Given modern programming techniques of separating the hardware abstract layer from the main code I am wondering how deeply "hooked" into the new processors revision 4.2x of the BB code is.

Because, really, I'm wondering how honestly difficult/painful it would be to allow 7100 style users to flash up to 4.2 from 4.1x

As anyone ever talked to RIM about this (level 2 or level 3 support?) to get an honest answer?

Not enough memory on the device. It's not going to happen. 4.1 is already a real strain on the 7100's. Look how long it takes to change themes.

I think I had read possibly on the 7130's however absolutely nothing below that.

That would make sense since (I think) the 7130 has the same processor and ram as the 8700.

Yeah 7100s are 32mb 7130s are 64 (Not sure about the nextel one though)

There is already an upgrade for 7130 (v4.2). I was hoping someone had done an upgrade because it is having some "Themes" issues.

Where did you get this "upgrade?"

Are you talking about the desktop software?

A one hit wonder...

I know this isn't an answer but you may want to try a search or even drop d_fisher a PM, I recall him posting a pretty comprehensive list of devices that will and will not be support 4.2

Ask and you shall receive. Actually, this thread made me look back at my previous post to make sure it was current.

Device models and supported software versions

I was hoping to load 4.2 on my 957 but I guess that's out of the question.
I plan on bringing my 950 to WES.

Thanks, all, for the input and advice!
By following the thread out to the links above I was able to learn more about the issue.

Now curiousity has me wondering if there is a MEC (minimum equipment configuration) "out there" for the OS memory requirements; something perhaps published internally by RIM for it's developers.

32mb is a lot of memory for a device: Given that much of it needs to be saved for USER information instead of the requirements of the OS. I used to work in an environment where 128kb for ANYTHING was amazing and it wasn't that long ago when the Nokia 6600 came out with a whopping 2mb of user memory to fit games, Java applets, etc., into.

So, in other words, I think it boils down to a business decision to stop support of the older CPU and not just the memory constraints.

I just went to Options -> Status and checked my 32mb: I am using just about 29mb with "files" (including a couple of thousand contacts, games, notes, emails, sms' etc) and that's leaving just about 0.8mb free. Seems to me that the OS only needs 2mb (because "I" am using 30mb).

Because I'm very curious I wiped the handheld (yes, after a full backup) and found the status to say 1.2mb "free" and still about 29mb "files". So, wiping the device only gave back about 400k.

It leaves me to believe that all the bits and pieces needed by the OS take up much of the 29mb and the little bit left is for "me". Has anyone looked at a more modern device (4.2x) to see what the "fresh" ratio of free to files state is?