + 1GB + 10GB = 13.12GB)
The System partition hold the OS and any other baked in stuff (as I understand it) so where's the other 2-and-a-bit GB?
I'm sure it's all explainable so I'm just curious to know how this works. I thought I remembered having more free space on my previous Note and the GSII before it (both of which were advertised as 16GB) but perhaps I'm misremembering.

Medulla said:
The 'Advertised vs actual' factor as described in that article would take just over 1GB away from a 16GB start (70.3 MB x 16 = 1.12GB).
Adding in the Cache, System and Data/SD Card values from my screenshot would take us up to 13-and-a-bit GB. (1.12 GB + 1GB + 1GB + 10GB = 13.12GB)
The System partition hold the OS and any other baked in stuff (as I understand it) so where's the other 2-and-a-bit GB?
I'm sure it's all explainable so I'm just curious to know how this works. I thought I remembered having more free space on my previous Note and the GSII before it (both of which were advertised as 16GB) but perhaps I'm misremembering.
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Click to collapse
It would be interesting to get a clear answer for sure... I have a 64GB SDXC with 30GB free space on it and I can't think of anything else I would need that isn't already on there, I couldn't fill it up even if I tried. Also I still have 8GB free on my internal...
I don't listen to music on my phone, I have a dedicated player for that, so that's why I don't need tons of space... and that's why I don't really reflect on these things, but am a bit curious indeed about why the available space is so much less than 16GB.

Kiahnlliya said:
It would be interesting to get a clear answer for sure... I have a 64GB SDXC with 30GB free space on it and I can't think of anything else I would need that isn't already on there, I couldn't fill it up even if I tried. Also I still have 8GB free on my internal...
I don't listen to music on my phone, I have a dedicated player for that, so that's why I don't need tons of space... and that's why I don't really reflect on these things, but am a bit curious indeed about why the available space is so much less than 16GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My usage is pretty much the same as yours (external SD card with a few things on it and separate dedicated mp3 player) so it's not something I'd usually notice either. The only reason I've clocked it this time is because I bought a few GB and bigger sized games in the recent 25p Google Play store all of which I've installed as soon as I set the phone up on Saturday; whereas usually I'd install one 'proper' game and only install a new one when I'd finished the last one. So, as such, this is probably about as full as my phone will ever be and not something that'll cause any problems, but it would be good to understand what's going on here.