Photo storage strategies for travel

[koffiejunkie]

OK, so I'm trying to work out what my best course of action is. I'm going travelling for two weeks and a bit. On my last 3-day trip, I filled up an 8GB CF card, so I guess I estimate I need about 40GB for this one.

What I have:
1x 8GB Sandisc Extreme IV CF card
2x 4GB CF card - One Sandisc Extreme II and one Lexar Premium Series 60x
1x 2GB cheap-ass CF card that I just keep around for "in case"

So, I have the following options:

1. Buy 24GB more.

Pro: Convenience
Con: Cost. I'm thinking three of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/SANDISK-EXTREME-III-CF-8GB/dp/B000F2YHRA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1219499622&sr=1-5) but even at this good price, it's still a lot of money. £38.65 each = £116 (free shipping)

2. Buy a storage device and transfer + re-use. Something like Wolverine 80GB FlashPac 7000 7-in-1 Portable Data Storage Device & Media Reader (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367690-REG/Wolverine_7080_80GB_FlashPac_7000_7_in_1.html)

Pro: It's slightly cheaper ($190 = £95 P&P included), lots of space.
Con: Don't know this product, how reliable it is, what the chances are of it eating my CF card instead of copying the pictures. Will it copy JPEG+RAW all over?

3. Take my MacBook.

Pro: Already paid for, extra convenience for checking e-mail, etc. Allows me to have a backup of at least 1/3rd of my photos.
Con: Unless I want to risk leaving it in hotel/hostel rooms, I'll have to carry it with me everywhere - extra weight.

4. Take one of my external 2.5" drives and card reader, find a computer somewhere, and copy over.

Pro: Again, already paid for, allows me partial backup, as above.
Con: Relies on foreign computers and the risks that go with that.


The mentions of backup brings me to the next concern. I would, if at all possible, like to have a backup of my images somehow. I've thought of buying a bunch of cheap CF cards, making copies of the ones I shoot with, and mailing that back home. Something like a bunch of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/MyMemory-133X-Compact-Flash-Card/dp/B000KG5HP2/ref=pd_sbs_ce_5). Doesn't have to be CF, mind you, since I'll need my card reader that can do other formats too. Might as well use USB flash drives or writeable DVDs for that matter, since (downside, again) I'll have to use some computer or take my own.

What do you guys think?

[bwana]

And people wonder why I insist on keeping my 60gb iPod Photo. :)

If you dont want to lug your laptop around then buy more CF cards and shoot in jpg if you start running out.

Or buy an EEE PC?

[marine1]

Problem is, how do you transfer files to your ipod? You surely need a computer?

[bwana]

Problem is, how do you transfer files to your ipod? You surely need a computer?Apple iPod Camera Connector - afaik it only works with the iPod Photo. :)

[koffiejunkie]

And people wonder why I insist on keeping my 60gb iPod Photo. :)

My iPod is only 2GB, so I'll have to invest in at least the 80GB iPod Classic - major expense.

What sort of transfer speeds to you get? And, if you shoot in RAW+JPEG, does it copy both?


If you dont want to lug your laptop around then buy more CF cards and shoot in jpg if you start running out.

Well, the cybershot is going along with a 4GB card, and so is my K1000 with four rolls of Velvia, so I'm covered when I run out of CF space. And I'm going to be in China/Hong Kong, I'm sure I'll be able to find CF cards there :)


Or buy an EEE PC?

I'm thinking of that, but it's a fair bit more expensive. Too much to spend while I have to pay other stuff related to the trip too. And not particularly powerful. If I'm going to buy another laptop, I'd at least want it to cope with Lightroom...


Problem is, how do you transfer files to your ipod? You surely need a computer?

With the appropriate connector (http://store.apple.com/uk/product/M9861G/B). But from everything I've read, it's slow. So slow that the iPod's batteries won't last the time it takes to transfer 4GB.

[bwana]

My iPod is only 2GB, so I'll have to invest in at least the 80GB iPod Classic - major expense.

What sort of transfer speeds to you get? And, if you shoot in RAW+JPEG, does it copy both?



