Hi Everyone on this Topic:

I have been trying to decide on a portable storage device to hold my pictures in before my trip in April. I've seen a few very good suggestions on this BB: x-drive, flashtrax or a portable cd burner.

Of course they all have different features to offer. I'm leaning towards the flashtrax 40GB only because it has a small screen to view the pictures. Call me paranoid, but I'd feel a lot better about deleting the original pictures from my CF Cards, if I could see that the pictures that I just transferred over to the device are actually there.

Recently, I was told about a Media Reader Dock Connector device made by Belkin that would allow me to use my IPOD as a portable storage device for my pictures. The price is $99 and would be an alternative to spending $200 - $300+ for a whole new portable device. I don't think it will allow me to view my pictures like the flashtrax will, but that's a choice I'm going to have to make.

Anyone have any experience with this device (transferring pictures). Any information would be appreciated.

Lastly, when carrying your portable storage device, do you pack it in your luggage or in your handcarry. I got into a discussion with someone about this issue. I said that I would feel safer carrying the device with me rather than leaving it in my luggage during the bus rides. Any thoughts or experience to share on this issue would also be appreciated.

Thanks much. Kathy

Hi Kathy,

I've got a 40GB iPod with the Belkin card-reader "add on", and it works extremely well. The card reader is very small, and is powered by 4 "AA" batteries. It clips onto the docking connector on the base of the iPod.

You're right about it being purely a storage device; you can't use it to view pictures.

If you have an iPod with spare disk space on it, it's an ideal way to store pictures.

For air travel, the recommendation is that you carry all electronic devices in your hand baggage, so they can easily be inspected. Once you're on the coach tour, I'd leave something like a picture storage device in my suitcase. The iPod I do, of course, carry in my carry-on bag so I can listen to music during the day!

Regards,

Chris

Chris:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm really glad to hear of your positive experience with this device. I also appreciate your thoughts on how you carry your portable storage device throughout the tour.

I suppose if I purchase this Belkin device for my IPOD, I would end up carrying my storage device with me after all. I also use my IPOD for my listening enjoyment. I find it a necessity for those long bus rides. Who knows, I might still end up buying a separate portable device and still have my trusty IPOD as back up. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Thanks again!
Kathy

Kathy, I also have the Belkin device for my iPod and as Chris says it works very well. I, too, left it in my luggage during the trip but carried my iPod with me on the bus.

Hello "kaylynne's bama" (By the way, cool user name):

Thanks for your information. I just contacted one of the local stores that carries this product and was told that they were out of stock. It appears that a lot of other IPOD users are currently using this product. I had frankly never heard of it until I had mentioned my dilemma to a fellow photography student and they told me about it.

Well, I have decided to save the money and invest in this media reader (if I can find one). I'm still debating on whether to store it in my suitcase during the bus ride or carry it with me. Might have some separation issues to work out first! But at least I have decided on what portable storage device to use. I knew that I could count on BB members for the answer.

Thanks Again,
Kathy

quote:

Originally posted by trekcapri:
[qb] Thanks for your information. I just contacted one of the local stores that carries this product and was told that they were out of stock.
[/qb]

I'd suggest you buy it directly from Apple's web site. I don't know of the situation around you, but trying to find iPod accessories in shops around here can be very difficult; ordering on-line is generally a lot less hassle!

Regards,

Chris

Hello Chris:

Thanks for your additional tip! I had actually thought of doing just that. I do have quite a selection of stores in my area, but I was waiting to see if the reader would go on sale in today�s Sunday Newspaper. These days, almost everyone has an MP3 on them. More and more IPOD�s. Due to its popularity, I was certain there would be a sale due out soon. Well, a sale did come out this morning, but only for the transpod digital FM tuner, auto charger, car mount, in motion portable audio system and the on tour portable speakers. But no media reader! Go figure!

I�ll just call my local computer/electronics store to see if they have them in their Manhattan Beach branch and if not, I�ll just order them online as you recommended.

Thanks!