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[purplebuggy]

I'm after a portable photo storage device but can't seem to find many stores that stock them. I've had a look online but really have no idea what I should be looking for in one.

I first came across one when one of my mates from Europe came on a trip with one (and I later found out I needed more than just my SD cards which ran out of space about day 10 of our trip!)

What I do know is I need to be able to transfer direct from the SD cards my camera uses and that I would prefer not to have to install multitudes of new programmes onto my computer (though I'm aware I may have to install something) as one product I found says you need to buy an additional programme on top of the product.

Does anyone know of anywhere that stocks them in Australia?
Or any online sites?
Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I should be looking for?
Should I get one with an image viewer?
Does anyone have good/ bad experiences with them?

pb

[aopaq]

I have a 20 GB Smartdisk which has worked just fine at backing up my photos and it comes without a screen viewer. I like it because it is so small and compact and the battery life is very good.

In terms of your questions, it really depends what you want. If you do want to view your pictures, then get one with a viewer but realize that this will cost you. You should also consider things such as battery life, speed and compatibility with your computer. Most of these devices should just show up as another drive on your computer without the need to install a program.

Check out this Buyers Review.

The Nexto also looks pretty good and may fit your requirements. I think you can purchase this and others in Australia via Buy.

Just be aware that these storage devices are just the same as regular hard drives and are subject to failure. So I would also consider an alternative backup system as well such as an online storage site like Flickr. Check out this earlier thread on the subject (Backing up).

[laorfamily]

You can get a 1 TB external hard drive for around $100 from overstock.com or other websites.

I don't know if it takes SD cards (probablly not) but it hooks up to your laptop or computer via a USB cable and usually no software to install (maybe a driver).

[aopaq]

I know people also use their iPods to store photos but you would need an adapter for your SD card and I have heard the upload speed is pretty slow.

There is also the option of getting your pics burned to DVD's as you go since in most countries, there are photo shops that do this quite cheaply. But then you have to make sure you store these discs carefully. In this case, I would still personally opt for a second back-up option just in case. Some people do the CD/DVD route and then mail these home.

[purplebuggy]

I'm travelling around Africa so aside from the odd spot I'm not sure how available CD burning would be. (Kind of why I'm wanting to get one the drives.)

The article was really good though, gave me lots more info on top of the thread I'd previously read. The link seems like it has a few to choose from too which is great.

pb