dream storage -- does it exist?

[Tuna Boy]

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0

5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Vasa Carapic]

Hi Tuna,

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0

All above OK - with Cinema Disk and surely othe rproducts.

5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.

Can't do - most of them just show JPG files on TV

6. Costs under $500

Yes - Cinema Disk costs around US$ 330-340

7. rugged, portable

Reasonable for Lap top Hard Drive

8. good battery life

Yes it has good battery life.

So, overall answer is NO - due to RAW files, and what I know about forthcoming models - haven't heard any plans yet to make it happened.

Vasa
[email protected]

Does it exist???

--
[email protected]

 

[Henry Lim]

http://store.yahoo.com/smartdiskstore/flashtrax.html

almost there, 30GB model for your budget, but otherwise fulfill all your needs.

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[AdamW]

1. has at least 40 gb

Think 60GB, even 80GB these days.

2. plays MP3s

Not many. Cinema Disk is one of them.

3. has a CF slot

Most PSDs have a CF slot.

4. USB2.0

Most current PSDs use USB2.

5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.

Not likely. It would require special drivers for the PSD to be able to display the RAW files, and it would need to be compatible with NEF and TIFF at the same time. Besides, Canon's not the only company that uses RAW, right?

6. Costs under $500

Doable as long as #5 is removed.

7. rugged, portable

Yes with lots of bubble wrap.

8. good battery life

Yes with DIY-battery packs.

Or basically, it costs more than $500 to meet your demands. At this point it's a lot more cost-effective to buy a laptop instead.

 

[Tuna Boy]

Not likely. It would require special drivers for the PSD to be able
to display the RAW files, and it would need to be compatible with
NEF and TIFF at the same time. Besides, Canon's not the only
company that uses RAW, right?

Canons produce a ".THM" file which is actually a jpeg thumnail. It would only require a minor tweak of firmware to view this! It would confirm that the image has acually been transferred. By the way, Canon is not the only company that uses RAW.

 

[Michael Meissner]

Not likely. It would require special drivers for the PSD to be able
to display the RAW files, and it would need to be compatible with
NEF and TIFF at the same time. Besides, Canon's not the only
company that uses RAW, right?

Canons produce a ".THM" file which is actually a jpeg thumnail. It
would only require a minor tweak of firmware to view this! It
would confirm that the image has acually been transferred. By the
way, Canon is not the only company that uses RAW.

Of course other companies have RAW formats, but the point is each company has a DIFFERENT format, and it becomes difficult to have a general device that knows how to interpret each different RAW format, particularly if the format of the RAW file is considered to be propitary. I would imagine that even for the same manufacturer, different camera models may have different RAW formats.

 

[David Goldwasser]

The Canon Raw format is Proprietary but the jpg that is embed in it is not. I know that on Mac/PC iview-multimedia can extract the jpg, and I have heard that the Smart Disc solution can read raw.

I own the Archos AV320 ($600) which will not read raw. I have asked them about updating firmware for this, or at a minimum to read the "thm" file which is 120x160 file.

As this device also has AV in, I have found that I can run slide show into the device and save as MP4 video. This is of course in addition to digital image transfer. This slide show is only for reference. I can even have it setup so I can view histogram and exif data.

Not likely. It would require special drivers for the PSD to be able
to display the RAW files, and it would need to be compatible with
NEF and TIFF at the same time. Besides, Canon's not the only
company that uses RAW, right?

Canons produce a ".THM" file which is actually a jpeg thumnail. It
would only require a minor tweak of firmware to view this! It
would confirm that the image has acually been transferred. By the
way, Canon is not the only company that uses RAW.

Of course other companies have RAW formats, but the point is each
company has a DIFFERENT format, and it becomes difficult to have a
general device that knows how to interpret each different RAW
format, particularly if the format of the RAW file is considered to
be propitary. I would imagine that even for the same manufacturer,
different camera models may have different RAW formats.

--
David Goldwasser
http://www.inertia-llc.com

 

[Michael Meissner]

The Canon Raw format is Proprietary but the jpg that is embed in it
is not. I know that on Mac/PC iview-multimedia can extract the jpg,
and I have heard that the Smart Disc solution can read raw.

I own the Archos AV320 ($600) which will not read raw. I have asked
them about updating firmware for this, or at a minimum to read the
"thm" file which is 120x160 file.

As this device also has AV in, I have found that I can run slide
show into the device and save as MP4 video. This is of course in
addition to digital image transfer. This slide show is only for
reference. I can even have it setup so I can view histogram and
exif data.

But it costs time and money to develop these features, and maybe the portable hard drive companies don't think there is much intersection between people who shoot RAW and those who want a MP3 player. Or maybe such a viewer takes too much space in the embedded ROM firmware or there isn't enough ram to deal with the image.

 

[David Goldwasser]

http://www.smartdisk.com/Products/DigitalMultimedia/FlashTrax.asp

The Canon Raw format is Proprietary but the jpg that is embed in it
is not. I know that on Mac/PC iview-multimedia can extract the jpg,
and I have heard that the Smart Disc solution can read raw.

I own the Archos AV320 ($600) which will not read raw. I have asked
them about updating firmware for this, or at a minimum to read the
"thm" file which is 120x160 file.

As this device also has AV in, I have found that I can run slide
show into the device and save as MP4 video. This is of course in
addition to digital image transfer. This slide show is only for
reference. I can even have it setup so I can view histogram and
exif data.

