Fastest Way to Unload a Mark II

[Mike H]

Can someone suggest a fast, convenient way to get my Mark II files to the computer? Right now I am using a slow, elderly card reader, and it's quite a wait. I don't need ultra fast transport, just something better than 30-40 minutes per card. Thanks.

Mike H

[samdring]

Mike
You don't say whether or not your PC has USB2 - if so a similarly endowed card reader will make a massive difference. Firewire marginally fast but considerably more expensive.

[Cadwell]

A faster card reader. One with a USB2 or firewire interface would do the trick. Much quicker.

I changed from a USB1 card reader to a USB2 card reader and decreased the transfer time for 1GB CF cards from 30-40 minutes to 2 or 3 minutes.

Of course, you need an appropriate interface on your PC.

[Mike H]

Mike
You don't say whether or not your PC has USB2 - if so a similarly endowed card reader will make a massive difference. Firewire marginally fast but considerably more expensive.

Ah! So that's it. I do have a USB 2.0 port on the computer. The card is highly unlikely to be one. I'll try to pick up a USB 2.0 reader. Thanks!

Mike

[IanD]

Leave it on a park bench......

Sorry folks, I had to do that. :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

[GenEOS]

I was amazed at the speed difference of the USB 2.0 with my Sandisk 2.0 reader. Unfortunately, my Laptop does not have a USB 2.0 port. Anyone know a way to get a USB 2.0 interface on a Dell Inspiron 8200? Is there a PC card for adding a USB2.0 port?

[Vinny454]

Is there a PC card for adding a USB2.0 port?

Yes. You should be able to find it any local or online retailer. Should be around $50

Vince

[Sketcher]

I was amazed at the speed difference of the USB 2.0 with my Sandisk 2.0 reader. Unfortunately, my Laptop does not have a USB 2.0 port. Anyone know a way to get a USB 2.0 interface on a Dell Inspiron 8200? Is there a PC card for adding a USB2.0 port?
Another option is to use a PCMCIA Card Reader. Just make sure it accepts the type of CF you're using or would like to use (type I, type II).

[who me?]

Another option is to use a PCMCIA Card Reader. Just make sure it accepts the type of CF you're using or would like to use (type I, type II).

So what kind of speed would one expect form a PCMCIA adapter? Would it be closer to the USB 2.0 than the 1.0?

[Sketcher]

Another option is to use a PCMCIA Card Reader. Just make sure it accepts the type of CF you're using or would like to use (type I, type II).

So what kind of speed would one expect form a PCMCIA adapter? Would it be closer to the USB 2.0 than the 1.0?

First of all; Welcome to the Forum!

The speed depends on which mfgr/model you buy. There are units that perform similarly to USB 2.0 and Firewire: http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_933.html

Lexar Media introduced a 32-bit CompactFlash (CF) CardBus reader, designed to enable the quick and convenient transfer of digital images to notebook computers. Lexar Media's new 32-bit CardBus CompactFlash reader boasts high speed data transfer rates similar to FireWire and USB 2.0 readers, and 4 to 6 times faster than 16-bit PCMCIA card adaptors, which are commonly used with laptop computers. Lexar's 32-bit CardBus reader offers support for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, extending the portable, high-speed solution to Macintosh users for the first time

There is also the limitation of the cardbus in your laptop but as long as your lappy isn't more than three years old I'm thinking you're ok (broad general statement).

[drisley]

I find that my USB2 card reader is about 10x faster than reading from my 300D directly, which is supposed to be USB1

[who me?]

First of all; Welcome to the Forum!

Thanks, I am a long time reader/lurker. I thought I would try to sneak my first post in but I got caught. DARN :shock:


The speed depends on which mfgr/model you buy. There are units that perform similarly to USB 2.0 and Firewire: There is also the limitation of the cardbus in your laptop but as long as your lappy isn't more than three years old I'm thinking you're ok (broad general statement).

Well, that puts me out for the fast speeds on the laptop. Mine is at least 3 years old and only USB 1.x compliant. Oh well. I only use it on vacations so time is a luxury on that one. I guess I could go and get a beer while things download. :wink:
Thanks for the info. That really helps.

[Sketcher]

Well, that puts me out for the fast speeds on the laptop. Mine is at least 3 years old and only USB 1.x compliant. Oh well. I only use it on vacations so time is a luxury on that one. I guess I could go and get a beer while things download. :wink:
Thanks for the info. That really helps.
My "3 year" reference was just a reference. Very likely, your PCMCIA cardbus even if older supports transfer speeds above USB 1.x. Call laptop Mfgr's tech support, download an online spec sheet or check the manual to see what you're bus in running at. The PCMCIA adapters are can be had from $9.00-50.00 depending on what you need and it's nice to not have to carry around cables and readers if you don't have to.

Just a thought.

[Ogrt48]

$19 for a usb 2.0 cf card reader. :)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002TN24K/qid=1093641327/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-4070267-7763808?v=glance&s=photo