Add External Drive

[WTraveler]

Hi, I am getting ready to purchase a Pocket PC and could use your help in choosing the right accessories.

I will be traveling for several months, away from my host computer, so will need an alternate backup system. My camera uses Smart Media memory cards so I have several 128MB SM cards. I would like to be able to access jpeg files from these cards as well as use them to backup key files from my PPC. And.. of course SM is not one of the slot choices on the HP 2215 (or any PPC models). I have a SM disk drive that I use with my base computer. My question is can I use this SM drive/card as an external drive to the PPC by connecting the SM drive cable USB connector (male) to the PPC cable USB connector (male) using a female/female adapter? Will this configuration allow me to access jpeg files from the SM card as well as backup files from my PPC to the SM card, basically acting as one of the onboard slots? Or... will I have to purchase SD or CF memory cards and use the supplied slots?

Thanks,

[RTAdams89]

No. You cannotconnect deices to the usb plug on the ipaqs. What you could do is get an adapter to fit in the compactflash slot.

[WTraveler]

Sounds like a great alternative. Is this an adapter to fit a SM card into a CF slot or an adapter to connect an external drive? I have seen adapters for xD to CF cards but not the SM? Can you or anyone steer me toward a site or store where I may purchase an adapter?

[AnswerDude]

http://www.pretec.com/index2/product/Mobile_peripherals/CompactSSFDC.htm

[dwinget]

EagleTec also makes an adapter that can accept Memory Stick, Smart Media, SD, and MMC using the same adapter. It is called Multi Flash 4 in 1 CF Adapter. Here is the link:

http://www.eagletec.net/login/product1.asp?main1=6%29+PDA+%26+Peripherals&sub1=Flash+Path

:D

[mooreman]

I have an Ipaq 3835 and use a PCMCIA sleeve and a 2GB memory card. It stores all my photos, some work files PLUS 11 feature-length movies and I STILL have 150MB to spare.

[rikmac]

I see that mooreman has 11 movies on his storage card. How do you copy a movie to run on the iPaq? I have downloaded a number of different types of dvd coping software and some of them work but the smallest size I get is over 1GB. I to travel a lot and would love to quit having to lug this laptop around and stick with my 5455.

TKS

[mooreman]

I use a PCMCIA card reader with a USB interface with my dektop pc to transfer files. As far as copying DVDs (your own, I might add) if you follow this link

http://www.pocketmatrix.com/guides/dvd2divx/

you'll turn out very good copies for your own personal use. The largest file size of all the movies I have done is like 240mb, and most are around 180mb. Bearing in mind, the battery life of the expansion pack for the PCMCIA pack is "realistically" only good enough to watch MAYBE one movie, and the unit heats up since it's not like a static SD or CF card (it has moving parts in the card just like a real hard drive). Compaq sells an extended super-duper battery which I haven't tried yet as I have travel chargers to use instead of relying on battery power. Hope this helps.