.

There are a number of these available in the market with popular brands such as EPSON(P2000,P4000,P4500), Archos (AV700,AV500,AV400,Gmini500), Creative (ZenVision), Vosonic(VP8360/50) etc..

-I see these as useful in not buying a lot and bringing loads of CF, memory cards and having to not run out of memory storage for your RAW files (with storage capacity of 30-100Gigs)

-Also you get the benefit of immediacy - presenting onsite to clients, viewing with friends, editing, entertainment, and other use/applications( MP3, video playback/recording, games).

-For long trips vacations, travel where you feel like not tagging along your laptop, these may come in handy.

-Some products have built-in card readers, less items to carry and loose.

So, which do you guys/gals have, recommend to get from your experience of use, or simply planning on having? I plan to get one.

.

Al,

I'm also planning to get one. I was looking at either the Epson P2000 or P4000. I read the reviews regarding both products, and was impressed by them. With regards to the other brands, do we have local tech support just in case something goes wrong? I know Epson supports the P2000. How about the P4000?

Hi, recently, I got to buy myself the Epson P2000. I have somehow done my research via the net and from other people who have bought other media viewers. You see, what my concern was that I am an Apple user and I would like to be able to connect with my Powerbook and camera with ease. After a lot of thinking I decided to go with the P2000 with a bigger LCD, 40gb memory, built-in cfc and sd reader/writer and great looking pictures, movies and music. Also, I recently found a link where you can replace the 40gb hd to a 80gb hd, on video!

Here's the link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3637613075261606641

I used to have the iRiver PMP120 with USBtoGO cable for card reader, it was ok but kinda confussing to use coz the controls changes as use different function.

BTW can the Epson P2000 play DiVx directly w/o conversion or something? here's a step by step DIY your P2000

http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=237146&extra=page%3D1

Simply for storage I guess the most I could afford was the PD70X compactdrive so far it doesnt have any special features but as a dependable storage media it sure serves its purpose. you can find more info here (www.compactdrive.com)

PD70X user too. serves me well and with a 100gb hdd, I can't complain I lack storage.
I use 2 512mb Cfs with it. If I do corrupt a CF at least I lose only 50 or so RAW pics.
If I need a viewer, I use a 60gb iPod Video or my Mac.

I recently got a P2000 and noticed that there's an option in the menu to Copy to Memory Card although that option isn't found anywhere in the manual.

I tried that option a couple of times and it does not work at all. To all the P2000, is that really the case with your units too ?

I primarily chose the P2000 for the RAW viewing capability. And I just don't have any complaints. Used the Archos Gmini 120 before it died on a mountain :p

Al,

I'm also planning to get one. I was looking at either the Epson P2000 or P4000. I read the reviews regarding both products, and was impressed by them. With regards to the other brands, do we have local tech support just in case something goes wrong? I know Epson supports the P2000. How about the P4000?

Unfortunately, I wouldnt have any idea at all with regards to local tech support amongst the other brands. Creative has a service center for their MP3's. Has Epson done a local product launch of the P4000? If so, then warranty will be provided by Epson.

The Epson P2000 screen/display is sharp and clear, and is well suited for viewing digital images and videos. The only downside I have read is the slow access and transfer of the built-in reader and battery life could be better. I believe this was "fixed" with the P4000, aside from the bigger storage space it offers and minor enhancements.

.

Same here, PD70X bought from Aperture. It has been reliable, most important is the fast downloads needed in sports photography.

Same here, PD70X bought from Aperture. It has been reliable, most important is the fast downloads needed in sports photography.

was planning to get this as well. but i need visual verification that the CF has been downloaded completely. how much is the running price for a P4000?

was planning to get this as well. but i need visual verification that the CF has been downloaded completely. how much is the running price for a P4000?

I don't think Epson has brought in the Epson P4000. Only local store I know that sells it is Infomax. Selling price was 45k+ if I remember right. I was looking at getting one too but read about the impending release of the Epson P4500 which besides being a photoviewer, can play a variety of audio and video formats thus making it a fully functional PMP too. It can playback MP3 files, MPEG 1/2/4 video and Divx files. :)

F!!! 45kiaw? no way man. that's one fricking lens. do i need it? do i?

was planning to get this as well. but i need visual verification that the CF has been downloaded completely.

A smiley appears on the screen indicating that it downloaded the contents of the CF.

F!!! 45kiaw? no way man. that's one fricking lens. do i need it? do i?

