I have yet to purchase a storage device to transfer images to while shooting in the field. All the ones I've seen are either too expensive for the simple task they need to perform (copy and store images transferred from a Compact Flash card), are too large to fit in my pocket, or gobble batteries so fast that you could never fill the device. I don't need to view my images... I just want them to copy as fast as possible onto a compact device that has a battery that will last for a weekend's worth of shooting. The device above is a new one from Western Digital that looks to be close to what I'm looking for.
Not the answer. The portable USB powered drive have no card reader and contrary to what you mention the one shown DOES need to ne connected to a computer and require AC power.
Someone should find the magic combo.
Epson P200 is close but you pay a lot for a screen many of use do not need.
Posted by: Clay White | July 15, 2005 at 08:23 AM
The web site states "you also get a 8 in 1 card reader that allows you to copy the contents of your cards onto the HDD without using a PC"... but it doesn't mention anything about a battery.
Posted by: Ben Willmore | July 15, 2005 at 09:02 AM
Ben - how about an iPod with one of the camera connectors that Apple came out with? Wouldn't that work for you?
Richard
Posted by: Richard Ripley | July 15, 2005 at 11:58 AM
I have an iPod and the Belkin thingie to hook a compact flash card and it eats batteries like crazy... I don't know if the apple thing would be any better... from what I've heard it can be a little slow and it does gobble batteries.
Posted by: Ben Willmore | July 15, 2005 at 12:11 PM
From the Western Digital website:
"Note: To use the card reader, the Media Center drive must be connected to the PC or Mac via the USB connection."
Posted by: Nora Bonosky | July 16, 2005 at 02:55 AM