Customer Reviews

IBM Microdrive - Hard drive - 1 GB - removable - CF+

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Well, I just reviewed the 4GB version of this item, and was surprised to discover that the 1GB sells for more than $200. So, here's the shortcut info on getting the 4GB version of this drive for the same price:

Step 1: Browse for the Creative Labs Nomad MuVo 4 GB MP3 Player on Amazon.
Step 2: Buy the player for $200.
Step 3: Unscrew the back of the player.
Step 4: Take out the 4GB Hitachi microdrive and throw away the player.
Step 5: Pop the microdrive in your cam, format it and voila!

There you have it, 4GB for only $200, instead of the listed $480!

I use this IGB microdrive with my Minolta Dimage 7hi and used it previously in Dimage 7. It has been 2 years now, no problems, highly recommend. IBM micordrive has a higher write speed than regular CF media, it is faster to recycle photos using this microdrive. (3,247 KB/s = 22x) vs. Lexar pro 16x claim (2,041 KB/s = 14x)...

This drive died on me the second time I used it with my Nikon D100 digicam. I bought it when regular CF cards held a max. of 512 Mb and paid a premium for the extra capacity. I do not trust the small mechanical storage device inside, and will go with CF cards from now on. Lesson learned the hard way.

I've only been using my MD for a month now, but I've had nothing but great luck with it. I purchased the MD on a recommendation from a photographer friend of mine that has 3 of them and never had one problem with them. I've heard if you are rough with them, you may encounter more problems. I've only shot 1500 pictures with mine, but it keeps up no problem. No corrupt photos. I love it!

Used this card for over a year,alternating w/cf card...1000's of RAW and hi-rez
jpegs, carried in a pack or a pocket,1oo to -20 degrees, still works like the
energizer bunny. In camera formatted after every download. Those with problems on new cards should get a FREE replacement and not a repaired card,
just like the best cars, 1 out of a 1000 is a lemon.

I bought two of these to get the 1GB capacity at a cost lower than compact flash. I've heard concerns about their mechanical reliability, but I have had no problems. In fact, I have to admit I've abused them, including drops from 4 feet onto tile floors, storage in hot cars, storage in below freezing cars, and considerable bouncing in camera bags.

All in all, I've been very happy with them and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

This little guy will hold about 400 high quality pictures taken with my Canon EOS 10D. Thanks to Windows XP and the card adapter, I just plug it right into my Toshiba Satellite laptop and, cha ching! I have instant access to all the photos. There was no need to muck with finding and downloading drivers. It has enough storage capacity for a weekend trip's worth of photos. And the price is considerably lower than the current Compact Flash type II cards of similar capacity.

I use the 1GB microdrive for my Toshiba e755 to store/open/playback movies, captured digital photos, mp3's, and MS Office documents on the go. It seems to be reliable so far, since my main concern was internally moving parts causing a reliability concern. Nevertheless, it performs well, and it costs less per megabyte, for now, to store items on it. I am eagerly expecting the upcoming Hitachi 4GB microdrive.

The 1GB Microdrive has worked well in a Toshiba e755 Pocket PC. It mounts as a folder, just like with flash memory in Pocket PCs. It's fast, silent and reliable, although does draw more power than normal CF cards. The price is right. If you have more to spend, wait for the upcoming 4GB (later this year) and 7GB (and also a rumored 10GB version) early 2004. The new ones will be made by Hitachi.

IBM MICRODRIVE

I have had the not so wonderful experience of owning 2 microdrives. These drives are total CRAP. They will not last. I was very careful with my drive, only taking it from my camera to the card reader. I originally had a 340mb one that i paid near $160 for when they came out. Almost a year later it failed. I then received a 1GB one under warranty because they didnt make the 340 anymore. I have had the 1GB for about a year as well and it too just failed yesterday. I called IBM and had a long talk with 2 different people including a supervisor and neither one would help me out. I explained exactly how i use it and that i am very careful with it. I did find out that the microdrive is more of less like a mini hardrive in your computer. It has moving parts. Other compact flash and SD/XD/memory sticks, smary media drives are not like this. The microdrive can easily be damaged and i would no recommend it if you are not keeping it one spot. If you drop your drive, might as well kiss it goodbye! Save yourself some time and money and just stick with regular drives! Dont get an IBM microdrive. I started looking around and cant even find a new 1GB card. I am assuming they know these were not made right and stopped making them and introduced the new design of 4GB/6GB ones. I wouldnt try them! trust me stay away from IBM microdrives. Since they wont help me, i will try and help you so you dont go through the experience i did. I lost 30 photos i can no longer recover and i now have no memory card to take photos. DONT BUY A MICRODRIVE! You will regret it, and it will be after your warranty runs out, of course!!