Well, the cybershot is going along with a 4GB card, and so is my K1000 with four rolls of Velvia, so I'm covered when I run out of CF space. And I'm going to be in China/Hong Kong, I'm sure I'll be able to find CF cards there :)



I'm thinking of that, but it's a fair bit more expensive. Too much to spend while I have to pay other stuff related to the trip too. And not particularly powerful. If I'm going to buy another laptop, I'd at least want it to cope with Lightroom...



With the appropriate connector (http://store.apple.com/uk/product/M9861G/B). But from everything I've read, it's slow. So slow that the iPod's batteries won't last the time it takes to transfer 4GB.Then whats the problem - unless you're going to be out in the bush then buy more as you need them. :)

[koffiejunkie]

Cost - it's not much different from what I can get on-line here. As I said, I have a lot of stuff to pay before I go. And I want another bag :D

[koffiejunkie]

Re: my previous post about being covered, should I run out - that was meant in a worst case scenario. Ideally I don't want to run out of CF space.

[ldmelsa]

What I have:
1x 8GB Sandisc Extreme IV CF card
2x 4GB CF card - One Sandisc Extreme II and one Lexar Premium Series 60x
1x 2GB cheap-ass CF card that I just keep around for "in case"

1GB storage capacity:
RAW - 3888x2592 pixels - 76 pictures
sRAW - 1936x1288 pixels - 135 pictures
RAW + JPEG Large Fine - 3888x2592 pixels - 59 pictures
RAW + JPEG Large Normal - 3888x2592 pixels - 66 pictures
RAW + JPEG Medium Fine - 65 pictures
RAW + JPEG Medium Normal - 70 pictures
RAW + JPEG Small Fine - 69 pictures
RAW + JPEG Small Normal -72 pictures
sRAW + JPEG Large Fine - 90 pictures
sRAW + JPEG Large Normal - 107 pictures
sRAW + JPEG Medium Fine - 103 pictures
sRAW + JPEG Medium Normal - 116 pictures
sRAW + JPEG Small Fine - 1936x1288 pixels - 115 pictures
sRAW + JPEG Small Normal - 1936x1288 pixels - 124 pictures
JPEG Large Fine - 3888x2592 pixels - 274 pictures
JPEG Large Normal - 3888x2592 pixels - 523 pictures
JPEG Medium Fine - 2816x1880 pixels - 454 pictures
JPEG Medium Normal - 2816x1880 pixels - 854 pictures
JPEG Small Fine - 19361288 pixels - 779 pictures
JPEG Small Normal - 1936x1288 pixels - 1451 pictures

You have 18GB of space.
18 x 523 = 9400 shots
You're going to shoot 9000 plus shots? :D

[koffiejunkie]

You have 18GB of space.
18 x 523 = 9400 shots
You're going to shoot 9000 plus shots? :D

Yeah yeah, you know what I shoot... ;)


RAW + JPEG Large Fine - 3888x2592 pixels - 59 pictures

[ldmelsa]

Yeah yeah, you know what I shoot... ;)

I've only used the 40D in raw so I don't know about that "normal large" setting, but it works perfectly on my old 300D and 5D. The 40D has an even newer DSP than the 5D, so I think you should give it a go and let us know whether that solves your storage problem.

[koffiejunkie]

Sometimes it looks just the same, sometimes jpeg artefacts are fairly visible. Anyway, according to my camera's calculator, when I shoot in RAW+JPEG, I save enough space for about 30 shots going from fine to normal, so it doesn't quite address my needs.

I think I'll just end up buying enough cards. Still leaves me wondering about backup while I'm travelling.

[ldmelsa]

Sometimes it looks just the same, sometimes jpeg artefacts are fairly visible.

:( I did not know that.





I think I'll just end up buying enough cards. Still leaves me wondering about backup while I'm travelling.

Do you have a laptop?

[koffiejunkie]

:( I did not know that.

I suppose it depends on the content. The "fine" jpegs are generally just over 2MB, the "normal" is under 1MB. Something's bound to be lost, although I should say that at least 80% of the time I can't tell the difference.


Do you have a laptop?

Yes, MacBook.

