I have a Canon S20 which is in need of some extra memory. I'm considering the 340 Mb IBM Micro drive because it's only a little more expensive than a 128 Mb Flash Card. Does anyone out there have any good or bad experiences with the micro drive? I'm worried in case it uses more power than a flash card because I'm frequently far from a power supply so conserving battery power is a priority. Thanks in advance for any help! Stu.

-- Stu Witcomb (switcomb@comsup.nl), June 21, 2000

Answers

I can't help you with the power question - but I've seen discussions of this topic on USENET. Try searching at www.remarq.com.

But you should be aware that IBM just announced a 1GB version of the Microdrive. Suppose to be available in September for under $500. Here's a story about it:

http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/000620/n20351475.html

If you decide that the Microdrive is a good solution, then I'd certainly try to wait for the larger version. The current 340MB drive can be found for just under $400. The new 1GB drive will be under $500. I'd wait for the new drive to be released, even if you really only need 340MB, perhaps it'll be significantly discounted.

-- Greg Philmon (gphilmon@yahoo.com), June 21, 2000.

Stu, Have a look at IBM's site for all the specs. http://www.storage.ibm.com/hardsoft/diskdrdl/micro/spec.htm

While the Microdrive does consume a good bit more power than a solid state memory card, that is only a tiny portion of the camera's overall power consumption. In my own use, I have seen no difference in battery life between the two.

As previously mentioned, IBM has introduced the new 1GB Microdrive that will consume less power than previous models, have 3 times the capacity, for olny a little bit more money. I can hardly wait for them to hit the street.

-- Steve Dean (hdrulz@swbell.net), June 23, 2000.

In connection with IBM micro drive. Its intial about took 400mA at least. If your device install Li-ion battery without such issue. But if your device installed Alkaline battery once you press shoot button. That will cause whole device shut down. Due to Alkaline battery internal self protect will not allow over 400mA output at such shot time.

-- Jimmy Chen (cyschen@hannstar.com), October 08, 2002.