HyperDrive Sanho HyperDrive Space, 40GB Memory Card Backup Storage Device for 18 Types of Memory Cards.

Excellent, Solid, Fast

This is an excellent, reliable, well-designed piece of equipment. The user interface is very straightforward, the instruction manual completely clear, and the device works as advertised. Using 2GB SD cards, I was able to transfer a full card (about 200 images) in 6 to 7 minutes. Note that the device is optimized for CF cards, but this is still fast! I particularly liked the feature that enables one to check the directory on the drive to assure oneself that the files have been transferred an...d that the file size is identical to that recorded on the card. The device is small enough to slip into one of the front pouch pockets of a Tamrac Express 5 bag, but fits well in the hand. It seems very solidly made, although the card slots are open. I used it daily during a recent trip to back up about 16GB of data (1800 images). It worked perfectly and the battery was still showing an almost full charge. Highly recommended

Very fast, lightweight and robust kit

The user manual is easy to follow and overall operation is straightforward. The backlit display stays on for a useful 10 seconds or so at a time before turning off. The padded case is a snug fit and even includes a belt loop to allow easy access on the waist or backpack strap. For performance comparison I filled a Sandisk Extreme IV 8GB CF card with 591 RAW images from my EOS 5D. A straight copy with NO VERIFY took 12 mins and 51 seconds. A copy with 7:1 verifying (1 out of every 7 files) to...ok 15 mins and 45 seconds. A copy with FULL VERIFY took 35 mins and 20 seconds. The same CF card of files in a USB 2.0 card reader took 21 mins and 1 second to transfer directly to the laptop disk. Connecting the Hyperdrive to the same laptop's USB port took 10 mins and 37 seconds to transfer the same files to the laptop disk. Although the Hyperdrive CF slot cannot be used directly as a card reader - my results show it is almost as quick to transfer CF files to the Hyperdrive disk - and then from Hyperdrive disk to Laptop anyway! Further tests also involved 158 RAW images on a Sandisk III 2GB card: A straight copy with NO VERIFY took 3 mins and 10 seconds. A copy with FULL VERIFY took 8 mins and 38 seconds. Transferring 32GB of data (4 lots of 8GB CF card) onto the HyperDrive Space reduced a fully charged battery to a ‘half charged’ indicator. The included USB cable also comes with a car 12V charger adaptor so the same lead can charge from your laptop or car. The metal case feels robust and yet manages to remain lightweight. After one week of intermittent use I reckon this is an excellent and very useful piece of kit. Although I bought the 40GB version I reckon this will give me storage for about 2,400 RAW images. However, I intend to self-install a 120GB disk in the coming months and the included miniature keyring screwdriver and spare screws may therefore also be useful!