The price of Infomax is really way too high. If ever I got one, I was planning to get it from the States. :Grin:

I don't think Epson has brought in the Epson P4000. Only local store I know that sells it is Infomax. Selling price was 45k+ if I remember right. I was looking at getting one too but read about the impending release of the Epson P4500 which besides being a photoviewer, can play a variety of audio and video formats thus making it a fully functional PMP too. It can playback MP3 files, MPEG 1/2/4 video and Divx files. :)
.

Yes, that's what they, Infomax, quoted me for the P4000 - P45k! Getting it from the US will cost you a lot less... US$699 plus a Rebate of US$50, net at $650 (roughly P34.5K).

i've ask a few big shops here in HK about the P4000, they still dont have it & the P2000 is selling around $HK2.9k

Exactly my reaction to the prices of multimedia viewers, too expensive! I can buy a lens already with that price. The PD70X Compactdrive is only P6000 if I remember correctly, and just add a 2.5" laptop hard drive (I have many around anyway). It runs on AA batteries too. If I need visual confirmation, I can always bring out my laptop. But so far over a year experience with it, I haven't lost any picture from the transfers.

i've seen a p4000 in wanchai comp. didn't get to ask the price though. might take a peek one of these days.

And how do the batteries last? Siguro, ma defeat rin yung purpose ng image bank if you can just bring out your laptop for visual confirmation.


Exactly my reaction to the prices of multimedia viewers, too expensive! I can buy a lens already with that price. The PD70X Compactdrive is only P6000 if I remember correctly, and just add a 2.5" laptop hard drive (I have many around anyway). It runs on AA batteries too. If I need visual confirmation, I can always bring out my laptop. But so far over a year experience with it, I haven't lost any picture from the transfers.

Exactly my reaction to the prices of multimedia viewers, too expensive! I can buy a lens already with that price. The PD70X Compactdrive is only P6000 if I remember correctly, and just add a 2.5" laptop hard drive (I have many around anyway). It runs on AA batteries too. If I need visual confirmation, I can always bring out my laptop. But so far over a year experience with it, I haven't lost any picture from the transfers.

so the P6k is still exclusive of the hard drive? what's the going rate for 2.5" hard drives?

so the P6k is still exclusive of the hard drive? what's the going rate for 2.5" hard drives?

I bought a 100gb 2.5, 5400rpm Toshiba for P7K last year. It's been in and out of a PowerBook, a firewire/usb combo casing and finally the PD70X.
Depends on where you buy from, really. I got two from an individual who ordered a few, hence, the low price.

I bought a 100gb 2.5, 5400rpm Toshiba for P7K last year. It's been in and out of a PowerBook, a firewire/usb combo casing and finally the PD70X.
Depends on where you buy from, really. I got two from an individual who ordered a few, hence, the low price.

thanks for the info butch. i called up aperture, it's at P6.8k atm. so total outlay cost would be within the P12-14k range.

Yup, you can get smaller capacity harddrives like 20gb or 40gb below 5K.
That's enough space for a day's shoot even if you shoot RAW.

Yup, you can get smaller capacity harddrives like 20gb or 40gb below 5K.
That's enough space for a day's shoot even if you shoot RAW.

true. but am contemplating on using it as a personal backup external hard drive. in fact, am considering on a minimum of 80gb or max it out to 120gb straight off. hmmm.... might be unwise as well to do that.

anther product coming from CompactDrive, the MD80.
smaller than PD70X with added features. supposed to be out 3rd week of may :(

HAd anyone tried the iPod Video as a storage drive for pics?

HAd anyone tried the iPod Video as a storage drive for pics?

it's fricking slow man.

I'm very happy with my P2000, it has its pros and cons but the reason I got it is to see my pictures in a slightly bigger screen than the lcd of my camera. the rest (other features) is bonus!

Checked amazon.com, the price for the 80GB P4000 is about US$600 - very tempting!

Checked amazon.com, the price for the 80GB P4000 is about US$600 - very tempting!

Hmmm... tempting, free shipping pa, I suppose? But I have my eye on the P4500 since its more versatile. Problem is stocks are not yet readily available.

Also a CompactDrive PD70x user here. Mine is equipped with a 40Gb hard drive. Fast downloads at around 2 minutes per 1Gb CF card. Have it for almost a year now and no complaints whatsoever.

I recently purchased an Ipod video 30 gb from Circuit City ($274) with a camera connector ($29). I just attach the Dslr's usb cable onto the camera connector which in turn is connected to the Ipod. Transfer of 200 pix takes about 10 minutes. My Dslr is a D70s

@caloy, how much battery life of your ipod left after a transfer?

