microdrive

[kirktalon]

This microdrive that dp review has listed for $99 after rebate?
Does the s30 take microdrive?

[Rustle]

Yep, the S30 takes Microdrives. There are two types of CompactFlash slots: Type I and Type II. Most small CF cards are Type I, and some larger CF cards and all Microdrives are Type II. Type II is a bit thicker, but has the same interface as Type I.

Note, however, that some devices might have a Type II slot, but still not support Microdrives. It's a software thing (that might be fixable with updated firmware).

I'm not sure what Microdrive you're talking about at dpreview.com. Can you provide a link?

Russ

[resinator]

here's the link

is this a good deal for the s30? Would we just chuck the pcmcia adapter and use the microdrive as is?

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0204/020401microdrivepromo.asp

[Rustle]

The Microdrive pops straight into your camera's Type II CF slot. You can then take out the drive, insert it into the PCMCIA adapter, and plug into a notebook computer for uploads/downloads. That's great, because 340 megs is a lot of data to push through USB (it'll take a long time). As well, you can use the Microdrive as a storage device, because Windows picks it up as a hard drive (something the camera doesn't do). In addition to pics, you can use it to carry around documents and other stuff.

If you don't have a notebook or a computer with a special PCMCIA slot, the adapter is pretty useless. You'll need a USB adapter for the card, or you'll have to download the pics through your camera (slow and battery-draining).

The major knocks against 340 meg microdrives are that they're a bit slower than CF cards and, because they have moving parts, they're vulnerable to shock damage if you drop 'em. That shouldn't be a problem if you're careful, though. Also, the power drain is a bit higher (from what I've heard), so your camera's battery won't last as long. Considering the already short life of the S30/S40 battery, you might need to buy a second one or the AC adapter kit.

The real question is this: are you going to find a use for 340 megs? I get by with a 192 meg card, because I don't usually take more than 50 pics before downloading.

The best reason to get a high-capacity CompactFlash card (flash or Microdrive) is the versatility. You can share them with any PocketPC organizer (Compaq iPaq) and with some MP3 players. Heck, even some car audio decks take CF cards. I share my CF card with an MP3 player that doubles as a portable hard drive (Frontier Labs NEX II). So, I carry pics, documents, and music around on it. 192 is enough for me, but is that enough for you?

In a nutshell, I think this is a good deal if you have a notebook computer and/or you think you'll someday have a need for 340 megs of pocketable data. It might come with some extra costs, though, in the form of a second battery, USB adapter, or AC camera adapter. I'd consider getting one for myself, but the deal isn't available to Canadians. Ah well.

Hope that's helpful.

[D30man MI]

Rustle

RIGHT ON brother that's everything I would say except.....

I broke a microdrive once by useing a card reader. I called Iomega (it's made by IBM with the IOMGA sticker on it) and they said to NOT use them in a card reader. But the guy was cool with me, he said, "ok don't tell anyone i told you this, but if you unplug your card reader from the USB port, and THEN insert the microdrive into the reader, THEN plug the reader back into the USB port you won't have a problem".

If you think about it, you have to put your M drive into the PC card first, then connect it to your computer.

I've also heard they use more power but only about 5% more, and i haven't noticed a difference.

If you're going to use it up, you'll need another battery anyway.

I now use a USB PC card adapter it makes a PC slot just the laptops, that plugs into the USB port.

Microdrives are a little FASTER than regular CF UNTILL you get up to about 300 megs, (or 800 megs on the 1gb) then it starts to slow down.


Dave

[sean000]

If the price is right ( and it sounds like it is ) go for it! I have been using a 340MB Microdrive in my S30 since last October with great results. I have another 1GB microdrive that I have been using in an eDigital mp3 player for about a year. No problems so far (knock on wood).

Sean