[jhhearn]

This is general question about portable self powered storage. I am trying to discover if the device I seek even exists. Here is the scenario: My son and his family are taking a trip this summer to Europe.There will be six people and five digital cameras of various makes, models and storage cards. For space, weight, logistical reasons he does not want to take a laptop. Is there a small lightweight self powered USB device that could be used to download the images as individual camera cards reached capacity (assuming he packed download cables for each camera? He is reluctant to buy a bunch of cards for each camera not knowing how many will be needed and this being perhaps a onetime application. Any ideas of suggestions?

TIA

jhhearn

[PopPicker]

Most portable storage devices come with slots for all card types, so you don't need cables.
I use a 40gb one all the time, when away.

[mrss]

Here's a bunch of them, listed at a vendor that is generaly held in high regard.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=&cltp=&clsgr=

I have no experience with any of the products. If I bought one, I'd think an extra battery is a good idea. The small hard drives probably suck lots of power.

[colinsp]

Have a look on eBay for image storage / image tank (or similar) there are lots of similar devices. They are in some case identical to the 'name' devices from BH etc but at a fraction of the price. Most come without a HDD and you just add your own 2.5" drive of whatever capacity you choose. I bought one for £12 inc P&P and added an old laptop 30gig drive and it works perfectly. I just plug the cards in the side and it copies them. Mine supports all types of cards including the ancient Smartmedia ones. When connected to a PC it appears as an external harddisk and also as an external card reader. It is charged by the usb connection and includes a mains charger as well. They work exceptionally well at a small price. The battery seems to last about 4-6 hours between charges so loads of time to download loads of cards.

[PopPicker]

Avoid buying ones with LCD viewing screens to review images as these CHEW up battery power.

Mine is this one HERE

I used it for everyday for 8 days without recharging.

[colinsp]

This one is the same as mine (mine is silver) http://cgi.ebay.com/Digital-Partner-...QQcmdZViewItem

[jhhearn]

Thanks to all who responded. You were most helpful

[PopPicker]

Most of these, including mine, do not support XD cards (Olympus and Fuji) you'll need a compact flash to XD adapter, I needed that for my wife's camera.

[colinsp]

Sorry you are wrong there my one does. I particularly needed that function as my wife's camera takes xD cards. As I said in my post mine takes all current and some obsolete cards including SDHC, Smartmedia and xD that is why I bought it.

[PopPicker]

I didn't directly mention yours, however now you bring it up, that link you give shows no mention of XD.

[colinsp]

They don't mention in the eBay advert but I can assure you that mine does have the functionality. I didn't buy it from this vendor but it is the same one.

[PopPicker]

You don't need to assure me