PPC really NEED mass storage to fully compete

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.pocketpc (More info?)

"xTenn" <XTenn_removethispart_@tds.net> wrote in message
news:1116431767@XTenn_removethispart_.tds.net...
> PPCs really need to address mass storage needs for the user, especially
> given the multimedia and graphical capabilities of these woderful little
> machines. But now with a little competition from Palm (despite having only
> 16m rom), maybe ppc makers will get the hint. Yes, it is only 4 g and cf
> drives for the ppc have been around for a while, the difference is that it
> is inclusive from the start.
>
> A link (1 of many out there) about the Palm LifeDrive:
>
> http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000803043714/
>
> So, how about a 20 g drive, with about a 24mb or greater dedicated buffer
> on the ppc in order to avoid continously spinning the drive during
> streaming video or music, extending battrey life. An inclusive unit from
> the manufacturer could off such benefits (my 20g mp3 player from Archos
> does similarly now)
>
> Not to mention that I have read mobile 2005 is supposed to have mass
> storage support without the need for a driver (one of the few things they
> have done right this time around imho)
>
> Well, here's hoping, anyways.

Although the Life Drive has a built in 4GB MD, I see no mention of USB Host
capabilities which is a definate down point. I use USB Host to connect
external Hard Drives to my Pocket PC and some have sucessfully used USB
Mouses and lots of other devices. With regards to Windows Mobile 2005, it is
good to see that finally we will be having persistent storage and normal RAM
usage for our Pocket PC's, however some say that this will lead to more
bloated applications. I think Mass storage, USB Host while still managing to
keep power requirements to a reasonable level is the key.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.pocketpc (More info?)

"xTenn" <xTennREmoveThisPart@tds.net> wrote in message
newsWcZBjIXFHA.2996@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>
> "yleas" <yleas@usnet.com> wrote in message
> news:6MRie.93928$Cq2.34854@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>>
>>
>> Although the Life Drive has a built in 4GB MD, I see no mention of USB
>> Host capabilities which is a definate down point. I use USB Host to
>> connect external Hard Drives to my Pocket PC and some have sucessfully
>> used USB Mouses and lots of other devices. With regards to Windows Mobile
>> 2005, it is good to see that finally we will be having persistent storage
>> and normal RAM usage for our Pocket PC's, however some say that this will
>> lead to more bloated applications. I think Mass storage, USB Host while
>> still managing to keep power requirements to a reasonable level is the
>> key.
>
>
> USB host capabilities, while really nice to have, would add to total
> encumbrance involved when carrying around a PPC for quick reference or
> multimedia apps. <--snip-->simply is not convenient enough to put in a
> pocket and go... Same argument I have with a USB drive, not big enough
> pockets.
>
> Not to mention Murphy's Law of PPC storage - the moment you do not have
> the large storage accessible to your device is the moment you will find
> that you need it. (Need being a relative term, of course).
>
>
> I use a 2.5'' for external drives, some use the 1.8'' which are tiny.
> Check out this one http://www.shopharmony.com/product.asp?i=ARCD

and this one http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech [...] ?FRE-20405

(picture on the right)

I use external 2.5'' USB 2.0 HDD cases that have their own internal battery
power to make it even more portable.
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.pocketpc (More info?)

"xTenn" <xTennREmoveThisPart@tds.net> wrote in message
news:%23XOy0MVXFHA.4032@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>
> "yleas" <yleas@usnet.com> wrote in message
> news:uwbje.99503$Cq2.26658@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>>
>>> I use a 2.5'' for external drives, some use the 1.8'' which are tiny.
>>> Check out this one http://www.shopharmony.com/product.asp?i=ARCD
>>
>> and this one http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech [...] ?FRE-20405
>>
>> (picture on the right)
>>
>> I use external 2.5'' USB 2.0 HDD cases that have their own internal
>> battery power to make it even more portable.
>>>
>
>
> Yes, quite nice. I do wish my PPC had usb host capabilities for just such
> reasons. Another practical problem that could come up is the durability
> of the interface connection itself. Having used a serial GPS for a while
> I came close to having some permanent damage from ripping out the
> connector, forcing the move to a bluelogger. Still, using a drive would
> probalby not be as harsh an environment at the time of use, so this may
> not even be of concern.
>
> Curious - Are you are running a Toshiba PPC and the deje mass storage
> driver?
>
I am running a Fujitsu Loox 720 with a standard 80GB 2.5'' IDE drive inside
of a USB 2.0 external case. I use this cable for the host capabilities
because the one that came with the unit is too long

http://pc-mobile.net/pf7u1.jpg

Recently, a company has also developed a USB 1.1 Host Adapter CF Card so
this is also an option. Soon Microdrives will offer almost as much capacity
as these hard drives though. I recently got a 6GB Hitachi Microdrive and
capacities of 12GB - 20GB is planned for the future!!
>