[koffiejunkie]

I guess two of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pretec-48GB-High-Speed-CompactFlash/dp/B00131QMXY/ref=pd_sbs_ce_9) will cover me nicely :eek:

[bwana]

I guess two of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pretec-48GB-High-Speed-CompactFlash/dp/B00131QMXY/ref=pd_sbs_ce_9) will cover me nicely :eek:Nice :)

I've only just started thinking its time to start buying 4gb cards. :o

[marine1]

Yesterday I bought 2 x 2 gig Sony Memory sticks mk2 for R389-00 for both. :)

[koffiejunkie]

I have a 4GB memory stick (the pro duo variety) in my cybershot. Just about filled it up on my US trip last year. This was before I had the 40D - 4GB won't cut it for two weeks any more...

[marine1]

I have a 4GB memory stick (the pro duo variety) in my cybershot. Just about filled it up on my US trip last year. This was before I had the 40D - 4GB won't cut it for two weeks any more...

Wow I got a good deal, I got 2 x 2gigs MK@ for R389 :eek:
http://www.pricecheck.co.za/offers/15612/Sony+2GB+Memory+Stick+Pro+Duo+MSPRODUO_2GB/

[bwana]

I have a 4GB memory stick (the pro duo variety) in my cybershot. Just about filled it up on my US trip last year. This was before I had the 40D - 4GB won't cut it for two weeks any more...With two cameras I quickly fill 2x 2gb. My hesitation in getting massive cards (over 4gb) stems from fear of it failing/breaking or losing it or having it purloined. So for me its baby steps - next stop 4gb :D

Wow I got a good deal, I got 2 x 2gigs MK@ for R389 :eek:
http://www.pricecheck.co.za/offers/15612/Sony+2GB+Memory+Stick+Pro+Duo+MSPRODUO_2GB/That's a decent price :)

[marine1]

That's a decent price :)I love makro :D
Whats nice is that the Sony A700 can take 2 types of cards at the same time. I now have my CF 8gig and my Sony 2gig in at the same time and just select via the menu which one I want to use.

[bwana]

I love makro :D
Whats nice is that the Sony A700 can take 2 types of cards at the same time. I now have my CF 8gig and my Sony 2gig in at the same time and just select via the menu which one I want to use.That is really useful - I'd love to be able to record to both at the same time for redundancy like the high end canon(s).

[marine1]

This A700 is truly the best camera I have ever used and the vertical grip makes it that much better. Sony have outdone themselves.

[bwana]

This A700 is truly the best camera I have ever used and the vertical grip makes it that much better. Sony have outdone themselves.I've got the vertical grip for my camera too and use it regularly for portraits - I just wish my camera would fit in my bag when its on. :o

[marine1]

:) Mine just fits. I have the lowepro

[bwana]

:) Mine just fits. I have the loweproNow that you mention it while it wont fit in my Kata knapsack bag it might fit in the smaller lowepro (Edit 160) that I carry the camera with the 16-35mm lens in.

[koffiejunkie]

With two cameras I quickly fill 2x 2gb. My hesitation in getting massive cards (over 4gb) stems from fear of it failing/breaking or losing it or having it purloined. So for me its baby steps - next stop 4gb :D
That's a decent price :)

I'm more worried about FAT32 losing its mind than the medium failing. But that's why I'm looking for a backup strategy too.

[sdd]

When I am abroad, I simply go to the nearest photo shop or PC store and pay them to download my pics and burn them into DVD's.

Works out much better for me.

I have a 16GB Flash ... so I also ask them to back up to the flash disk as well. I ensure that I go to the store during the quiet times.

[marine1]

When I am abroad, I simply go to the nearest photo shop or PC store and pay them to download my pics and burn them into DVD's.

Works out much better for me.

I have a 16GB Flash ... so I also ask them to back up to the flash disk as well. I ensure that I go to the store during the quiet times.

Probably a wise thing to do. I just dont want to run around looking for that. I am lazy :D

[sdd]

The funny thing is that I get a lot of insight in to the local culture and hotspots by going to these places - especially if it is also a gaming shop. Usually buy a cup of coffee for the guys and talk whilst the DVD are burnt.

