Smartdisk Fire Lite for Storage - DPChallenge Forums

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/29/2004 11:02:50 AM · #1

Does anyone have any information on the Smartdisk Fire Lite media storage units.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

04/29/2004 12:48:34 PM · #2

I didn't see much info based on a quick web search; it appears this is based on a relatively low-performance (4200RPM) hard drive, which is probably why the price is low. The warranty is one year, which is short for a hard drive, but for a hard-drive-based portable product, I guess this is understandable.
The interface is fast, being IEEE 1394, and the speed of the hard drive is probably not an issue if it's only being used for bulk storage. You will need a 1394 interface on the computer; many desktops have them these days, and all Macs (I think), but not as many PC laptops, at least the older ones. I added a 1394 PCMCIA card to my older IBM Thinkpad (T22) for around $80, and have a 1394 drive for backup. I find it far superior to backing up on the network.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/29/2004 12:58:31 PM · #3

Don't let the specs fool you. These drives are GREAT! They're really tiny, and you only need one cable- no power brick to worry about. Here's a performance review of the FireLite compared to similar drives. They make a USB2 version as well, but those require a power cable. I wish their old FireFly drive was still around- at one point Apple was selling 5Gb Firefly drives for $99, but I missed it.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

04/29/2004 01:08:58 PM · #4

Originally posted by scalvert:

I agree that 1394-based drives are wonderful, especially "one-cable" solutions. The drive I use with my laptop supports being powered thru the 1394 cable (6-pin connection), but be aware that not all firewire adapters support this; some only have a 4-pin connection. My PCMCIA card, for instance supports 6-pin, but the interface to the laptop does not, so I need the power brick (grrrrr!).
On my desktop at home, my very old add-in 1394 card (Pyro) supports 6-pin, but the built in 1394 adapter on the motherboard does not.
Lesson: Do your homework.

04/29/2004 01:12:37 PM · #5

Thanks. I was thinking of getting one just to download while I am out taking pictures to free up my cards and had looked at the FlashTrax and RoadStor both of which have the ability to view the pictures. I really am not too interested in seeing them at that point and the cost difference is substantial between these things. The review at BareFeats was very helpful and I will probably end up getting one.

I understand Nikon is coming out with the Coolwalker but haven't seen it yet.

04/29/2004 01:58:43 PM · #6

A few points to bear in mind...

I don't think there's any way to transfer files directly from a D70 to a FireLite drive without a computer. It's just a hard drive, not a Flash media reader. You'd need to have a laptop with you anyway, which could serve the same purpose by itself.

You can buy cheaper options or even build one yourself. I saved about $50 (at the time) by buying a Cutie Firewire enclosure from FWDepot (it's even smaller than the FireLite) and a faster hard drive from OWComputing, then assembling myself (it's very easy).

You could also get an iPod and one of Belkin's media readers to transfer files directly from CompactFlash or USB to the iPod. It'll cost a little more and the media reader interface is comparatively slow, but you'll have a music player/organizer in addition to merely a hard drive.

That said, SmartDisk often sells refurbished Firelite drives at a discount directly from their web site (we bought a couple of 20Gb drives last month for $89 I think), although they only have the USB 2 versions in stock at the moment.

RE: Kirbic's comment... a single-cable portable Firewire drive obviously draws power through its cable. Laptops running on battery power (and some FireWire interface cards) don't supply enough juice even though they may have a 6-pin connection.

Message edited by author 2004-04-29 14:03:35.

04/29/2004 02:44:05 PM · #7

You bring up excellent points and I appreciate you helping me out with this. I like the idea of the iPod and that may just be the answer. You would think with the whole digital experience going on that someone would have already hopped on this bandwagon and created something just for photography. A fortune could be made!

04/29/2004 05:44:48 PM · #8

Originally posted by candycorn:

You would think with the whole digital experience going on that someone would have already hopped on this bandwagon and created something just for photography.

Well, they have. You already mentioned the FlashTrax and RoadStor which are made for this purpose (the FlashTrax also plays MP3 files BTW), and I noted the Belkin flash media reader for the iPod. Belkin is about to release a second iPod interface that allows you to connect your camera directly via USB cable (for downloads, not shooting). There are battery-powered hard drives and even inexpensive external CD-RW drives with built-in flash memory card readers for offloading photos without a computer. Whatever your need, somebody probably makes a product that will fill it.

I like the idea of being able to do more than merely store photos on the road- hence the iPod suggestion. I just bought an Apple 12" iBook that'll allow me to offload and view photos on-site (plus edit photos, surf the net, play DVDs, etc.)- a LOT of extra functionality for $849.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/29/2004 08:44:17 PM · #9

You have certainly given me a lot to think about. I really don't want to get a laptop and prefer something small and lightweight. The iPod or any of the others at this time would suffice. I have heard that the RoadStor also plays DVD's in addition to music. I am not sure if it is a CDRW. Now the next step is which one! At least now I have choices.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

04/29/2004 08:51:12 PM · #10

Archos lineup of portable hardrive/mp3/video/digital wallet etc.

TechTv review.