I recently purchased an Ipod video 30 gb from Circuit City ($274) with a camera connector ($29). I just attach the Dslr's usb cable onto the camera connector which in turn is connected to the Ipod. Transfer of 200 pix takes about 10 minutes. My Dslr is a D70s

HAd anyone tried the iPod Video as a storage drive for pics?

it's slow, uses a lot of battery, needs a third party attachment (e.g. belkin) which needs it's own set of batteries. :Angry: reasons why i sold it and got a P2000 instead :)

@caloy, how much battery life of your ipod left after a transfer?

around half-full Alvin. A usb outlet (plug) adaptor for easy recharging is also recommended (P1,600 at microwarehouse in Mandaluyong).

my only complaint with the pd70x is that it's heavy. it's built like a tank. The upside is if you drop it, it would probably survive. As someone pointed out, they have a new model that's smaller and presumably lighter. its (pd70x) chief advantage for me is that it uses AA battery. Had an archos av420 that died on me after just over a year and the distributor couldn't replace the battery. the problem with proprietary batteries is that it might become very expensive after the model is phased out or they might phase it out completely.

this looks interesting.

http://www.jobo.com/jobo_digital/giga_vu_pro_evolution/gb/index.html

And how do the batteries last? Siguro, ma defeat rin yung purpose ng image bank if you can just bring out your laptop for visual confirmation.

I tested my PD70X for battery life and verified other important performance claims by the manufacturer here: http://hackyourtoys.blogspot.com/2006/05/compactdrive-pd70x-user-report.html

It copied a little over 31GB on a single charge of a set of four 2500mAh AA batteries.

Robert, you're referring to the CompactDrive MD80? Doesn't look like it's out yet, parang iPod :D

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Memorex TravelLink? Description from Amazon.com:

"The TravelLink is a USB device that transfers files between two USB mass storage devices, two flash cards, or between a flash card and a USB mass storage device, all without using a computer."

It sells for $53 on Amazon.com. Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BZ6P1M/102-3239943-0041744?v=glance&n=172282

opted for the "safer" route minus the card reader tho with the 60gb maxtor III mini ed. just need to lug the notebook every time.

for the P2000 users, is there someone who was able to compare it with the creative vision which has almost the same functionality? how's the consumption of the battery during downloads? I know they use proprietary batteries.

I kind of like the P2000 or the Creative Vision primarily bec I can let my wife use it for mp3 and video viewing when I am not using it. that way we maximize the use. :) hehehe. another plus is it looks smaller than the compact drive.

Hi to all. My first post so kind of kabado.:Scared:
I've been using a P4000 for the past three (?) months and I have to say its a great piece of equipment for the traveller. 80gigs, great battery life,and a beautiful screen. The biggest downside to the P4000 is its speed. Downloading speed is good. Reviewing your pics on the screen is a whole different matter. It's SLLLOOOOWWWW.:)
So, if you have any dreams about showing your latest shots to your friends on your P4000, make sure they're REALLY good friends.

How much is the PD70x and where can i get it here?

Thanks in advance

How much is the PD70x and where can i get it here?

Thanks in advance

Not sure how much it's going for now but it's available in Aperture. There's a new model, don't know if available locally though. :)

The CompactDrive PD70x costs 6k+ without hard drive.

How about the Creative ZEN...

Anyone tried this already?

first post here...

Really the price of Epson p4000 here is way too high. Checked some online stores in the US, the price is roughly around $650 (minus $100 mail-in rebate = $550) so that's 28k pesos . I asked a friend in Japan how much the P4000 sells there and he pointed me to this link: http://www.kakaku.com/sku/pricemenu/photostorage.htm (knowledge in jap language will definitely help), 47k yen would translate to roughly 21k pesos...wow that's a very big saving! now, i'm contemplating on getting this one. have only a week to decide since this friend of mine will be coming home a week from now. but i have already the pd70x and surely i have no complain about it. if ever i do get the p4000, i have to think if it's worth keeping the pd70x....

You'll find a digitmate in greenhills. dependable, easy to use and gives the best bang for your money. it comes with a backlit lcd that shows transfer status, available memory among others. you'll also need a laptop hard disk with it.

hello,

been using the P2000. great gadjet, but doesn't show my finepix raw files. the images are stored but can't view them on the lcd. no problem for me, i don't shoot raw. would still recommend it, though.

