jim mcintyre
Member
I was thinking of buying some kind of portable image storage device rather than lots of memory cards for when I am travelling. Is this a good idea or is there some drawback to this plan?
Thanks
Thanks
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portable storage
- Thread starter jim mcintyre
- Start date
garyjwood
Forum Enthusiast
I think it's a good idea. I recently took a trip to Mexico with 2 512Mb cards and a Microsolutions Roadstor ( http://www.micro-solutions.com/roadstor/index.asp ). CD-ROMs are impervious to magnetic fields, airport X-rays, and luggage handlers.
Added bonus: I didn't have to pack my walkman.
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- Gary
I just ordered the Addonics MFR, which is exactly the same hardware, even the text on it is the same with your writer. I expect to receive it on monday. I read some reviews about it, and all say that it is a perfect unit.
Can I have some somewhat detailed information from you? The questions I have are:
1. Does the unit accept long filenames, or does it make them 8 characters? Some reviews say it does not allow the usage of long filenames. When connected to the computer to write an mp3 cd for example, will it shorten the name?
2. Does it allow multi-session? I could find no information regarding this.
3. How long is the battery life while playing mp3 cds? Is it 2 hours like the film cds, or will I be able to listen to my music during a 9 hour night trip with a bus?
It would be perfect if you could share the information if you have. Thanks a lot.
BTW. Michael Soo said that he dropped his x-drive during his trip to mexico and he lost about 600 pictures, so it can be a good idea to have a portable cd writer instead of a portable hard disk.
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Regards,
Cagin...
Can I have some somewhat detailed information from you? The questions I have are:
1. Does the unit accept long filenames, or does it make them 8 characters? Some reviews say it does not allow the usage of long filenames. When connected to the computer to write an mp3 cd for example, will it shorten the name?
2. Does it allow multi-session? I could find no information regarding this.
3. How long is the battery life while playing mp3 cds? Is it 2 hours like the film cds, or will I be able to listen to my music during a 9 hour night trip with a bus?
It would be perfect if you could share the information if you have. Thanks a lot.
BTW. Michael Soo said that he dropped his x-drive during his trip to mexico and he lost about 600 pictures, so it can be a good idea to have a portable cd writer instead of a portable hard disk.
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Regards,
Cagin...
jim mcintyre
Member
I'm sorry but I am just a beginner. I can't help you with any of your questions.
I use an ImageTank G2 with a 40 gigabyte hard disk. I can plug in my Compact flash cards directly into the unit and upload everything onto the hard disk. It takes only a minute or two depending on the size of the files of course. it has a rechargeable battery and is very compact, like a game boy. Then back home, I upload everything onto my computer hard disk via a USB cable.
Take a look at http://grand-level.com.tw/
Best regards,
Julian
http://www.pbase.com/julianht/
roiegat
Senior Member
I had the same question on the storage forum awhile back and people were recommending this product:
http://www.mymediagear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=42
I haven't ordered it yet, but if you do look around the web for a discount code. People were saying you can get a 20 gig model for around 160.
http://www.mymediagear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=42
I haven't ordered it yet, but if you do look around the web for a discount code. People were saying you can get a 20 gig model for around 160.
garyjwood
Forum Enthusiast
My experience so far is limited to image files. When creating CDs from memory cards, it preserves the name provided by the camera. This is true for my D-Rebel in RAW and JPEG modes, and my Sony P92. (BTW, it can read from the new Memory Stick Pro format.)
When creating CDs from my hard drive, it preserves the Windows XP filenames. Therefore I assume that it understands long file names as well as any CD burner. There are some limitations to the total path/filename length in the CDFS file system.
Yes. Backups directly from a memory card are always multi-session. Backups from a PC can be either multi-session or closed, depending on your software settings. You may need the firmware upgrade (available on the Micro Solutions website) to span CDs, e.g. if you are backing up a 1Gb card.
Battery life when burning is about 2 hours. Playback time is more like 4 hours. Note that the unit has no volume control. You can set the playback volume with the remote control at home or in the hotel, and/or invest in headphones with their own built-in volume control.
