Now that LR has installed Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit we can dive deeper into the new features of Vista. The ReadyBoost feature is only found in Windows Vista and allows you to use a USB key as virtual memory in order to enhance performance. This can improve small random I/O for people who lack the expansion slots, money, and or technical expertise to add additional RAM.
Agreed, it doesn't really give anything tangible. Then again, it was tested on a really powerful machine. Memory isn't that dear these days, even in the UK. Still no substitute for it, along with a fastish HDD.
When I had Vista installed (that didn't last long) I tried using my 512mb flash drive and it failed the test for speed. I read somewhere that they are very strict with their speed to allow the use of your flash drive in ReadyBoost. Seems like a nice feature though (when I go back to vista in 4 or so months).
DFI Lanparty SLI-DR Expert
Opteron 170 (messing with OC currently)
ATI x1950 Pro PCI-e 256mb
Corsair ValueSelect 2x1gb PC3200
Westinghouse 22" Widescreen LCD
Antec NeoHE 550w
Are there 3rd party programs for windows xp that do the same thing?
I think this whole feature has limited value, adding RAM is much more beneficial (when possible). They need to develope really fast thumb drives to make this feature more attractive.
Your not crazy if you take the right pills everyday