Not sure how much it's going for now but it's available in Aperture. There's a new model, don't know if available locally though. :)

Thanks rosalie....I will check it out at aperture:)


The Compact Drive PD70x costs 6k+ without the hard drive

Thanks lester.

You'll find a digitmate in greenhills. dependable, easy to use and gives the best bang for your money. it comes with a backlit lcd that shows transfer status, available memory among others. you'll also need a laptop hard disk with it.

John

How much would a digimate cost? Separate pa ang laptop hardisk?

Lyndon just 2K plus cost of 40GB HDD (around 3.5k)!

hi

heard that epson P4500 are only sold in japan, my friend has one and it look very nice and can read raw shots from canon 5d, it has a great 3.8 inch screen and it cost the same as the p4000 so i think i will get the p4500

Lyndon just 2K plus cost of 40GB HDD (around 3.5k)!

looks like the digimate is the cheaper alternative to mobile storage...where exactly can i find this in greenhills?

Thanks in advance

right now, you can only get the p4500 in japan but eventually it will be available in other parts of the world. take for instance p4000, it's out in the market last year pa but epson philippines doesn't officially have it on their website. they even marked the epson p2000 as still "new". that pretty much tells the story how more advanced countries get newer models much much earlier than us though im not generalizing here.

as for the price, p4500 costs 65k yen (P29k) while the p4000 costs 48k yen (P21k) in japan so p4000 is still a lot cheaper than the p4500. the argument that both cost the same is true if you buy the p4000 in america, for example, where it costs around 500USD (P30k) which is roughly the same as when you buy p4500 in japan.

i just got one @Abacus: Digitmate 1,950 and @PCExpress: Toshiba 80GB 2.5in HDD 4,600! so far so good! I've transferred most of my fav images and i still have lots of room to spare! worked with CF and SD seamlessly..

Btw, it's powered pala by a built-in li-ion batt.

i just got one @Abacus: Digitmate 1,950 and @PCExpress: Toshiba 80GB 2.5in HDD 4,600! so far so good! I've transferred most of my fav images and i still have lots of room to spare! worked with CF and SD seamlessly..

Btw, it's powered pala by a built-in li-ion batt.

John,

Where exactlyis abacus located? How long is the charging time for the li-ion batts?

Thanks in advance

right now, you can only get the p4500 in japan but eventually it will be available in other parts of the world. take for instance p4000, it's out in the market last year pa but epson philippines doesn't officially have it on their website. they even marked the epson p2000 as still "new". that pretty much tells the story how more advanced countries get newer models much much earlier than us though im not generalizing here.

as for the price, p4500 costs 65k yen (P29k) while the p4000 costs 48k yen (P21k) in japan so p4000 is still a lot cheaper than the p4500. the argument that both cost the same is true if you buy the p4000 in america, for example, where it costs around 500USD (P30k) which is roughly the same as when you buy p4500 in japan.

I read in another forum that stocks are hard to come by that's why even in the U.S. it's still not readily available. :) That's why I, personally, am so disappointed with Epson Philippines, they're still selling the P2000 as "new" when it's already 2 models behind and the price is the same as the P4000? Last I heard, selling price was still about 29k. :( Anyone going to Japan? That's a nice price for the P4500.

John,

tnx for the info! it's really a cheaper alternative... anyway, we'll just be dumping image files for the mean time only so no need for a pic viewer....

since my budget was limited, got the digimate II plus and a seagate 80 gig 2.5hdd, followed the lead of john, went to greenhills virra mall, found abacus and got it! so far so good! spoke with a very helpful staff of the shop (ed) and mentioned my reservation because of the built in li-ion batt, but he mentioned a shop just a level above called battery specialist (?) and he said it wouldn't be a problem. i think this is a good product for those with small budgets like me:) who need just a basic image tank.

thanks to john for the great lead!

since my budget was limited, got the digimate II plus and a seagate 80 gig 2.5hdd, followed the lead of john, went to greenhills virra mall, found abacus and got it! so far so good! spoke with a very helpful staff of the shop (ed) and mentioned my reservation because of the built in li-ion batt, but he mentioned a shop just a level above called battery specialist (?) and he said it wouldn't be a problem. i think this is a good product for those with small budgets like me:) who need just a basic image tank.

thanks to john for the great lead!

how much was it? would you know if it's compatible with macs? thanks...

the digimate cost P1,950.00 while the HDD 2.5" 80gig cost P4,600.00, so total for the whole thing cost P6,550.00. i wish i could help you with the Mac compatibility, but am really not sure about that one, might be better if you call them or drop by their store. hope this helps!

the digimate cost P1,950.00 while the HDD 2.5" 80gig cost P4,600.00, so total for the whole thing cost P6,550.00. i wish i could help you with the Mac compatibility, but am really not sure about that one, might be better if you call them or drop by their store. hope this helps!

