Hardware Talk :: Damn Small Machine in DSL Store!

The microdrive looks like a good option for the Damn Small Machine. They are expensive but not out of the question.

They would fit well with projects I have in mind.

Thanks, Jeff

Jeff,
Do a little research on them first. They don't have a good reputation for reliability. Some photogrphers I know have ditched them in favor of the larger silicon CF cards.

They work inside iPODs.

Chances are you will need to bury them inside some sort of shock absorber system in order to make them bump-resistant.

Unfortunately, most shock absorbers (IE: foam) are also good thermal insulators and will restrict the cooling for the microdrive.

A good compromise solution might be to install shock aborbing foam at the four corners of the drive assembly and leave the rest of the drive exposed to the air.

Before ordering a Hitachi Microdrive I looked at the specs. The drive is rated for 2000 Gs when not in use and 200 Gs during read/write. It has small shock absorbers built into the case. In a review in a camera magazine the reviewer said he accidently dropped his microdrive three feet to a hard floor and it survived the fall to work flawlessly afterwards. I haven't used one yet so take these statements for what they are worth.

Microdrives are robust. I carry mine wherever my laptop goes - thrown in the boot of my car, tripped over by children. I bet it would have an easier life in a nano than with me...

I beleive early Hitachi drives have very small buffers - later ones have much improved throughput.

HTH

DrR

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