[koffiejunkie]

When I am abroad, I simply go to the nearest photo shop or PC store and pay them to download my pics and burn them into DVD's. ... I have a 16GB Flash ... so I also ask them to back up to the flash disk as well. I ensure that I go to the store during the quiet times.

That leaves me with the same problem of trusting my precious pictures to a foreign computer. Although a PC shop is likely to have safer computers than your average internet cafe. I probably sound over paranoid about this, but I've been bitten once by this.


The funny thing is that I get a lot of insight in to the local culture and hotspots by going to these places - especially if it is also a gaming shop. Usually buy a cup of coffee for the guys and talk whilst the DVD are burnt.

That's a very nice idea.

[sdd]

That leaves me with the same problem of trusting my precious pictures to a foreign computer. Although a PC shop is likely to have safer computers than your average internet cafe. I probably sound over paranoid about this, but I've been bitten once by this.



That's a very nice idea.

I dont really see why you would have the same problem ... cos you can always check the dvd to ensure that all your files are there. You are not leaving it on someone's pc.

[koffiejunkie]

I'm worried about an overzealous antivirus program thinking .CR2 files are bad and wiping the card before anyone gets a chance to copy anything off it. Or anything bad happening *before* the stuff is copied.

[koffiejunkie]

Update: I think I'm closer to a solution. I have an old Compaq n410c notebook that I'm seriously considering taking with me, instead of the MacBook, for several reasons:

1. It's much lighter than the MacBook. It has no CD drive, the shell is much cheaper plastic, it's smaller (12"), it's slimmer.

2. The MacBook needs to go in for a warranty job, to have the palm rest replaced (cracked).

3. I'm not too sorry for the Compaq. I never use it, it's just gathering dust on the shelf.

4. It's good enough for this. It's a Tualatin core Pentium-III. In case you're not familiar with that, its a fairly scarce revision of the Pentium-III that came out around the time the P4 launched, and has 512KB cache, instead of 256 - it's pretty powerful and very good on battery. I get about 3 hours on the original battery that only charges up to about 40%. And the notebook has USB2, which is really something for its age. The only problem with it, at the moment, is the hard disc is only 30GB, but I have a spare 80G 2.5" IDE disc lying around. I just need to find the right tool to unscrew it (odd size torx). This also means I can get online if I have time/opportunity and maybe even post to flickr :) I'll see if Lightroom is usable on it - only 256mb RAM - or (shudder) DDP.

5. I'm not too sorry for it. I don't mind taking a chance and stuffing it in my suitcase when I'm out for the day.


For shooting, I'll just stock up on more Sandisk Extreme III cards - they seem to be the best value for money, considering both price and performance.

Lastly, I have found some nice wallets for CF cards and filters, both made by Hama (http://www.hama.co.uk).

For CF cards, there is the Hama Memory Card Case Tech-Line CF (http://www.hama.co.uk/portal/articleId*142117/action*2563). I measures 8x12x2cm, has individual pockets for eight CF cards, and in the lining in the front and back covers, there is enough room for four more - two on each side. It won't close with that many in, but it's perfect for eight.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2828655578_859d6dddf4_m.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2828655578_39cf2a3a51_o.jpg)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2828655478_d5d7b2294b_m.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2828655478_6f45d0c0f3_o.jpg)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2827818723_0d4533a4ec_m.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2827818723_dc2595a9ab_o.jpg)

For filters, there is Hama TrackPack Filter Case 72 (http://www.hama.co.uk/portal/articleId*124511/action*2563). It measures 10x18x2cm, is softly padded inside, although it doesn't cover the entire filter - I'll put a lens cloth in-between. It's just big enough to take a 77mm filter (the spec says 72mm but 77 fits snugly) and can take four, which is perfect, because I have exactly four to take. It has a belt loop too - very cool.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2827819027_313b6c4c17_m.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2827819027_282cbf5363_o.jpg)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2827819159_ae30027e35_m.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2827819159_bed2fd2dfc_o.jpg)

Am I forgetting anything? :)

[PeterCH]

OK, so I'm trying to work out what my best course of action is. I'm going travelling for two weeks and a bit. On my last 3-day trip, I filled up an 8GB CF card, so I guess I estimate I need about 40GB for this one.?

