pawhe

I have a feeling that this is one of those "Stupid Questions" (especially after numerous Internet searches...).

Is there such a device as to allow the Axim to make use of USB end devices (e.g. perhaps a CF or SD card??). And if yes, would it work with those "no driver required" PC (laptop targetted) USB storage devices, like the key-ring ones (e.g. Disgo - up to 1GB now?) or External USB Hard Drives (e.g. Freecom FHD-1 - 60G for GBP180 or less!!).

Assume not - but curious.... (e.g. cheaper storage available, opens up a world of other connectitivy options...).

TIA, P.

FEichinger

Good question but here is how I would see it...

First the Axim connects to USB through it's Synch port which plugs INTO USB, so you first problem would be getting a reverse type set up with a USB port comming out the Axim.

Second, the Axim would have to have the ability to send and receive data through that port (rather then a conduit like it's ActiveSynch). This would require the OS (Pocket PC) to support that kind of hardware configuration (which I don't know if it does)

JakeRich

The Axim is a USB DEVICE, as are the other peripherals you referred to. They can only connect to a USB HOST, such as a PC. The protocol for USB requires that there be one and only one HOST, but allows multiple DEVICEs. So, in a word, no, you cannot use those USB devices natively.

That said, there is a CF Card that is supposed to provide USB Host capability. Here is the link to the manufacturer. I have no idea whether or not this card actually works.

wylin

A friend just got one of those for his Ipaq. So far we've had good luck getting it work with everything. Zip drives, USB harddrives, and everything. As long as it doesn't need some proprietary driver set, then it should work ok. One important thing to note is that the card provides power to the USB device, but that's limited based on the capability on the handheld. Remember that the CF slot is 3.3/5V capable, so any device that needs a strong power source better be externally powered if you want to use it.

The two thing we had the most luck with were an Iomega Zip 250 USB drive and a Maxtor USB External Harddrive. The zip was powered over the USB connection while the harddrive had its own power source.

You might want to contact the manufaturer to double check their claims of this being Axim compatible though, as a lot of other sites that sell this card don't list that and have actually said its only certified with the Ipaqs. Hard to know for sure if this thing has been fully tested on an Axim.

Peteho

WYLIN: 'USB 1.1 Host Adapter CF Card - www.rexpccard.co.jp/english' should ba available from 3rd march - now you can preorder them only. Where did your friend get it from?

wylin

He works for a review site. Mainly its game stuff, but after he got his Ipaq he conned everyone he could into sending him stuff. I'm assuming that's how he got this as well. Have to remember to ask him to be sure though. I actually thought he bought it until I read your post and checked the site.