X-Drive PRO VP300 Question

[robh]

I am thinking of buying an X-Drive PRO VP300 as a means of storing images while out and about (instead of more CF cards, as it is only a bit more expensive than a decent 512mb card for the 20GB version).

Has anybody had any experiences with this device.

http://www.xs-drive.com/xsdrivepro/

cheers.... Rob

[gkas]

I just bought one a few weeks ago, with a 40GB drive. So far I'm very pleased with it. It takes about 11 minutes to copy a 512Mb CF card (50x Ridata) to the HD. The Xdrive II actually copies quicker, but it is only USB1.0 . The tradeoff is that this is slower on the CF copy to disk, but all other functions are faster. In my initial copy test, first battery charge, I copied just a few files shy of 9 full 512Mb CF cards. I got the 8 AA cell power adapter with mine as a free xtra. Since I always carry at least 8 NiMH AA batteries for my 550EX, I figure I have plenty of spare battery power for a day. I tested it with the 8 NiMH and it does power up and work OK. I think the minimum power spec is 9v.

I did make a small change to the unit. The power button, the thin wide one in the middle, seems to be verrryyyy slightly raised above the face of the unit. At least on mine does. Even though it auto-powers down in 2 minutes, I found it powered on when I opened the soft storage case. I fixed this by cutting a small frame from mount board to 'frame' the power button. I stuck it to the case with double stick tape. Easily removable to test out my theory. The frame is just high enough to stop accidental power on, but still easily pushed with the tip of the finger. No further problems.

I tried the MP3 stuff and it works as advertised. I figure that might be fun on a long road trip.

It's now standard equipment in my bag. I do carry a laptop in the car, but it is not always convenient. It can be a long walk to the car to dump the cards. Also, there are time I just don't want to leave a laptop in the car. In the soft case, it takes up the space I normally reserve for my Canon 2.8 100 Macro.

[robh]

Thanks gkas for the information, especially the AA battery adapter (that really is a good idea) I use a 420EX and usually have 8 AA's in the camera bag.
I don't think the adapter comes with the Xdrive here in Australia but I can pick up something similar from my local Tandy store more a few dollars.