The Cowon A3. It has a USB 2.0 Host interface and can download JPG/RAW
files (RAW files of unlimited resolution) onto its 30/60GB HD. You can view
the photos in full glorious 16.7 mil (8 bit) colour on the 4 inch screen at
800 by 480 resolution. It also connects to a computer using USB 2.0,
however it's USB hosting allows you to emulate a PC/.

[koffiejunkie]

It looks very nice (http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/cowon/a3/), but it's a tad pricey for now :(

[PeterCH]

It looks very nice (http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/cowon/a3/), but it's a tad pricey for now :(

Yes but you won't find a better screen on any other PMP or smartphone
and there is RAW support. US Price for the 30GB version is $320.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/536132-REG/Cowon_A3_30SL_A3_30GB_Personal_Media.html

Since it's recognised as an USB harddrive, it works with both Macs and PCs.

[koffiejunkie]

Yeah, I saw that. I'm just not going to be able to squeeze that into my budget this month :( But I've bookmarked that one and will give it a long hard look when I'm back and the finances recover somewhat.

[PeterCH]

Yeah, I saw that. I'm just not going to be able to squeeze that into my budget this month :( But I've bookmarked that one and will give it a long hard look when I'm back and the finances recover somewhat.

Yeah, its a pity these things aren't cheaper. :(

But do think about it in the future. The screen on this thing is beautiful, also protected by rigid plastic unlike some other
players where fingers press and deform the screen (like pC screens too).

[koffiejunkie]

Do you have one? I'm thinking I'll add to my to-look-at list for next time I go to B&H.

[PeterCH]

Do you have one? I'm thinking I'll add to my to-look-at list for next time I go to B&H.

I do have one. It's nice. I had an accident lately and spent a week in hospital and it really paid off :), not to mention 2 months of bed rest (watching stuff was great).

I had the Creative Zen Vision 30GB with 640by480 screen (still use)
Cowon A3 with 800 by 480 screen

and recently my newest baby :)

Sharp WX-92 (920sh) with 850 by 480 Aqous screen in 3 inches across :).
(Taiwnese market Japanese phone).

[koffiejunkie]

Nice toys... :) Does the Cowon plug directly into the camera? Or card reader?

[PeterCH]

Nice toys... :) Does the Cowon plug directly into the camera? Or card reader?

It has an USB host function, so that the camera thinks its connected to a PC and you can download the files off the camera. It comes with a female to male USB plug.

I think the other cool thing about it is the RAW support which Cowon claim is of unlimited file size, together with a 16.7 mil colour screen it
may come in useful. Of course you can watch movies on it - encoding h264 video at 640by360 at 25fps gives you 700MB files for 1.5hrs.



Photo Viewer

File Format
Resolution
JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP, RAW
JPG - Max 15MP Other - Max 5MP RAW - Unlimited


http://www.cowonglobal.com/product_wide/product_A3_spec.php
IF you visit B&H take your D-SLR camera with and see if it can download the RAW images off it. You can also pick the A3 up at
some British stores.

[koffiejunkie]

IF you visit B&H take your D-SLR camera with and see if it can download the RAW images off it. You can also pick the A3 up at
some British stores.

I can get everything I want here, but for a handful of things that I want to get - proper tripod, etc - it's starting to make sense to fly over to NY for a long weekend. And I'm just looking for an excuse to go again :D

My camera (40D) doesn't do USB-storage mode, so I will have to try before I buy.

[PeterCH]

I can get everything I want here, but for a handful of things that I want to get - proper tripod, etc - it's starting to make sense to fly over to NY for a long weekend. And I'm just looking for an excuse to go again :D

My camera (40D) doesn't do USB-storage mode, so I will have to try before I buy.

Oh, that would suck then. :(

[koffiejunkie]

Why? Does it not do picture-to-picture (or whatever they call it)? Alternatively, if it requires storage mode, I guess I could plug the card reader into it. Can it copy back to a usb storage device too?

