Compact Drive PD70X - opinions

[krpolak]

Hello,

I am searching for portable databank. Must have cf reader, be reliable, working without problems with computer, with resonable battery time and without unnecessary fireworks (mp3 and videao playback etc). Display must a least show enough data about current state (operation in progress, free space etc).

I have done search this forum and read a lot of opinions. I have done search over the Internet and read a lot of reviews. From that popups my choice - Compact Drive PD70X.

Now, to the point. I would like to ask this device users for opinions and usage impression - advantages and more important disadvantages.

Regards,

K.Polak

[DaveB]

I use the earlier PD7X. I had to update the firmware for it to work with Macs as well as PCs, but that should be included in the PD70X.

The copy speed of the PD7X is good: the PD70X is apparently better (and this improves the already-good battery life by needing less time per copy).
The fact that it uses the same batteries as my flash/radios/etc means I don't need to carry yet-another-charger on trips.

Assuming the UI is similar between the two, the unit tells you free space on the drive, does the copy (with feedback as to how much has been copied so far) and then verifies it. Once it finishes the screen has a smiley-face and the light on the end changes to solid green (which makes it easy to notice when glancing down into a pocket).
Some other devices I've used did not give you good feedback as to the status of a copy (e.g. turning off after a few minutes and then not telling you if the previous copy was successful) but my experience with the PD7X over the past year or so has been positive.
It doesn't let you copy files back to cards or browse the contents of the drive (does the PD70X?) but the simple feedback of whether something copied has been enough for me.

[PiroStitch]

I have one and it's come in very handy indeed.

First impressions:
* Unit is quite robust and construction is quite solid
* Concerned about the plastic door protecting the card slots falling off after a lot of use, but probably more due to my paranoia
* Fairly easy to use
* CF card doesn't go all the way in, so don't force it
* It's a portable HDD with moving bits = more paranoia with me

Advantages:
* Cheap
* Fast copying
* Fairly easy to use
* USB 2 connection so transferring to the computer is fast
* Long battery life
* Works on 4 AA rechargeables (bonus!)

Disadvantages:
* No screen so you better make sure you remember which card you've already copied

[DaveB]

* Concerned about the plastic door protecting the card slots falling off after a lot of use, but probably more due to my paranoia

The hinge of this door did break on my PD7X, but the drive lives in its supplied sleeve all the time anyway and the lack of this door hasn't been a problem for me.

[krpolak]

PiroStitch

No screen so you better make sure you remember which card you've already copied

Talking about that, how exactly are file organized? Are they just drop and that is into main folder? Specification say - "file/folder brower". Doest it mean you can creat a folder and drop files there?

Regards,

K.Polak

[DaveB]

CARD0001/DCIM/etc...
CARD0002/DCIM/etc...

[krpolak]

Does it mean that those folders are created every time when a card is copied? So in result, each copy operation is placed into new folder?

Regards,

K.Polak

[radar]

Hi,

just got the PD70X before going to Africa. I knew I was going to take a lot of photos, so I wanted something that was reliable. After reading numerous reviews on different PDS, I settled on the PD70X. I added a 60Gb drive to it.

It is a no fuss device, optimised for storing files, in this case, images. You can use it to carry other files if you need to, since to a computer, it just looks like another USB drive.

Things I liked:

-portable
-good battery life
-easy to use, just put in your CF card, turn it on, press a button, does the backup. If you don't press the button, after a short time, does the backup of the CF card anyway.
-fast transfer of CF cards
-comes with built-in battery charger
-can use any AA batteries in a pinch
-came with car charger adapter
-price
-can work off mains
-can handle multiple types of media, but not an issue for me, only have CF cards.

Things I didn't like:

-slow charger, can take up to 4 hours.
-slow transfer via USB - note may be my PC, haven't had time to check on other PC.
-a bit heavier and bulkier then I expected. Not really an issue now but travelling in Africa, I had weight restrictions

It just assigns a sequence number to the next directory. I just kept a record of what was in each directory after each shooting session. Once transfered to the PC, easy to then renumber. To reset the sequence numbers of the disk, you need to reformat the disk, a pain I can live with.

When you just turn it on, it will tell you how much remaining space is left on the drive. You can also browse each folder and it will tell you how much space the directory takes and how many files there are in it.

If you want to see the manual, read it at:
http://www.compactdrive.com/downloads/PD70X-Manual-English.pdf

Overall, I was very happy with it, does what it's supposed to do very well. If I had to do the decision again, I would buy it, again.

HTH,

Radar

[radar]

Does it mean that those folders are created every time when a card is copied? So in result, each copy operation is placed into new folder?

That's right, each time you copy a CF card, it creates a new folder,

card0001.uhs
card0002.uhs
etc...

Radar

[PiroStitch]

Yeh even if you put in the same card, it'll create a new folder

[shutterbug]

Hi Krpolak,

Have a look at the Nexto CF. My buddy has it, it works great and it is simple.

[krpolak]

Shutterbug,

That could be other option for me. Less bulky, but also less information on current state. At the moment PD70X looks more tempting, but final decision is still not taken.

Thanks to all for your detailed input. I really appreciate that!

