Photo storage in developing world

I am looking for a photo storage/back-up solution that works in places where internet access, burning dvds, or even computer access is non-existent. I am interested in the Hyperdrive Album, but am wondering if there is a similar device (storage size and functionality) that can also be used for other purposes. Much of my life a device like the Sanho would sit idle. Are there any devices that can be used as readers, media players etc AND are also good at pulling photos from CF cards? Thanks.

A bit more description about what you plan to do (photographically speaking), duration, temperature conditions, limitations of luggage, etc.

If duration is longer than say, 2 weeks, I would take a small laptop, folding solar charger, external drive for redundant backup (don't put all eggs in one basket!).

Yup, a netbook. Does all that an more. I'm not sure about solar charging, though. I'm taking my Dell mini9 to Thailand in a few months.
You would need a USB card reader, as they might have a SD card reader, but not CF.

*edit* okay, the netbook won't burn DVDs, but the small size makes up for that, I feel. My Mini9 has a 16GB SSD, and a SD slot that I've put a 16GB class 6 card into for extra storage.

feldspar wrote in post #10169473
........... I am interested in the Hyperdrive Album, but am wondering if there is a similar device (storage size and functionality) that can also be used for other purposes. Much of my life a device like the Sanho would sit idle. Are there any devices that can be used as readers, media players etc AND are also good at pulling photos from CF cards? Thanks.

Very interesting problem.

I am assuming you budget is also in the Hyperdrive Album range.

You have to bring your own HDD to the party.

If you want a SATA HDD then this might work:
http://www.dealextreme​.com/details.dx/sku.10​484

If you want an IDE HDD then one of these might work
http://www.dealextreme​.com/details.dx/sku.11​266

http://www.dealextreme​.com/details.dx/sku.10​904

If you do decide to get one, please do post a review of the product.

I have the older Digimate III review somewhere on POTN...so if you decide to get one of these and need to figure out how to format to FAT32 (which is a must of these types of devices) look it up.

My solution is to use a variety of external hard drives, with a few flash drives. I only ever buy USB-powered hard drives these days, my favourite being the WD "my Passport" series, as they're not vulnerable to fluctuating or failing mains power. I've had mains-powered external hard drives destroyed by power surges in 3rd world countries (like here). I currently have 5 or 6 of these, up to 3/4tb, with a couple of 1tb ones on the way. Everything is on at least two separate drives, and I keep them softly packaged in two different places.

I have a few 32gb USB flash drives, but the problem with those is that I've never found a way to format them NTFS, so 4gb is the largest file I can put on them. Fine for photographs of course, until Canon brings out its first 1000mp camera (!), but no good for what I originally bought them for which was to store ISO video images.

Obviously I have to carry a computer as well, but as I always do that's no hardship.

I travel to South America for several weeks at a time and have been using a 100Gb Wolverine (older model, no photo review). I also take numerous 8 and 16Gb CF cards, as I shoot with a 5DII and sometimes need the extra space. While in country, I usually backpack and climb for up to 12 days at a time without electricity. Weight is an issue, so I usually just bring along the little Wolverine drive to backup the CF cards. I would like to review some photos and have additional backup between adventures. The Sanho Hyperdrive Album or any of the other similar devices would be great for this. However, they are one trick ponies and would likely sit idle for much of the year. The idea of the of the netbook seems to have some real merit - and price is similar to the Hyperdrive (empty shell adding 3rd party 500Gb drive). I currently use LR on an Apple (shoot in RAW) and am wondering what software you suggest I use in order to review the photos on the netbook.

Also - any suggestions about a lightweight solar setup?

Thank you all for your solid suggestions.

I just came back from a 5 week overland truck trip (Holiday) through South America (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru).

For storage I took 10 x 4G CF Cards and a Hyperdrive Space. I would fill a card, back it up to the space. Put a label on the CF Card indicating the directory on the Space that had the files, then put the CF card into a zip lock bag in my camera bag, and the Space back in my rucksack.

I did not review my photos other than the occasional cursory glance on the camera while taking them. I think I charged the Hyperdrive 3 times on the trip (Space is charged through a mini USB conector from any usb charger), the 40D I had 5 batteries with me, and never ran out despite numerous days without access to power, one battery easily did me from Cusco to Cusco via the Inca Trail etc.

Local internet cafes are numerous throughout south america... to the point where they had them when I didn't think that they would have phones. Netbooks are small but are about 8 times larger than the Hyperdrive.

In hindsight as I was based out of a truck for the trip and netbook would have been nice as I could have left it in the truck and secure storage would not have been an issue for me. But it would have been grief for the 2 weeks out of the truck as I was living out of a 75L backpack which would not have had the room for the netbook and charger etc (I was camping as well so I had full bedding etc also)

I have had the hyperdrive for a year or two now and use it alot just out for the day as well as a quick, no computer required backup of my memory cards that I can do onsite without haveing to set any equipment up, and am contemplating upgrading to a Hyperdrive Album in the near future to add some sort of preview to the using. Although I can see it taking a hit in the battery life when used in this manner.

Any Q's just ask.

Shane