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MemPlug for CompactFlash

Sat Jun 9, 2001 - 6:20 PM EDT - By Scott Hanselman


Product Info
Details
» Name MemPlug Compact Flash
» Company Portable Innovation Technology
» Fact Sheet & User Opinions
Availability
» Unknown
Pricing
» $49.95

Conclusion

The MemPlug for CompactFlash is an ideal example of how a Memory Adapter for the Visor should work.. Along with all the software you'd need, a PictureViewer, Movie Player and File Movers, they have a modified CSpotRun Document Reader that will let you read your DOC files directly off a CF Card. This is a great solution, especially when combined with a CF reader for your Desktop Computer. I regularly take photos with my Kodak DC265 Digital Camera, and view them later on my Prism in view color using the PiViewer software - perfect interoperability!

There is some confusion about how compatible the MemPlug is with the existing FAFileMover software from Kopsis Engineering.  Since Kopsis has libraries available for developers to build CF support into their applications, of course it would be nice if the MemPlug supports this library.  I've had mixed results with my Prototype MemPlug for CF, but Patrick Lin of Portable Innovation assures me that compatibility is a priority.  Since the MemPlug is updateable, I'm sure they'll work out the kinks.

The MemPlug for CompactFlash includes a complete and powerful suite of tools, a picture viewer, movies, backup, the MemPlug for CF is a killer tool for your Visor. If you love and use CompactFlash cards already, it's a no-brainer.  I recommend the MemPlug for CF highly - it is now the premier CompactFlash Adapter for Visors.  If you aren't an early adaptor and have been waiting to see what CF Adapter to buy, the wait is over.  With the release of the PiDirect software allowing us to run read-only Applications directly off CF, Portable Innovation has dealt a death blow to the competition. 

With features like:

  • Integrated backup app
  • Running Applications directly off media
  • Inexpensive Removable/reusable media
  • Picture viewer
  • Interoperability (standard FAT file system allows you to load up the CF with files from PCs, Macs, or Digital Cameras)
  • Upgradeable software

- I may be able to stop using my Flash Modules all together.  Buy the MemPlug for CompactFlash.  And they don't even pay me to say that. 


Criteria 

Rating

Design 4
Usefulness 5
Usability 5
Cost/Benefit 5
Overall
(not an average)
Pros
- Virtually unlimited storage!
- Uses the CF cards you have
- Great Bundled File Management Software
- Supports unlimited depth of Directories
- View JPGs directly from CF
- Soon (6/15/01): Run App directly off CF
- Backup/Restore Software built in!
- Is simple enough that a NON-power user can use it!
Cons
- Introduces some concepts of "File Management" to your Palm
- CF Card sticks out slightly (1mm)
- Can't use plastic Visor cover on the back



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