Depends how newbie those questions are but sure I'll try

 

Yeah sure wat questions, if you fix those problems youre cycloDS will make you so happy it is after all one of the best if not THEE best flash carts available

 

The latest batch of CycloDS (black version) is an improved version compared to the white in terms of reliability so the defect problem is pretty much fixed. The only issue is the possibility that your microSD card might not fit properly in the slot, could stick out a millimetre or two

If you can do without some of the features CyloDS has, though it would be a step back with software and whatnot and don't want to spend as much money, then go for an R4. I can't really provide much opinion on the R4 since I have the Cyclo myself

 

Since people seem to be entirely incapable of helping themselves, let me give you a DIRECT link to the official FAQ forum. Don't worry too much as even people who actually visit the official forums are also entirely incapable of finding this clearly marked and labelled forum.

http://www.teamcyclops.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=17