iPod/Storage

[T.S.]

I've looked back at previous posts about using an iPod for a storage device -- mostly the comments were not favorable due to the iPod battery giving out before the compact flash was read. Today I went out and purchased a Belkin media reader that connects to the iPod. I started with a fully charged iPod battery and downloaded a 1GB (150 pictures raw) card in 40 minutes. This drained almost the entire iPod battery but not quite.

For a hobbyist like myself, who happens to have an iPod I, was very pleased with the results. While traveling (away from my laptop) I want to be able to spend the day shooting then download the pictures for storage, erase my cards and shoot again the next day.

[Steven M. Anthony]

I went on a road trip this summer with an iPod 40 and the Belkin card reader. It loaded my 512MB cards with no problems--even though the battery indicator on the iPod showed it was empty. One hitch was that the Belkin reader needs batteries, too. It crapped out on me once, but I didn't lose anythng on my card. I just had to load it up again. The downside with the iPod is that it only has battery power for about 2 full 512MB cards. So for me, shooting in RAW, I can save about 320 shots. That will usually be enough for me--but something to be aware of. Now the NEW iPods have longer lasting batteries, so maybe they'll perform better. I also have the car charger for the iPod, which means I can recharge it if necessary.

All that said, I also have a 20 gig MindStore unit (I think they went belly-up a couple of years ago) that I like better as it lets you put images back on the card. With my iPod, once I loaded the images and erased the card, I had to wait until I got home to look at anything!