External storage devices

What is the current wisdom on external devices for storing RAW images separate from a computer?

I'm needing a second storage method (I already have a external FW drive) as a backup for my data storage.

I usually like to store my images on three separate devices while on a trip and am thinking about one of those devices that doesn't require a computer but can load my Canon RAW files from the CF card without a computer while oo a trip with limited access to power...

I think i need a 500Gb size or so.

Hi Hoover,

I have used one of these devices on my safari - worked great! I'd look at the devices by the company that makes the "Hyperdrive" and Hyperdrive Space. They have a decent color screen, etc, and copy images at UDMA speed. You can order them w/ a drive or buy your own and put it in yourself.

http://www.hyperdrive.com/

Otherwise, it might just be nice to have an external drive w/ an eSata connector - something fast for storing a duplicate of lots of files (from your laptop).

Cheers

James

I just ordered the 1TB LaCie Rugged with USB and eSata. Unlike their other smaller drives it needs a power supply unfortunately, but still a nice big drive.

Try the Nextodi Extreme. Has eSATA and USB, copies CF, SDHC,MS,xD cards (all files) direct to the drive with its own liON battery that can be recharged by USB. You can put a 500GB inside. Just a bit larger than a normal USB drive.

Does a 32GB card in about 20 mins.

Drew: looks sweet! But you can't see the images... So ok as a secondary device if you've got a laptop, but not as a standalone IMO.

Cheers

James

I'm with James. I have the HyperDrive ColorSpace and have been very pleased with it. A standalone unit in case my laptop craps out.

My process:

1. Copy card to HyperDrive

2. Connect HyperDrive to laptop via USB and copy files to laptop

3. Bak up laptop to external WD Passport drive.

Like Mark wants, I end up with 3 copies.

I'd look into a NetBook plus some small external hard drives. The HyperDrive is slick, but the screen is too small, IMO, for meaningful review, so it's money wasted compared to big external hard drive. My opinion, of course.

A Netbook with a 10" screen and a 9.5 hr battery life (max, of course), plus an external hard drive or two, seems like a much better option to me. The netbook in question (Asus 1000he) is $379 (shipped, no tax outside NY) at J&R, but money is saved over the hyperdrive, which almost makes it a wash for significantly increased utility. The HyperDrive does make some sense as a backup to the laptop, though, depending on how many layers of redundancy you need.

I'm with James. I have the HyperDrive ColorSpace and have been very pleased with it. A standalone unit in case my laptop craps out.

 

My process:

 

1. Copy card to HyperDrive

2. Connect HyperDrive to laptop via USB and copy files to laptop

3. Bak up laptop to external WD Passport drive.

 

Like Mark wants, I end up with 3 copies.

That is exactly what I would do... this looks like a sweet device. Too bad no FW800 ;(

The nice thing about this unit is that it functions as a backup card reader as well as a drive.

Just ordered the 500Gb unit!

I also am curious about their Mac External battery....

I use a Hyperdrive a netbook and an external HDD.

Netbook and HDD's means if the Netbook dies, you've lost all your backup options in one go as you cant access the HD's without the Netbook.

Otara

I'm an It Professional and a bit of a gadget freak, so have to say what a nice unit this is!!

What a sweeeet device the Colorspace UDMA Card Reader is!

So freakin' fast! and it rune almost forever on a single AA Li/Ion battery.

I went 2 weeks without recharging and this little nugget didn't have a single glitch!

Kudos to the Hyperdrive folks!

I started by storeing images on a 40 gb Epson P-2000 photoviewer. Recently I acquired a 160 gb Dell Mini 10 netbook and 2 x 80gb USB powered 2.5" HDD drives. My workflow is going to be to download to the Dell, appraise the images and delete accordingly and then backup to the external HDDs. I'll probably selectively download the best images to the Epson as further insurance and to facilitate spontaneous self-appreciating gloating...

1 Issue with a Netbook, have you actually tried to process a RAW file from a high MP count camera? My concern would be trying to process my 5Dmk2's .CR2 files with an Atom processor and 1GB of RAM.

I wouldn't dream of trying to even view the .MOV files.

stu

The Dell opens 12-15 mb CR2s in Lightroom or Zoombrowser OK. Post isn't a serious consideration on two counts; I'm on holiday and a 10" screen. Post is reserved for long evenings in front of a dual monitored desktop...

1 Issue with a Netbook, have you actually tried to process a RAW file from a high MP count camera? My concern would be trying to process my 5Dmk2's .CR2 files with an Atom processor and 1GB of RAM.

 

I wouldn't dream of trying to even view the .MOV files.

 

stu

The 2gb RAM upgrade is mandatory (and a whopping $20 for mine), but they do the job, for basic previewing and dumping the worst stinkers.

MOV playback is fine with an appropriate lightweight player, like Media Player Classic Home Cinema, which avoids the bloatedness of MS and QT players.