The power supply/battery charger is a block-style adapter that plugs directly into a standard, 2-blade North American 120v outlet. It's rated for 100-240 volts input, though. I needed a small extender (e.g a 3-way "octopus" plug) to fit it into the recessed dual-voltage outlets in Mexico.
I saw that post. What a bummer for Michael. At least with a CD writer, the CDs should be OK even if the unit is destroyed.
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- Gary
MarcosV
Veteran Member
I think it's a great idea. $240 could buy you 1 to 2 GB worth of CF card. It could also buy you a 60 GB hard drive based or a CD burner based portable storage unit.
Do a search on this forum or better, the Storage and Media forum for lots of existing threads.
I personally bought a hard drive based PSU (XDrive Pro). I felt that the way I carried the PSU gave me acceptable risks for breaking the hard drive during a trip. I am prepared to replace the hard drive at the first sign of trouble (including a good drop). I like the hard drive units for the convenience of carrying a small PSU that holds 60 GB over a CD burner based PSU that requires lots of blank CDs with disk spanning to do the same job (e.g., try backing up a 4 GB micro drive).
If you don't like the risks of using notebook drives, the CD burner solutions work great.
In any event, you should have at least two CF cards, ideally with a minimum of 512 MB each. That way you can be shooting with one card while you're backing up the other. You also have the option of leaving the PSU at the hotel for the days you want to travel very light or damage to the PSU is more likely.
Do a search on this forum or better, the Storage and Media forum for lots of existing threads.
I personally bought a hard drive based PSU (XDrive Pro). I felt that the way I carried the PSU gave me acceptable risks for breaking the hard drive during a trip. I am prepared to replace the hard drive at the first sign of trouble (including a good drop). I like the hard drive units for the convenience of carrying a small PSU that holds 60 GB over a CD burner based PSU that requires lots of blank CDs with disk spanning to do the same job (e.g., try backing up a 4 GB micro drive).
If you don't like the risks of using notebook drives, the CD burner solutions work great.
In any event, you should have at least two CF cards, ideally with a minimum of 512 MB each. That way you can be shooting with one card while you're backing up the other. You also have the option of leaving the PSU at the hotel for the days you want to travel very light or damage to the PSU is more likely.
- Marcos
... and you can't buy it without HDD if you happen to have a spare 2.5" drive from old laptop. It's possible to replace HDD fro bigger one but this'll void the warranty. All similar disk based devices like X's Drive, Tripper, ImageTank, etc. can be bought very cheap without hard drive and you can upgrade to a bigger one later without voiding warranty. For example, you can buy no-drive X's Drive Pro and Fujitsu 20GB HDD seprately at http://www.newegg.com for basically same money as this HD To-Go thing and without any rebates.
http://www.pbase.com/klopus
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http://www.pbase.com/klopus
Phillip Gibson
Forum Enthusiast
I also use the Addonics MFR. Gary's descriptions mirror my experience with the unit. It came in very handy at the family reunion when I mad several CD's for family members. It has a small footprint and fits in one of the side pockets in my camera bag.
Phil
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I am not an art critic but I do know what I like.
Phil
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I am not an art critic but I do know what I like.
infosecgeek
Forum Enthusiast
Burner solution from compusa
(Doesn't say anything about batteries so I am leaning towards the adorama one)
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50350466&pfp=BROWSE
http://www.adorama.com/ICDSDB40.html
40gb PSU for $299
(Doesn't say anything about batteries so I am leaning towards the adorama one)
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50350466&pfp=BROWSE
http://www.adorama.com/ICDSDB40.html
40gb PSU for $299
aramos
Well-known member
buy a cheap laptop and a pcmcia adapter
personally i have a latitude d600 dell laptop......
great screen
great storage
what more could you ask for
there are laptops out there that can be had for $500 pre 2004 models....but it should do
personally i have a latitude d600 dell laptop......
