Backup options

Malindi

Hi all, first post here ...

I'm looking into backup otpions. I'm touring by motorcycle and have a laptop with me. The digital pics go on the laptop semi-daily, but I want something a bit more secure. I'm debating USB sticks (Lexar has 2GB sticks), CD-R (the laptop can burn CD-R) or external USB Hard Drive.

My thinking is that once in a blue moon, I'll stop somewhere and burn all my files/pictures to disk and send them home by mail. That way, if all is lost, I won't lose the data/pictures. If the laptop dies, at least I'll have the USB sticks.

Question is, how reliable are the USB sticks? Has anyone had one fail yet? I've used a 512 MB daily for the last year sans issues, but it lives in my briefcase and not on the bike.

Other suggestions welcome, but space (and power) is an issue on a motorcycle. USB sticks fit the bill...

Andy

if you are planning on bringing the laptop, cd-r seems the best way imo.

and welcome to dgrin!

dragon300zx

I agree with Andy on that. CD-R, cheap, relatively fast, small, reliable, can't be erased as long as you dont break or scratch them.

whamilton101

I think CD's or DVDs are the only way to go.
Backing up on any type of drive can be dangerous in my opinion.

I've had a lot of problems with memory sticks in the past, i've backed things up on them and then one day...it's empty.

CD's are the way to go.

wh

luckyrwe

CD-R, DVD, and upload some pics to gmail.com so they are always there for you.

Malindi

Should have listened to you guys ... I bought 2 4G USB sticks, both SanDisk and one packed it in. :-(

And those things were expensive. So I'll brun some CD's (I have a burner in the laptop).

Kevin

www.nohorizons.net

AlpineMan

I use a CompactDrive PD70X (Europe & Asia)...also known as the Hyperdrive HD80 in the US market. You can get just the shell and put your own 2.5" IDE hard drive, or you can get the HD80 w/ upto 120gb hard drive. The unit has a built-in card reader. I backed up a full Ridata 150x 8gb CF card in just under 15 minutes w/ data verification turned on. The unit has a USB 2.0 interface so you can transfer the files to your laptop and burn the CD's later on. The unit is the size of an average men's wallet and runs on 4 AA batteries. I've very pleased by its convenience and performance. A lot lighter than carrying a laptop around. I bought my 40gb PD70X via ebay for $105 shipped.

More info here: http://hyperdrive.com/shop/index.php

Malindi

AlpineMan wrote:

I use a CompactDrive PD70X (Europe & Asia)...also known as the Hyperdrive HD80 in the US market. You can get just the shell and put your own 2.5" IDE hard drive, or you can get the HD80 w/ upto 120gb hard drive. The unit has a built-in card reader. I backed up a full Ridata 150x 8gb CF card in just under 15 minutes w/ data verification turned on. The unit has a USB 2.0 interface so you can transfer the files to your laptop and burn the CD's later on. The unit is the size of an average men's wallet and runs on 4 AA batteries. I've very pleased by its convenience and performance. A lot lighter than carrying a laptop around. I bought my 40gb PD70X via ebay for $105 shipped.

More info here: http://hyperdrive.com/shop/index.php

Thanks for the info. Might use one as backup for the laptop... Not an option for me to travel without one. Cheers, Kevin