I just got the final piece in my digital puzzle. This gadget will allow me to collect around 4000 RAW images on a vacation. CF cards just plug into it and with one button all files are copied to a 20 gig hard drive in the ImageTank. A USB 2 cord transfers images from it to your computer very very fast. I got this model G2 because it has smart charging, meaning that it will run on A/C, 12v car power, or the built in battery, while it charges. There are cheaper models, but they all work on an internal battery only and chargers are extra. This one comes complete and will work after only 10 minutes charge, when plugged into A/C. It can act as a card reader, auxilliary portable hard drive, and can write to a CF card as well. It also features a backlit LCD panel with confirmation, folder names, battery charge, etc so you can tell what's going on. It comes with a leather case with belt clip, for a bit of bump protection. The overall unit is small, light, and seems well made. It's made by a Taiwanese company strangely enough. The hard drive is replaceable. With windoze XP I don't even have to install anything, just plug it in. It worked great first try no problems. It is supposed to hold a battery charge for 20-40 full card dumps. I'm taking it to Okinawa for a weekend in two weeks, we'll see how it performs in the field. I opted against a more expensive one with LCD view screen, because I can view on any TV (if I want) with my camera. Also a laptop, while nice, is just so much larger, heavier, and expensive to carry along. Not to mention more subject to shock, theft, and breakage. If you were taking a long trip, and/or serious amounts of photos, this unit, plus a laptop would be ideal. Not only could you take this unit with you, but having both would give you a backup for your images. I'll keep you all posted how it goes. -- Jim Davis Nature Photography http://jimdavis.oberro.com Replies in plain text only please!
