Expandable storage confirmed in Windows Phone 7, required a hard reset

October 12, 2010 | By Surur

Picture via Pocketnow.com

We have finally had some confirmation, via Paul Thurrot, who is writing a book on the subject after all, that Windows Phone 7 does support the replacement of the installed microSD card (for devices which have them) with others of larger capacity.

Due to the way data is spanned across volumes in Windows Phone 7 however removing the card will almost certainly result in data loss, which means replacing the card means a hard reset needs to be performed to restore normal function again.

Most of HTC’s Windows Phone 7 devices feature microSD cards. Does this change readers opinion on the desirability of these 8 GB handsets? Let us know below.

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged windows phone 7

Melika

Hell ya, boiiiii

OOOO

1 word, skydrive

paschott

And add in a bunch of words when you don't have a true unlimited data plan – most of them probably not polite. Skydrive and cloud stuff is cool, but with AT&T and other carriers limiting the data plans and charging for more usage, that could add up because we'll be using more data than we currently do, especially as we start moving files and music around. I'd rather have more local storage so the need to sync is lessened.

http://www.facebook.com/wixostrix Edwin Michael Rodriguez-Duplesis

I like the option to have your pictures uploaded to you Skydrive once they are taken but it would be nice if there was a setting that would only do it while or when you hit a WiFi hotspot. That way you wont use any of your limited data and still have some peace of mind that your photos are backed up automatically.

Jake

It's good to know but it's a clumsy solution. The OEMs aren't advertising whether a particular phone includes a microSD slot or not which makes it all a bit more difficult than it should be.
http://twitter.com/tech_whizard @tech_whizard

Does hTC 7 Trophy has removable micro sd card storage?
Manny

ummmm.. YEAH!
http://twitter.com/Silent_Shark @Silent_Shark

This makes a HUGE difference. While obviously lacking the convenience of 'hot swapping' cards around, the majority of people will only swap the card once or twice in the phone's lifetime, and content can easily be re-synced after a hard reset.

Now I NEED TO KNOW what phones can do this. If the Omnia 7 can, my order will be in tomorrow!

Danny

Big difference for me too – again they are treading the line between android and iOS. With Android external storage usage has gotten much better but it is still messy and can be confusing and of course with apple it will never be an option. This way it is an option but is locked enough that power users can take advantage and everyday users won't get tripped up

KennyB123

32GB Class 4 microSDHC card, here I come!

http://www.facebook.com/gibbyhome Mark Gibbs

I can't find a 32gib microSDHC card with a class 4 ?
only class 2 ? what is the difference between the classes ?

paschott

Speed of read/write. I'm sure it's out there somewhere. The higher the class, the better the IO.
KennyB123

It was recently announced, I believe at around 175 dollars. I can't remember where I read it, but it was either here or Engadget.

Class 4 should run your apps faster, but above all, it should transfer your music and videos MUCH faster.

paschott

I like the ability to use a new card once prices on them drop some. Last I checked, a 32GB microSD still runs a pretty steep price for consumers. Still, it will allow upgrades at some point in the future if the vendor skimps on internal storage like most seem to be doing right now. I can deal with a hard-reset as long as there's a way to restore the data and/or recover the apps.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1425676469 Warren Cush

that all cool, but from other phones that can use removable card there was always a limit on how big a card it can take. it should be obvious with the phones now that it should take atleast a 16gb card but what about the 32gb. you can put a 32gb in and it can say no compatible, whos to say it doesnt have limitations… i hope there isnt.
http://www.facebook.com/wixostrix Edwin Michael Rodriguez-Duplesis

I will for sure be getting the Samsung Focus and throwing in a 32 GB microSD card (if it supports it, I've been reading that it only supports up to 16 GB). The hard reset isn't a issue for me since I doubt I'd want to remove that card. I hope there's an update for Mass Storage soon though.
Alvin

Now will defenelly get the Samsung Focus, thats is the one i like, perfect size. I have a HD2 and i think it is too big…
davide

excellent! thanks for your help guys and Putrescine.
mussab

No expandable memory.

But both come with 16GB of storage (HD7 also have a 8GB version)
dropqube

I'm sorry, but are you from the past?
pinguino1

well, not perfect but better than nothbing
http://www.facebook.com/Scently Innocent Nwaora

I am definitely getting the HD7 from O2 next week thursday.:D
tom

also if you go to the htc accessory page you will spot under hd7 it sells sd cards
http://www.facebook.com/awshanks Andrew Shanks

the hd7 in the UK has 16gb.