best/largest storage solution for travelling needs?

i'm exploring options other than buying CF cards in bulk and killing my pockets - what alternatives are around?

i see a lot of recommendations for the HyperDrive (http://www.hypershop.c​om …-COLORSPACE-UDMA-s/64.htm), but i feel it's not worth the price for a dedicated use. hence, i'm thinking of getting the cheapest laptop/netbook/tablet that has 1 full sized USB port that i can plug in my 2.5" external HDD to expand storage.

any recommendations ?
- as light as possible
- 1 USB port that has enough power for ext HDDs
- old models are more than welcome, because i'm intending to buy 2nd hand and save $$$

so far, the best alternative is the Asus EEE Pad Transformer TF101, going for 250 used. let me know if you guys know of better alternatives!

cheers!

I use these to back up all my downloads when shooting on site (500GB Rugged Triple Interface)
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …&InitialSearch=​yes&sts=ta

You can buy a similar device for a cheaper price from a different manufacturer. Digital Foci and Wolverine make similar backup options. The downside is spotty reviews and a barebone feature set. They start at about $140.

Alternatively, Sanho makes a Hyperdrive case that requires you to supply your own hdd. That runs $250 so it falls within your budget.

Cheaper cf card backups:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …&N=4083163867&s​rtclk=sort

Sanho Casing:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00_Casing_for_U​DMA_2.html

Laptop's HD is all I need and BTW laptop is a must for me to have PS etc.
External HD would be the next best bet.
Both of above should be taken with attention to your destination's Voltage and electrical connections, in case you need a specific adaptor.

With price of Memory cards dropping so much, that would be the third best option. Unless you must take a large nuber of images in RAW that again this may not be adequate for more that a few days. You don't have to deal with electicity compatibilities (Uncless the charger for camera itself).

Rashkh wrote in post #15806570
You can buy a similar device for a cheaper price from a different manufacturer. Digital Foci and Wolverine make similar backup options. The downside is spotty reviews and a barebone feature set. They start at about $140.

Alternatively, Sanho makes a Hyperdrive case that requires you to supply your own hdd. That runs $250 so it falls within your budget.

Cheaper cf card backups:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …&N=4083163867&s​rtclk=sort

Sanho Casing:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00_Casing_for_U​DMA_2.html

hmm, are there even cheaper ones (i don't even mind chinese copies, as long as they perform the sole function of backup) than the Digital Foci/Wolverine brands? cos i'm thinking if i have to spend 140 on a dedicated backup, i'd rather top up a bit more for a full-fledged device (tablet/netbook)..

IBM T-43 is a solid laptop, and this refurbished one comes with the IBM super high res monitor, for a song at $130 (today!). The only downside is 40GB internal drive, but supplement it with an external USB housing holding an SSD drive (shock proof and faster than conventional HDD) or a large external USB conventional HDD.

http://www.rakuten.com ….html?listingId​=213678329

One thing to consider if you use an older USB hardrive. Some need 2 USB ports for the power requirements. Normally the manufacture will supply a "Y" split cable but you'll still need the available ports. Good luck.