Regards,

K.Polak

[baboo]

I agree with what the others have said about the PD70X.

I had mine in Indonesia and worked like a treat.

I have done away with the sleeve it comes with and store it in a pelican 1020 case. Fits like a glove.

I've found that without a screen you have to be careful about the order you download a memory card. I actually keep a log of every download with the date, folder number, the places/events and number of files/photos.

You just have to be a little more meticulous with your record keeping.

Overally, I'm pretty happy with the unit. As mentioned before, it's fast and more importantly, CHEAP!!!

[DaveB]

I've found that without a screen you have to be careful about the order you download a memory card. I actually keep a log of every download with the date, folder number, the places/events and number of files/photos.

This probably goes hand-in-hand with your system of storing cards. Personally I store CF cards either in a camera or in a card holder (I have a Gepe hardshell unit that holds 4 cards). In the holder I can orient the cards 4 ways. My system is:

• Card face-up and pins-down: blank, ready to be used.
• Card face-down: has images (typically full) not yet backed up.
• Card face-up but pins-up: full, backed up, can be re-used.

This way I keep track of what has been backed up and haven't yet blown away images that I needed to keep. By distinguishing cards that have been backed up from cards that are empty I can minimise the damage if something nasty happened to my PSD...

Keeping notes as to what was on each card can be worthwhile if you're not going to annotate the images within the next day or so, but for me it's overkill. Usually my PSD is to give me more storage during the day, and also to store a backup of earlier days in a trip (as a backup to my laptop drives).

[krpolak]

To sumarize this thread. I went through all what was said here, plus done again research on the net and my decision is to go with NextoCf drive.
Few reasons:

1. Read quite a few notes about card comparment door failure in PD70X. I dont like if something falls apart in my hands

2. NextoCf seams lighter, not too much, but every bit is important for me, since I like travel light

3. Battery issue. Hmm, NextoCf is said to have up to 100G backup time with additional battery. It is more then enough during holiday in civilized world. Also PD70X's NiMH battery seems to be less effective over longer time periods.

4. Few other features like smooth compalibility with PC and Mac, possibility to charge battery through firewire etc


Will came back here and make a review after my holidays.

Thanks again for all opinions.

Regards,

K.Polak

[wendellt]

Krystian

where will be getting the nexto drive in Australia?
after reading this thread, I would like to purchase one too
at the moment i have 10 cf cards, a drive will certainly be better than using my apple ibook as a storage device. Where are you holidaying?

[krpolak]

Wendellt,

I ordered here yesterday, however it seams that they are out of stock, hopefully temporary:

https://www.jaldigital.com.au

I am going to Tokio for few days first and then to Europe. One and half month of holidays and plenty opportunities to take photos

Regards,

K.Polak



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[Glen]

Krystian, good choice. I think you may only get about half your estimated 100gb back up on two sets of batteries, though still more than enough. You probably already have this link but here is an unbiased comparison of PSD http://fhoude34.free.fr/PortableHD.htm

[krpolak]

Thanks Glen,

I read that and I supposed I read every posible review on the net

I agree with working time. Maybe claimed 100G backup on one battery is exagaration, but still even half of that will be plenty.

Regards,

K.Polak

[sirhc55]

I have just ordered the PD70X 60Gb from Techrific Australia - I would not deal with JAL as I do not like any store that does not show the GST inc price

[krpolak]

I was aware of GTS with JAL, but then after all costs counting every shop has quite similar price. The onlu difference is tha tsome of them add extra battery to the package and some not

Regards,

K.Polak

[sheepie]

...I do not like any store that does not show the GST inc price

In fact, as an Australian business, aren't they breaking the law by quoting as they do (GST Exclusive)? Perhaps they believe they are justified by claiming they sell overseas as well.
I'd agree though Chris - I get the impression they feel they can thumb their nose at the legal requirements, so maybe that's their attitude to customer service? I have to point out I have never dealt with them, I am merely pointing out my impression, based solely on their decision not to quote GST-inclusive pricing. As they say, first impressions...

[Frankenstein]

I have just ordered the PD70X 60Gb from Techrific Australia - I would not deal with JAL as I do not like any store that does not show the GST inc price

When I was doing price comparisons a few weeks ago, it took me a while to notice that several Australian sites were quoting prices without GST included, so when I get around to buying my backup unit, Techriffic gets my business too (and they have free delivery to boot!).
And krpolak, I'll be interested to see how the Nexto battery life goes while you're away

Frank

[krpolak]

Received my NextoCF few days ago. I havent done detailed tests regarding to perfomance, but I would like to say few words of impresion:

1. Light and compact. Really. A bit more havier with extra battery, but still very acceptable for me. And I like travel light. Also nicely fits into Lowepro Nova 4 compartment. Well thought.

2. Nicely build. Seems strudly, but well looking if somebody is into that Works well. 1G Sandisk Extreme II download was quick. I dont know, a minute or maybe one and half. Quick enough. Works well with PC. Havent tested with Mac yet.

3. Interface and navigation clear and easy.

Seems quite promising.

Regards,

K.Polak

[kipper]

I've been to the owner's house/office of JAL Digital in Caulfield. They're pretty good and recommend them.

