Compact flash microdrive

[Klasi]

I'm wanting to get a Hitachi 4GB microdrive for my x51v. Will it work in my Axim? It says it needs to accecpt ide mode?

Thanks.

[Khris]

Try doing a search. There was a thread awhile ago (I believe) which was dedicated to which microdrives didn't have issues, and which ones did.

[leelee]

Just moved my 4GB Hitachi microdrive from my X50v to my X51v, no issues at all.

The only 4GB Hitachi microdrives that you *CANT* use are the ones that are harvested from another device such as an MP3 player or USB storage device.

As long as you buy the drive in a stand-alone package, either OEM or retail packaged, it will work perfectly fine with the Axim X50/51/v

[Mazzani]

I just installed a 6GB Microdrive in my X51v today and don't seem be experiencing any problems.

[tostngdsnvoy]

The X50v / X51v don't have a problem reading "most" Microdrives, but you need to take steps to prolong your battery life.

1 - Whatever multimedia program you use (pictures, MP3, videos, etc) make sure to change the cache setting to the max - otherwise it will be constantly pulling data from the drive, and wear down your battery faster. Videos don't use cache, so be careful when watching 2hr full length movies from the MicroDrive - If possible, try to keep LONG movie files on a flash card

2 - The the program itself to see if it has any issues with a MicroDrive - On Course Nav 5 (OCN5) actually RECOMMENDS that maps DO NOT be installed to a Microdrive, because it pulls data from it so often, it will slow the PDA to a crawl.

I do have a Microdrive, and I mostly use it for pictures, SHORT videos, and MP3. I am getting OCN5 soon, and intend on putting the maps in my SD card. That way when driving, I can use OCN5 and listen to MP3s without any problems

2

[Pocketbrain]

Try reading this thread re: microdrive modes.
(X)

[woodbane]

The X50v / X51v don't have a problem reading "most" Microdrives, but you need to take steps to prolong your battery life.

1 - Whatever multimedia program you use (pictures, MP3, videos, etc) make sure to change the cache setting to the max - otherwise it will be constantly pulling data from the drive, and wear down your battery faster. Videos don't use cache, so be careful when watching 2hr full length movies from the MicroDrive - If possible, try to keep LONG movie files on a flash card

2 - The the program itself to see if it has any issues with a MicroDrive - On Course Nav 5 (OCN5) actually RECOMMENDS that maps DO NOT be installed to a Microdrive, because it pulls data from it so often, it will slow the PDA to a crawl.

I do have a Microdrive, and I mostly use it for pictures, SHORT videos, and MP3. I am getting OCN5 soon, and intend on putting the maps in my SD card. That way when driving, I can use OCN5 and listen to MP3s without any problems

2

Actually, if you use TCMCP there is a setting for microdrive mode and videos most certainly do buffer off the microdrive. I've listened to mine spinning up and down while wacthing a movie from the microdrive.

If the Microdrive is IDE mode only it will not work. That means that it was from and/or made for another device that it was supposed to be integrated into (like another retail MP3 Player). To work in the Axim it needs to have CF Mode which the retail packed Microdrives have.

Usually if it has a retail label on it (colorful with hitachi's name and such) it will work as its ment for CF Mode. But if it is OEM with a blank white label or similar (maybe white with a small hitachi name on it) it probably is OEM and will not work as its IDE locked.

For Example:

Retail: http://cgi.ebay.com/Hitachi-3GB-Micr...QQcmdZViewItem

OEM: http://cgi.ebay.com/HITACHI-4GB-MICR...QQcmdZViewItem

That oem one is probably IDE interface locked since it was made for the apple ipod mini. It may work, but to not take a chance, just buy the retail version so you know it will work AND you get warranty and support