great screen
great storage
what more could you ask for
there are laptops out there that can be had for $500 pre 2004 models....but it should do
bombastik
Member
I use the X-Drive Pro too
I have also 2 CF cards and it works great.
it is a good solution:
http://www.xs-drive.com/xsdrivepro3310/
Equipment list:
EOS 300D Digital
Tamron 28-70
Tamron 70-300 4-5.6 Macro
Metz Megablitz 36
CF II Toshiba 512MB, CF I Sandisk 256MB
X-Drive Pro
IR-Remote with Palm TungstenC (it works)
I have also 2 CF cards and it works great.
it is a good solution:
http://www.xs-drive.com/xsdrivepro3310/
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Equipment list:
EOS 300D Digital
Tamron 28-70
Tamron 70-300 4-5.6 Macro
Metz Megablitz 36
CF II Toshiba 512MB, CF I Sandisk 256MB
X-Drive Pro
IR-Remote with Palm TungstenC (it works)
infosecgeek
Forum Enthusiast
Doesn't mean I want to carry it around..
MarcosV
Veteran Member
And that's the issue. Laptops with nice hard drives and CD or DVD burners are great. Unfortunately, they can add significant weight and liability to your trip.
If you leave the laptop in the hotel room, the weight issue isn't so bad. But, then you will then need to carry sufficient memory space to hold an entire day's work. Might not be a big issue of you don't shoot RAW.
As for the idea of a cheap, used laptop. That's very tempting, but, in the end you'll need to budget for a new hard drive (don't want to trust that the laptop has never been dropped or the hard drive swapped before sale) and probably a new battery (since batteries wear out after about a year). So now a used laptop will go for around $600 to $700 and will probably not be one of the nice light weight ones.
So for me, having a compact PSU still makes sense, even if I decide to bring a laptop along.
If you leave the laptop in the hotel room, the weight issue isn't so bad. But, then you will then need to carry sufficient memory space to hold an entire day's work. Might not be a big issue of you don't shoot RAW.
As for the idea of a cheap, used laptop. That's very tempting, but, in the end you'll need to budget for a new hard drive (don't want to trust that the laptop has never been dropped or the hard drive swapped before sale) and probably a new battery (since batteries wear out after about a year). So now a used laptop will go for around $600 to $700 and will probably not be one of the nice light weight ones.
So for me, having a compact PSU still makes sense, even if I decide to bring a laptop along.
- Marcos
HMetal
Leading Member
Caveat Emptor!
I have one of the first X's Drive model (3060 I think it is?) and it uses an obsolete Pansonic Li-Ion battery. I've called all over Canada and the United States (even Panasonic themselves) and there is no way to get a replacement for the battery in it.
Needless to say, after just over a year's use, the drive is no longer useful to me in the field as I can't get a replacement battery to replace the one that's in it, which can now only hold a charge for about 5 minutes.
Word to the wise: Write the X's drive people and make sure you can but a replacement battery for whichever model you order!
Ray A. Akey
http://gallery.codemain.com/hmetal
I have one of the first X's Drive model (3060 I think it is?) and it uses an obsolete Pansonic Li-Ion battery. I've called all over Canada and the United States (even Panasonic themselves) and there is no way to get a replacement for the battery in it.
Needless to say, after just over a year's use, the drive is no longer useful to me in the field as I can't get a replacement battery to replace the one that's in it, which can now only hold a charge for about 5 minutes.
Word to the wise: Write the X's drive people and make sure you can but a replacement battery for whichever model you order!
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Ray A. Akey
http://gallery.codemain.com/hmetal
aramos
Well-known member
laptops are the best tool for in the field work.....
take pictures and do some post processing right then and there....yes i've done it. having the tools right at your fingertips the moment your taking pictures will help in the post work....simply because the shot just happened....
alex
take pictures and do some post processing right then and there....yes i've done it. having the tools right at your fingertips the moment your taking pictures will help in the post work....simply because the shot just happened....
alex
infosecgeek
Forum Enthusiast
Yet I would prefer to carry a psu as opposed to my lightest (12in powerbook) laptop and a firewire drive...
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