If I add an sdio card to my ipaq, does it increase TOTAL memory, allowing more programs to be run/installed? Or does it just increase the storage memory, for things like mp3's, books, etc?

Anyone know?

There are three ways memory is used in an iPaq:

1. To run programs in, same as a computer and RAM.
2. To store programs, same as a hard drive
3. To store documents, same as a hard drive

An added memory card can do two of those three. It can be used to install programs, or to store documents. When you do an install on your PC, there should be an option that asks where you want to install to. By default it normally goes to the main system memory. But the pull down will also offer any memory cards in the unit at the time.

Or you can get the memory inside the iPaq itself upgraded but its quite pricey to do that. Gives you back the slot though.

OK, I went to CompUSA yesterday for work. While waiting on the guy to locate all the crap I needed from the warehouse, I went to the handheld counter. I asked the guy how the SDIO mem cards worked and he said "I dunno, let's find out." So he popped open a case, takes out a card, and hands it to me. Turns out it is only storage space in my case. I go to take it out and pass it back and he says "Keep it". Woo Hoo! Free memory.

That's pretty cool. What size did you get? You need to go find another store and try it out again

It's only the memory inside the PDA that can be used for running programs in. All external memory is for storage only as the interface is much slower. Flash cards also have limitations on how many times you can write to each individual cell and using it as program memory would wear it out pretty quickly.