Compact Flash, SD, or Microdrive?

[SandboxSoldier]

I'm currently awaiting my new Axim X51 520mhz. I thought it was a great choice for what I need it for. Titanium Case and all since I'll be using it during my deployement in Iraq.

What I don't know is which card I should purchase with it. Since I'll be doing a lot of movement and testing limits, I don't know if I should have a microdrive that has moving parts. If it is durable enough to sustain the limits with moving parts, is there an advantage to having a SD card as far as performance or reliability? I've been told that SD is faster. I plan to liste to music and hopefully watch some videos with it as well.

I would appreciate all the help you can give. Thank you.

Card prices are dropping. There was an ad in my local Frys for a 1gb SD card for 19.00 after rebate. For music and movies, I think you find you will quickly fill it up. CF seems pretty stable for my behaviour, and rugged. If you can afford it, get it.

In the end I went for SD for programs, for the supposed increase in speed, although I don't think it will be noticable for most. I started out storing music and videos on CF, but quickly ran out of room. Decided to go for a microdrive because of cost, but in your case I would probably stay with the CF. I like the form factor for CF, but I'm thumb challenged and tend to be clumsy, so bigger is better.

to aximsite.

[SandboxSoldier]

So does that mean you think I should go with both if I plan to run programs and have music and vids? Programs on the sd and music and vids on the Microdrive? Does anyone know how my Axim would perform with videos?

[qqfob]

most likely youll end up with both. its just easier to switch either or... and thats what its made for...

i install all my programs in the RAM... i havent even gotten close to running out of RAM memory as long as i keep my files and my more permanant data on my CF card. i havent tried a microdrive yet, but i will sooner or later. i would expect it to be slower and not as durable... but whats durability when you have a whole axim protecting it...

i have many various SD cards. SD cars are much smaller in size and seems safer and easier to swap out. the 1gb i usually keep in the Axim with all the videos and movies and music, but 1 gb isnt enough... i bring iwith me 2 512mb cards also with other misc stuff... because 512s are dirt cheap... except they cant fit 1 big movie on it...

i dont know which titanium case you have in mind, but may i suggest the magneseum one... the Axim feels bulletproof in it...

So does that mean you think I should go with both if I plan to run programs and have music and vids? Programs on the sd and music and vids on the Microdrive? Does anyone know how my Axim would perform with videos?

If you can afford it, I would definitely go with both. You have a lot more ram available to you than I do in my x50v. Since you are going to be away a while you could put programs/games on the sd and movies and music on a CF. CF per gb has been cheaper than the sd for the 2 and 4 gb variety. Good Luck.

[srf506]

I work for Lockheed Martin and I've seen the equipment coming back from the theatre with the fine sand and grit inside everything. I think I'd go with CF and SD cards versus a microdrive. The drive has a little vent hole on the case and I would bet by the time your rotating back to CONUS it will have failed. The solid state cards have the connector hole but I think you can probably blow them out well enough to not give yourself big issues. I'd also keep the little plastic covers the Axim is shipped with that cover the ports to help keep the crud out of the Axim too. Thanks for your service, good luck and Godspeed to you.

[SandboxSoldier]

I appreciate all the help. It will make a great difference from what I know now.

One last question. As far as a thumb drive goes. I haven't seen an accessory that allows plug and play usb from the axim to a computer. Is there such thing that would allow data transfers? Or should I just go with an sd that folds into a usb?