The Bottom Line
- A dedicated portable backup device for memory cards
- Powered by ordinary AA size batteries or included AC power Brick
- 24-bit hardware based ECC copy verification
- Automatic copy function
- Could be smaller and lighter
Description
- A dedicated back up solution for your memory card - attaches to your computer via a USB connection.
- Error checking means your data is safe and secure on the Hyperdrive.
- The Hyperdrive is portable, using commonly available aa batteries.
Guide Review - Hyperdrive HD80 Professional Memory Card Backup Device
I heard about the Hyperdrive through the pros at Fred Miranda's excellent web site and forum. I wasn't looking for some toy that played music, made coffee, and could also be used to back up photos if one had to. I wanted something tough, portable, safe, and dedicated to the task at hand. The hyperdrive was perfect.
Operating the hyperdrive is easy, just charge the included batteries, pop in a memory card, and turn it on. The front panel doesn't do anything fancy, it just lets you know the basics--the capacities of the hyperdrive disk and the memory card at first. The copy icon lets you know you're in the middle of copying something, and then it tells you how many files have been copied successfully. Finally, the smiley icon tells you it's done.
The Hyperdrive only copies; it won't wipe your card clean. For me that's a good thing, I want to determine what I do next with the data on my card. I usually do two backups--one to the hard drive on my laptop and one to the Hyperdrive--then format the card in the camera.
Everything you need is included with the hyperdrive, including a car/boat charging cable, USB cable, case, batteries and even a screwdriver to change the drive if you wish.
You can get the Hyperdrive in many hard drive capacities, including without a drive. I purchased the 40GB model. Shipping was free and fast.
There's also a nice case included so that you can carry the Hyperdrive in position to backup your cards while you're shooting frantically.
