| 1: Intro & spec | 2: First impressions | 3: Installing an HDD | 4: User interface | 5: Timings & performance | 6: Compared to | 7: Conclusion |
CompactDrive PD70X portable storage device review
1: Introduction and specifications
Have you ever run out of memory cards at an inconvenient time, or sat there wondering how you're going to store all the photographs you're planning to take whilst you're away from your computer? Sure, you could buy a bucket load of cards, and to be honest, if you're not shooting RAW or planning to be away for a long time, that may indeed be the best option given the prices of cards at the moment. But what if you're planning a long trip, and/or planning to shoot a lot? Well, that's where a standalone portable hard disk comes in.
The concept is simple enough; take a laptop hard disk, and add a battery and memory card interfaces. This gives you the ability transfer images from a card to the hard disk, without needing to use a computer - just insert the card, turn it on, and copy the files.
There are two main types of standalone portable hard disks, those with large colour screens, and those without. Large colour screens look nice, no question there, but they add significantly to the cost of the device, and they also reduce battery life because they draw a lot of power. Of those without colour screens the CompactDrive PD70X stands out due to its robust design, use of AA batteries, and high performance. Note, in some markets the same product is branded as the HyperDrive HD80.
CompactDrive PD70X specifications
1: Introduction and specifications
Have you ever run out of memory cards at an inconvenient time, or sat there wondering how you're going to store all the photographs you're planning to take whilst you're away from your computer? Sure, you could buy a bucket load of cards, and to be honest, if you're not shooting RAW or planning to be away for a long time, that may indeed be the best option given the prices of cards at the moment. But what if you're planning a long trip, and/or planning to shoot a lot? Well, that's where a standalone portable hard disk comes in.
The concept is simple enough; take a laptop hard disk, and add a battery and memory card interfaces. This gives you the ability transfer images from a card to the hard disk, without needing to use a computer - just insert the card, turn it on, and copy the files.
There are two main types of standalone portable hard disks, those with large colour screens, and those without. Large colour screens look nice, no question there, but they add significantly to the cost of the device, and they also reduce battery life because they draw a lot of power. Of those without colour screens the CompactDrive PD70X stands out due to its robust design, use of AA batteries, and high performance. Note, in some markets the same product is branded as the HyperDrive HD80.
CompactDrive PD70X specifications
| Street price (no HDD) | UK: 78GBP (inc VAT); based on US price (120USD) + tax + import duty |
| Supported HDD type | 2.5" PATA HDD (9.5mm thick) |
| HDD format | FAT32 |
| Supported card formats | FAT12/FAT16/FAT32 |
| Interfaces |
Compact Flash type I/II - Tested Microdrive compatible SD/MMC MemoryStick/MemoryStickPro xD **testing suggests Type-H is not compatible USB 2.0 High Speed - Tested |
| Size | 133mm x 85mm x 33mm (measured: no case) |
| Body material | Aluminium |
| Display | Custom mono LCD |
| Weight | 337g measured (inc Toshiba 120Gb HDD: MK1234GAX), no batteries |
| Total travel weight | 568g measured (inc HDD, PSU and 4x AA 2100mAh Hybrio) |
| Supplied batteries | None |
| Package contents |
USB cable 12V Car-adapter AC adapter (international) Nylon case Screwdriver Manual |
| Optional extras |
Via adapter, supports: miniSD, RS-MMC, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, Transflash Batteries |
| Supported OSes | Plug'n'play under: Windows Vista/XP/2000/ME (tested under Vista), and OSX/MacOS 9.x Requires drivers under: Windows 98SE Linux |
| Manufacturer's website | www.3hdigital.com |
This review contains the opinions of the author, which are subjective. All technical data is believed accurate at time of publication, however please check it with the manufacturer before making a purchasing decision. I hope you enjoy my site, and if there's anything you feel could be improved, please drop me a line at: 
All images/text/content © Adrian J Warren 2007.
All images/text/content © Adrian J Warren 2007.