V-TEC XS-Drive 2

A USB 2.0 hard drive from V-TEC.

If you're travelling for extended periods of time, storage of your digital photo files can be a problem - you either have to take along a wad of expensive Flash media or carry a laptop. A novel alternative solution could be VTec's XS-Drive 2, a USB 2.0, battery-powered, 20GB hard drive in a rugged case with three card slots that accept almost any kind of Flashbased removeable media you can think of. It takes SmartMedia, SD/MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, xD (with an adapter - not supplied), plus Compact Flash Type I/II cards and IBM MicroDrives. It's simple to use - just press the power button, put the media in the correct slot and press the Copy button. That's it. We found that it took about 55 seconds to transfer 64MB from a SmartMedia card. Putting the same card in twice won't overwrite existing files, but it will create a new folder.

A large LCD status panel shows you the type of media installed, battery charge status and data transfer status, but there's no indication of free storage space or any type of file information. The rechargeable Li-Ion battery gives a claimed 1.6 hours of life and the unit powers down automatically after a short idle period.

No drivers are needed for Windows ME/XP or Linux, although they are supplied for Windows 98/2000. One bonus is that you can install any 2.5in. 9.5mm hard disk drive in the case - instructions are supplied in the box.

The V-Tec XS-Drive 2 is a great idea for serious digital photographers, especially as it can double as extra external storage for your PC.

Contact: Planet PC (01264) 390116
www.v-drive.co.uk

Specifications:

• Dimensions (DxWxH) 13x7.5x2.5cm
• Weight 300g
• Capacity 20GB
• OS supported Windows 98/2000/ME /XP, Linux, Macintosh OS 8.6-10.0.1
• Interface USB 2.0
• Battery life 1.6 hours
• Supported cards CF Type I/II, IBM Microdrive, SM, MS, MS Pro, SD, MMC
• Supplied accessories Carry case, USB cable, AC adapter, driver CD-ROM