[PeterCH]

Take a trip to Singapore instead and visit
www.expandore.com :) They may be cheaper.... who knows :).

[PeterCH]

Why? Does it not do picture-to-picture (or whatever they call it)? Alternatively, if it requires storage mode, I guess I could plug the card reader into it. Can it copy back to a usb storage device too?

If you camera can't connect via USB then that sucks for this device.
Maybe you can get a CF card reader and connect it to the Cowon then
via its USB Host function.
Ideally connecting the camera directly to the A3 would be least hassle
and most benefit for cost.

[koffiejunkie]

It does connect via USB, it just doesn't show up as a USB storage device, so you need some software that can talk the camera's language. I have a USB CF reader though.

Anyways, good enough reason to try it first. Thanks for the recommendation.

[PeterCH]

It does connect via USB, it just doesn't show up as a USB storage device, so you need some software that can talk the camera's language. I have a USB CF reader though.

Anyways, good enough reason to try it first. Thanks for the recommendation.

Hope it works. :)

[bwana]

Me - I'd take the MB (cracked palm rest and all) and something like an old iPod to back all my photos up to. If you're even thinking about posting the images then you'll more power than an old P3 trying to run lightroom. The MB is small enough to fit in the back of something like a Kata knapsack.

[BigAl-sa]

I have one of these (http://www.compactdrive.com/product_info.php?products_id=31). Works well for me - can take any capacity notebook hard drive. It has been superseded, but I'm sure you can find something along similar lines. It cost about R2000 in 2006 (with 40GB drive), but has been worth every cent. I only carry 2x1GB cards with me.

[bwana]

I have one of these (http://www.compactdrive.com/product_info.php?products_id=31). Works well for me - can take any capacity notebook hard drive. It has been superseded, but I'm sure you can find something along similar lines. It cost about R2000 in 2006 (with 40GB drive), but has been worth every cent. I only carry 2x1GB cards with me.I like the look of that.

[koffiejunkie]

Me - I'd take the MB (cracked palm rest and all) and something like an old iPod to back all my photos up to. If you're even thinking about posting the images then you'll more power than an old P3 trying to run lightroom. The MB is small enough to fit in the back of something like a Kata knapsack.

Don't get me wrong - I would like nothing more than having my MacBook with me. But the reality is the MacBook isn't light. In fact, it's only a few grams less than the 15" MBP. It fits nicely into my backpack, but since I'm using a hiking style travelbag, I'll be carrying my camera bag instead of having on my back. It's heavy enough with the camera kit in. I'm going to be doing a lot of walking... The other thing is I generally need my MacBook daily, so the only time I really have to send it for repair is while I'm on leave, so this make sense. I'm not going to be doing any heavy PP work, so the Compaq will be more than adequate. I might just upgrade the memory - it can take 1GB.


I have one of these (http://www.compactdrive.com/product_info.php?products_id=31). Works well for me - can take any capacity notebook hard drive. It has been superseded, but I'm sure you can find something along similar lines. It cost about R2000 in 2006 (with 40GB drive), but has been worth every cent. I only carry 2x1GB cards with me.

Look very nice - they have a few models that look useful. But as with the one PeterCH suggested, I'd like to try it before spending the kind of money they charge for these devices.

[bwana]

If weight is an issue just carry more cards and have a look at the device BigAl-sa actually uses for this purpose - iirc he is a canon shooter. This way you have the original CF and a HDD copy.

Big screens are nice and all but are an invitation for damage while travelling.

[koffiejunkie]

I played around on the Compaq n410c. Lightroom 1.3 is actually quite usable. Maybe not for heavy editing, but for importing, organising, and adding captions/keywords it's good enough. The only real hassle is the screen size.

[bwana]

You going to move over to Lightroom?

[koffiejunkie]

Nope, but for this purpose it makes sense. It can do import to dng with key-wording in one go. And the trial lasts long enough to cover this trip :)

That said, there are some things I like about it, but also some things I like Aperture for more.

[koffiejunkie]

Thinking about it, if I could run OS X on my Compaq, or at least run Aperture on Windows (dream on), that would have made it so much easier.

