Data & image storage devices

Large volume portable storage devices:

• external hard disk drives:

  • normal computer hard disks installed in an external case which has a power supply and a data connection - usually USB 2.0 but may be firewire

  • advantages:

    • case is cheap - $A11 for a 2.5" case and $55 for a 5.25" case

    • can use any hard disk drive as long as it is the correct size for the case

  • disadvantages:

    • requires a computer to use

    • as with all hard disk drives, prone to damage if bumped heavily especially when in use

    • 5.25" size is quite bulky, although the cheapest option

    • no LCD screen

    • cannot connect directly to memory cards

• mp3 music players:

  • external HDD's with capability of playing MP3 music without being connected to a power supply or computer

  • disadvantages:

    • file transfer can be problematic with proprietary file formats and software requires such as Apple's IPod.

    • LCD screen if any, only allows navigation of songs

    • cannot connect directly to memory cards

    • storage of files other than music files can be problematic

    • may not be able to replace HDD or battery yourself

    • more expensive for what you get

• memory card CD reader/writers:

  • allows one to burn contents of memory card onto CD-RW discs without need for a computer

  • can view contents of CD photos or DVD movies by plugging cable into a TV

  • acts as a portable MP3 player although bulky

  • acts as an external CD-RW burner & DVD reader for computers by attaching via USB 2.0

  • eg. ImageCD $A330 (2005)

• external HDD memory card readers:

  • allows one to copy contents of memory cards onto the HDD without need for a computer

  • use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries & can be charged by car adapter

  • eg. CompactDrive PD70X $A175 excl. 2.5" HDD (2005) - 3min to copy 1Gb card; 50Gb max. copy on 1 charge

  • eg. Vosonic XDrive II $115 excl 2.5" HDD (2005) - 15min to copy 1Gb card; 4Gb max. copy on 1 charge; can't change batteries;

  • advantages:

    • cost effective, relatively compact (33mm thick)

    • can back up to 50Gb data/images on a single battery charge via USB 2.0 from a computer

    • does not require a computer to format HDD or transfer data from memory cards

  • disadvantages:

    • LCD only shows number of files, spare disk space, battery charge and cannot view images

    • cannot play MP3s

• external HDD media players:

  • as for HDD memory card readers but can view images on LCD screen, play videos and listen to MP3 music

  • eg. ImageTrak 30Gb $A655 (2005)

  • eg. Vosonic XDrive Super $A305 excl. 2.5" HDD (2005)  - 135x860x35mm; 332g;

  • disadvantages:

    • more bulky

    • more expensive - given a 30Gb 2.5" HDD is worth about $A100, the ImageTrak is about $A555 (cw $A175 for a reader only)

    • LCD screens tend to be quite small - usually about 2" and low resolution - 320x240pixels.

• external HDD media players without card readers:

  • usually have TV out; audio line in to record music; USB2.0; 

  • USB To Go (USB-OTG on the go) - allows direct connect to digital cameras to allow download.

  • eg. iRiver (all have replaceable batteries except H series?):

    • H10: $US299; up to 20Gb; small screen; voice recorder; displays JPGs only; no video; no USB To Go;

    • H320: $AU450; 20Gb; 2" screen; video; audio recording; USB-OTG;  recharge via USB; 16hr battery;

    • PMC-120: $US499; up to 20Gb HDD; no line in; no recording; no USB To Go;

    • PMP-120: $US450; 20Gb HDD; 3.5" screen; FM-tuner; voice recorder;

    • PMP-140: $US550; 40Gb; 3.5" screen; FM-tuner; voice recorder;

• external HDD with USB-OTG (USB hosting):

  • can connect a digital camera or card reader to the USB port and press copy button which will copy all data to the HDD.

  • battery powered

  • eg. ME-600 OTG Magic Box $US60

• small portable laptop:

  • given the price of the external HDD media players, a 8"-10" LCD screen laptop may be a cost effective alternative, esp. if one can pick one up 2nd hand with Windows installed

  • will allow all the usual functionality of a computer such as image editing, connecting to USB card readers, playing music, videos, etc.

  • bulky & expensive

  • in Australia, may be able to buy one as part of salary packaging in pre-tax dollars.

  • eg. Sony Vaio VGN-U50:

    • 800x600 LCD touchscreen; 20Gb; WinXP Home; wireless; 6.6"x4.3"x1"; 1.2lb;$US2100 (2005);

  • eg. Toshiba Portege M200 Tablet PC:

    • 12.1" SXGA screen; 60Gb; $A4300 (2005);

  • eg.