I got my Digimate II from Hongkong with a 2.5 HD.

As far as Mac compatibility is concerned, I have not encountered any problem yet. It's recognized by Mac just like an ordinary external HD. Just dump my photos from CF to Digimate II, attached it to my iMac and drag images to iPhoto.

hi guys,

got the p4500 for 69980 yen from japan, last stock in the store and it takes around 2 weeks if you order, tried the photos from cf card, movies and it work perfectly and support raw files.

Thanks to this thread. I got a compact drive PD70X from Aperture this afternoon plus 4 AA Ansmann batteries for 7k from Jennifer. What a sweet lady.

thats a great deal on the compactdrive! does that include the hdd already? if it does then thats a really good deal!:) btw nap, they sell ansmann batteries in aperture trading? do they also sell the charger?

I got my Digimate II from Hongkong with a 2.5 HD.

As far as Mac compatibility is concerned, I have not encountered any problem yet. It's recognized by Mac just like an ordinary external HD. Just dump my photos from CF to Digimate II, attached it to my iMac and drag images to iPhoto.


How much did you get the digimate II in HK? Was it alot cheaper in HK?


As far as I know with regard to the compatibility of any HD to MAC and PC....just format your HD as a FAT32 drive and not as NTFS. If it was formatted as NTFS the files would still be seen but it would be as a read only file.

thats a great deal on the compactdrive! does that include the hdd already? if it does then thats a really good deal!:) btw nap, they sell ansmann batteries in aperture trading? do they also sell the charger?

No HDD yet, just the "enclosure". I have two external HDD enclosures so I just had to remove one HDD from the enclosure and transfer it into the compact drive. It was easy to format the drive in the setup and it was read by my PowerBook after I tried one download.... Yup, they sell Ansmann chargers. They even have the Energy 8 (http://www.ansmann.de/en/index.htm?view=detail&pid=450&tab=description&pr2id=&appid=) that can charge up to 8 AA batteries or a combination of different sizes. Quite pricey though at 7K.

Nap

thanks for the info nap!

How much did you get the digimate II in HK? Was it alot cheaper in HK?


As far as I know with regard to the compatibility of any HD to MAC and PC....just format your HD as a FAT32 drive and not as NTFS. If it was formatted as NTFS the files would still be seen but it would be as a read only file.

how do you format for mac?

@Mark

when i formatted my external hard drive I used a windows xp PC. I just used the regular formatting system that comes with XP. Windows will allow you to indicate which type of formatting that you would want to use, either NTFS or FAT32. If you want to use your HD for both platforms MAC and PC you should format the HD using the FAT32 format.

you should go with fat 32 because according to abacus and pcx flash memory may only be downloaded to a fat32 fromatted disk.

how do you format for mac?

use a mac to format the drive via disk utility.

i use my ipod video(60GB) for my additional storage.

i heard epson might try to lower the cost of the p2000... =)
damn sharp lcd screen, makes your images even sharper and better than the lcd of your camera =)

I use a 100gb Archos AV500. It's first and foremost an MP3 and video recorder/player but I also use it to transfer photos. Upload rate is slow so I'm looking at getting a USB 2 bridge. But I did manage using it during a live-aboard trip two months ago. The screen is superb and 100gb is big.

Regards,
Norman

what's your take on the new archos 604 wifi and archos 704 wifi?? do you know where can i get one of these?? and by how much?? thanks :)

Hi guys,

I've seen this ipod camera accessory and it is used to easily transfer your pictures to your IPOD and view them instantly in your IPODS, you might wanna check it out, specially those who have IPODS

Hi guys,

I've seen this ipod camera accessory and it is used to easily transfer your pictures to your IPOD and view them instantly in your IPODS, you might wanna check it out, specially those who have IPODS


can you give us a link??

How about the Creative ZEN...

Anyone tried this already?

im a creative zen W user it cant recognize raw file, just shoot raw+jpg. good tthing is it can store mp3 movies and lots of photo may radio pa, one thing that makes me buy this gadget is a CF slot making may creative a backup storage. very usefull