[sdd]

I have one of these (http://www.compactdrive.com/product_info.php?products_id=31). Works well for me - can take any capacity notebook hard drive. It has been superseded, but I'm sure you can find something along similar lines. It cost about R2000 in 2006 (with 40GB drive), but has been worth every cent. I only carry 2x1GB cards with me.

This is what I have being looking for! Thanks BigAl.

2 questions ....

a) where can I by this or similar locally?
b) Any leads on well priced CF cards (with good speed) - normal shops/online stores.

sdd

[koffiejunkie]

b) Any leads on well priced CF cards (with good speed) - normal shops/online stores.

I can't help you on the "well priced" part, but I have Sandisk Extreme II, III and IV cards that I've benchmarked in as close to shooting conditions as I can replicate, using a Sandisk card-reader, and the III came out with the best price/performance ratio. The difference between II and III was significant, while the increase on the IV was marginal, but at double the money.

[BigAl-sa]

This is what I have being looking for! Thanks BigAl.

2 questions ....

a) where can I by this or similar locally?
b) Any leads on well priced CF cards (with good speed) - normal shops/online stores.

sdd1 & 2, Outdoorphoto. They only have the storage devices with screens on their site and these are horrifically expensive. Give them a ring, they may have the PD70x replacement model (I got my pd70x there).

[koffiejunkie]

One of these should do nicely:

http://www.sandisk.com/Assets/Products/130/ExtremeIIICF32GB30MB_AMS_130.jpg (http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item(2693)-SDCFX3-032G-A31-SanDisk_ExtremeIII_CompactFlash_32GB.aspx)

[koffiejunkie]

My prayers have been answered: OSX on EEEPC (http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Run_Mac_OS_X_on_an_Eee_PC)

[bwana]

I dont know how much more useful it would be even if it was a fully functional installation of osx. The screen is a bit small for any useful editing - does it have enough va-va-voom spec wise to run photoshop well?

For the non-editing side of things I think its an awesome form factor though and has serious potential.

[koffiejunkie]

Well, under the circumstances I'm only really looking for backup and to be able to import and keyword my images. But I agree on the form factor. A colleague has a Sony TZ that's 11" but yet has all the goodies in, including a DVD-RW, and a 1366x768 resolution. His is a Core Solo, about two years old now, but the current ones are C2D. There's no reason Apple cannot squeeze the MacBook into a package of that size. As far as I'm concerned they can get rid of the optical drive and instead put more FW and USB ports in and nVidia/ATi graphics with one or two Mini-DVI outputs.

[koffiejunkie]

So just an update on this, I ended up going for a Photobank (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001AV40PE) storage device. It's just an enclosure with the card reader built in. You can get it with a hard drive fitted too. It takes a 2.5" SATA drive, and uses a BP-56 battery (not sure what it's from, but you can buy it on eBay). It doesn't let you view pictures or anything fancy. All it does is make a full copy of a card to disc. I get about three copies of a 4GB CF card on one battery charge. It connects to the computer via USB and shows up as a ordinary USB storage device - no drivers necessary. Comes with a nice (fake) leather pouch, at £29. It takes Compact Flash, Memory Stick Pro and Duo, SD, Mini-SD and MMC. I thought it was worth the risk, and it seems to work well.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2884977590_e37e1f18b1_m.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2884977590_eea4565c44_o.jpg)

[BigAl-sa]

So just an update on this, I ended up going for a Photobank (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001AV40PE) storage device. It's just an enclosure with the card reader built in. You can get it with a hard drive fitted too. It takes a 2.5" SATA drive, and uses a BP-56 battery (not sure what it's from, but you can buy it on eBay). It doesn't let you view pictures or anything fancy. All it does is make a full copy of a card to disc. I get about three copies of a 4GB CF card on one battery charge. It connects to the computer via USB and shows up as a ordinary USB storage device - no drivers necessary. Comes with a nice (fake) leather pouch, at £29. It takes Compact Flash, Memory Stick Pro and Duo, SD, Mini-SD and MMC. I thought it was worth the risk, and it seems to work well.

Sounds very much like the PD70x.