Cheap storage (I have spare pc hard drive)

[antaine]

I have access to a couple of PC hard drives (either 13GB or 20GB) - what is the best portable storage device for me to get so that I can re-use these drives?

I have 1x512 and 1x1GB CF card.

1. View:
I am not particularly bothered about being able to view the images on the move - all I want is somewhere to put my photos when I am travelling.

2. Reader:
I would prefer if the device had an inbuilt card reader rather than a seperate CF card reader.

3. Power:
I will be staying in hotels (not camping) so will have access to main power each day.

I see some Image Tanks on ebay (with no hard drive) are they good?

thanks for looking (not going on holidays until Sept anyway) - but haven't a clue about storage devices.


regards, A.

[Pekka]

See http://fhoude34.free.fr/PortableHD.htm

The hard drives need to be 2.5" models (laptop size), so standard PC drives won't fit.

[etaf]

I have the image tank http://www.card-media.co.uk/image-tank.htm this version, i managed to get it for £40 complete with external recharable battery, carlighter, mains power, usb cable
I then added a laptop harddrive and was good to go

[antaine]

thanks for all your replies - keep them coming!

[Wildewinds]

external enclosures are cheap. Here's one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817145363

Just put in your spare harddrive.

[Redbird_xo]

Apacer Share Steno CD211
Cost: Approx. US$60 (case only)
Info: http://www.apacer.com/apacer_english/product_html/share_steno_cd211.asp

I was comtemplating in buying one on my second visit to a local Apacer distributor after obtaining satisfactory answers on my questions (I read the user manual after my first visit and before the second). I wanted a white one but it was sold out. Just have to wait.

P.S. The CD211 only takes 2.5" HD.

[etaf]

seems to be OK - cant find any reviews - has the facility to copy from any USB device - so you will need to add a card reader or connect to the camera. Then depending on cameras USB will depend on speed you get.
I use mine by taking the card out and putting into the image tank whilst changing the card in the camera to carry on shooting.
It takes quite a while to copy 1GB of data at USB 1 which is what my camera is.

[antaine]

That is why I was hoping to get away from using the cameras usb port (which I think is 1.0 but not 2.0) and getting something with a built in card reader for faster transfer times. I have a 2.0 card reader but would prefer not to have to bring that on holidays (I'm not fussy - am I?!)

The Digimate II (see http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=84059) looks like what I am looking for but that company (mwave) don't ship to ROI.
Anyone know of any other sellers of the Digimate II ?

thanks, A.

[IanC_UK]

check this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15215&item=7529622547&rd=1) Digimate image tank case for only £13.99, delivery is a bit steep at £20 and a hard drive !

[lostdoggy]

This may not help but I've seen 20GB Media Gear HD to go for $149US and $169 for 40GB. The reason I mention this is because 2.5 HDD is very expensive by comparason to 3.5 HDDs.

Here is a site that offer it:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0177556