Micro SDHC question, please

[tempgal]

Hi --

Two weeks ago I bought my husband a 16GB Asus Transformer on ebay. It was listed as "used" but supposedly it was an open box special with full registration available. It appeared to be brand new except that the box was a little worn. I was able to register it without difficulty.

Then I ordered a Micro SDHC card for it. Because I read that the port is very tiny and that it is necessary to use a pin or something to eject the card once it was in, I checked the device and was surprised to see that there was already a 16GB card inserted. I'm not seeing any place to insert another unless one buys the optional keyboard. Thankfully, I did not find it all difficult to remove the one that is in place and needed nothing other than a fingernail.

Tell me, please ... did I get an unexpected extra (which probably means that the unit is something other than an open box) or is that removable 16GB card the one that is standard? If it wasn't Thanksgiving and Black Friday, I'd go to Best Buy and examine the model on display, but not this weekend.

Thanks.

 

[old_geekster]

Hi Tempgal,

From everything that I have read, I believe that you got a gift. The 16GB of memory is internal. The memory slot is referred to as an Expansion Slot. This means that it can be used when the 16GB of internal memory is full or when you simply want to backup your data.

 

[baseballfanz]

Transformer come either in 32gb or 16gb internal memory. There is a slot for a micro sd card (up to 32gb micro sd card can be use. My transformer was brought brand new and did not come with the micro sd card. I don't think any off them do so you probably got one in which the previous owner left it in there. Either by accident or on purpose

 

[tempgal]

Thanks, Folks.

You made me feel good. Nothing like knowing that you got a bargain.

I knew that the price would be dropping soon and this unexpected extra will keep me happy for longer than I deserve.

 

[cbill]

Tempgal:

Indeed you got an extra on your Transformer. However, you should be aware that there is no way to write to the SD card directly through the tablet at this time. To date the SD card is "Read Only" by the Tablet, unless the tablet is modified (rooted). That modification could void your warranty, and interfere with updates.

Generally the External MicroSD card is utilized as a storage area for holding photos, video, and music that are loaded onto the card by accessing it through a computer.

The Transformer can be linked directly to a PC through the USB port on the computer. The data is then transfered from the PC to the Tablet. another way, which I find more convenient, is to insert the MicroSD card used in the Tablet into an SD adapter, which allows the card to be inserted into the SD card reader port found on most computers. I load the data to the card, remove it from the computer and then insert it into the Tablet.

It is my understanding that external memory cards must be formatted to FAT32 format to work correctly, so if your Tablet has trouble reading files on the external SD card, it may not be formatted properly.

Also, you may have to use a "File Manager" program to see the files; but, whether you can see them or not, in a directory, they most likely will be accessible through your "Player Programs".

There are a number of threads in this forum related to the "External SD" problem (basically a "HoneyComb" problem effecting all recent tablets of all makes). I encourage you to fully explore those threads.

You very well may have gotten your "Open Box" deal because the previous purchaser did not understand this "utilization" process, and therefore returned the Tablet. If so, his loss, your gain. It is a great tablet!!

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine. Hope this helps

Cbill

P.S. If you did not get it, the dock is a great addition. It truly converts the tablet to a quality Laptop, with great battery life.