But it costs time and money to develop these features, and maybe
the portable hard drive companies don't think there is much
intersection between people who shoot RAW and those who want a MP3
player. Or maybe such a viewer takes too much space in the
embedded ROM firmware or there isn't enough ram to deal with the
image.

--
David Goldwasser
http://www.inertia-llc.com

 

[Frank Weston]

There are a ton of used notebook computers out there, many will sell for less than $500 and have all the features you seek.

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3438573735&category=18792

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Henry Lim]

almost there, 30GB model for your budget, but otherwise fulfill all
your needs.

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Michael Meissner]

There are a ton of used notebook computers out there, many will
sell for less than $500 and have all the features you seek.

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big
enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

I suspect most people don't want to carry a notebook around during the day, particularly if you are already carrying a bunch of lenses for a DSLR. For use in a hotel room at the end of day (assuming you do normal vacation photos, etc.) a notebook is fine. Also the battery runtime on many notebooks isn't that long (and for used notebooks, whether you can still buy batteries for it is a problem).

 

[Frank Weston]

You make a good point, but it depends on the notebook. I carry the Fujitsu P5010 which only measures 8x10 inches (not much bigger than any other option for storage) and fits into my camera bag with room to spare. It weighs less than many lenses.

This particular notebook has a built in reader for just about any memory card that will fit into a camera, 60mb hard drive, a DVD/CD-RW drive, and built in wireless. Battery time is in excess of six hours. I can run all my photo editing software on it as well as a plug in GPS which helps me find my way to what I want to shoot. Only one drawback...it cost a little more than $500.

There are a ton of used notebook computers out there, many will
sell for less than $500 and have all the features you seek.

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big
enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

I suspect most people don't want to carry a notebook around during
the day, particularly if you are already carrying a bunch of lenses
for a DSLR. For use in a hotel room at the end of day (assuming
you do normal vacation photos, etc.) a notebook is fine. Also the
battery runtime on many notebooks isn't that long (and for used
notebooks, whether you can still buy batteries for it is a problem).

 

[Tom O'Neil]

Flashtrax fills the bill except #8. I haven't had mine long enough to see whether battery life is a problem as some people say, but I bought an extra battery just in case.

The 30Gb model lists for $499 and I was able to get it for $435 from Page Computers. The new 40Gb lists for $549 so it seems likely the street price will be below $500.

I'm fairly sure it is OK with #5 but I have a 1D, which uses a different RAW format. (No embedded JPG in 1D RAW but there is an embedded TIF thumbnail which the Flashtrax will display but not zoom or rotate.)

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Jack Tintera]

Frank,

I'm starting to like your idea more and more. The Fujitsu P5010 @ $4500 is out of my price range. I have a 15" $3000 Compaq that's tough to carry.

But my new thinking is get the cheapest notebook I can find, through it in with the luggage, and don't worry about it. It'll be alot better than any protable drive. $1000 gets a new 12" with a CD-RW. Perfect. Or find something used.

Jack (A70)

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big
enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3438573735&category=18792

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Frank Weston]

$4500? Are we talking American dollars? After rebates, I paid $1399 total for my Lifebook, brand new, U.S. warranty, and that's including delivery and tax.

I'm starting to like your idea more and more. The Fujitsu P5010 @
$4500 is out of my price range. I have a 15" $3000 Compaq that's
tough to carry.

But my new thinking is get the cheapest notebook I can find,
through it in with the luggage, and don't worry about it. It'll be
alot better than any protable drive. $1000 gets a new 12" with a
CD-RW. Perfect. Or find something used.

Jack (A70)

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big
enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3438573735&category=18792

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Frank Weston]

Go here if you want one for $1399 delivered.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=34-110-076

I'm starting to like your idea more and more. The Fujitsu P5010 @
$4500 is out of my price range. I have a 15" $3000 Compaq that's
tough to carry.

But my new thinking is get the cheapest notebook I can find,
through it in with the luggage, and don't worry about it. It'll be
alot better than any protable drive. $1000 gets a new 12" with a
CD-RW. Perfect. Or find something used.

Jack (A70)

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big
enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3438573735&category=18792

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[Jack Tintera]

That sounds doable! I looked it up online-must have made a mistake. The small size sounds great.

Jack

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=34-110-076

I'm starting to like your idea more and more. The Fujitsu P5010 @
$4500 is out of my price range. I have a 15" $3000 Compaq that's
tough to carry.

But my new thinking is get the cheapest notebook I can find,
through it in with the luggage, and don't worry about it. It'll be
alot better than any protable drive. $1000 gets a new 12" with a
CD-RW. Perfect. Or find something used.

Jack (A70)

Here's a pretty nice one, (now at $400), and if the drive isn't big
enough, you can expand it for about $100-150.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3438573735&category=18792

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???

 

[mpressed]

archos av140 does all but needs small card reader that connect directly to unit, archos gmini oes all but cannot view although you can backward hook up to view images back on camera lcd.

if you do find this exact item order me one.

mp

I'd like a portable storage device that...

1. has at least 40 gb
2. plays MP3s
3. has a CF slot
4. USB2.0
5. allows me to view the jpeg thumbnail embedded in the RAW files
from my Digital Rebel.
6. Costs under $500
7. rugged, portable
8. good battery life

Does it exist???