[Cat]

+1 vote for the Nexto - I have one and am very happy with it.

Ordered mine from PowerInNumbers.com.au.

I got the extra battery, and after having used it at a few whole day events (10gb each) plus a few other smaller loads (5gb each) it's still showing 2/3rds capacity. That includes transferring all of the photos to my laptop after each event.

[DionM]

What a great timed thread. I am weighing up the Nexto vs PD70x at this very minute.

I am leaning towards the PD70x:
- Uses AAs. Already carry a fleet of these for flashes etc, and can buy spares in a shop. If I carry enough "pre-charged" then I don't need a charger.
- Verify function. Important to me.
- Any type of media. Can backup other people's disks.

Can those with the PD70x just confirm for me ...
- It puts stuff in a new folder each time, but doesn't change the filenames - correct? What about folders created by the digicam (ie the Canon system of DCIM then 150, 151, 152 etc subfolders with sets of photos).

My main use would be at night in a hotel; I have enough cards to see me through a day's shoot no problems. So to be honest the battery life isn't really all that important (could plug in) but its nice.

I guess my other concern is that the PD70x has had some development cycle time, the Nexto is brand new ...

[Onyx]

Dion, you won't need a AA charger with the PD70x, cos it has a NiMH charger function built in!

[radar]

Can those with the PD70x just confirm for me ...
- It puts stuff in a new folder each time, but doesn't change the filenames - correct? What about folders created by the digicam (ie the Canon system of DCIM then 150, 151, 152 etc subfolders with sets of photos).

Hi Dion,

it puts a card in a new folder each time. The file names are not changed. It does not matter where the card originates from, it just creates a new folder and just moves everything from the card into the new folder.

When I was in Africa, I used it to backup my D70s CF cards, my wife's Canon P&S and a friend's Canon 350D. All without a problem.

I'm very happy with my PD70X, and ability to use the AA was an important factor for me.

HTH,

Radar

[DaveB]

it puts a card in a new folder each time. The file names are not changed. It does not matter where the card originates from, it just creates a new folder and just moves everything from the card into the new folder.

To be clearer, it copies the directory tree from the card to the new folder. Underneath the folder will be a DCIM directory, which will contain image folders, etc. It doesn't lump all the files into a single directory, it copies the tree.

[wendellt]

Krystian

does your drive have a universal powersupply 110-240volts internal or external?

I know your going overseas, i too will be using this drive overseas

[krpolak]

Wendellt,

Yes, it has external. Original setup is American I guess and Australia attachment on top of that is provided. I must buy interational one though anyway. And dont forget that it can be charged by Firewire as well.

Till now, after first charge I have done 10 downloads (~8Gb) from card to nexttocf and then to computer and battery indication still shows full power.

Regards,

K.Polak PS Power supply of course works with 110-240V

[wendellt]

Wendellt,

Yes, it has external. Original setup is American I guess and Australia attachment on top of that is provided. I must buy interational one though anyway. And dont forget that it can be charged by Firewire as well.

Till now, after first charge I have done 10 downloads (~8Gb) from card to nexttocf and then to computer and battery indication still shows full power.

Regards,

K.Polak PS Power supply of course works with 110-240V

Hi Krystian

is there a power sourc einside the device so it will work withou tthe external Ac powersuply?

[krpolak]

Do you mean internal battery? Yes, it is. But no internal power supply in sense that you can attach it directly to a wall socket.

If you would like and have time we can meet and check all interesting for you details.

Regards,

K.Polak

[wendellt]

krystian yeah i meant internal battery, so you can take it around the place, is the internal battery rechargable?

when can we meet? your in North Sydney I am at the Rocks

[birddog114]

when can we meet? your in North Sydney I am at the Rocks

Wendellt,
In the middle of the harbour Water Taxi to a rendez vous point

[krpolak]

Birddog114,

Hehehe, how is called this small island in the middle of the harbour? Sheeps Island?

Wendellt,

Yes, it works quite independetly on internal battery and yes it is rechargable and attaching external battery jus mean to have higher capacity and longer life. You attache external powr supply and both of them charge or connect nexttocf do computer through firewire and the same (I havent check it)

Ie. Friday evening, ~7? I will be happy to visit the Rocks at that time. Or if not, basicly any time at the weekend.

Regards,

K.Polak

[wendellt]

friday evening 7pm at my office at the rocks
right next to pier 1

pm details

[Glen]

Close Krystian, Goat Island, but you can play the sheep there if you wish. Nice view from Wendells office, maybe bring your camera

[krpolak]

Update about NextoCF battery performace.

Over one month after first battery charge (internal + external) I was able to download 78 times average 0.9Gb data from Sandisk Ultra II card. This makes about 70Gb run over one battery charge.

On top of that first 15 backups were uploaded to my comp which uses baterry as well.

That is really good result.

Regards,

K.Polak

[krpolak]

Final word about NextoCF.

After two months of usage in very high and very low teperatures, a lot of turbulances ands shakes, many kilometers and many different computers attached to this drive work well. Quite unique and universal device. Fully recommended.

Regards,

K.Polak