CF card Reader for iPad

[Peter Hawrylyshyn]

After a 4 week delay, MacGadget.com finally started shipping the CF card readers for iPads.

Surprisingly it arrived in just 4 days from Hong Kong. Bigger surprise - it actually works as advertised. Had no problems transfering my Canon Mk4 files on SanDisk Extreme CF card.

Ron Galbraith wrote an in-depth review on the device yesterday, so I won't repeat much of what he says here. http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/con...=7-11412-11522

A key observation is that transfer speed is limited by the IO bus on the iPad itself regardless of how fast the CF card or camera transfer is. It takes about 2 minutes to transfer 75 RAW files from a Canon Mk4.

The CF reader also has a USB connection for connecting the camera directly to the iPad to export images. If you use only SD cards, then there's a reader supplied with the Apple Camera Connection Kit.

Overall the CF card reader when combined with Photosmith (see threads in Workflow) now allows the iPad to be used as a ultralight weight tablet for viewing images when out in the field

[Fred J. Lord]

My iPad2 is coming in a couple of weeks. Can I download through it to an attached USB hard disc drive? I ask this out of total ignorance and it may not be possible at all. Please bear with me.
The limited storage on the iPad has me wondering if I can use it alone or if I must still cart along my laptop for downloading images. I always back up to a portable USB HDD.
Thanks for the tip on the CF card reader. I'll get one as both my cameras still use the CF card along with the SD card in the MK IV.
Fred

[Peter Hawrylyshyn]

Fred
You can NOT move or backup images from your iPad onto a regular HD trying to use a USB connection . There is no direct USB port on an iPad.
Hopefully you got the 64G version - you'll loose about 5G to the operating system and have the rest for storage

There is a nifty backup device made by HyperDrive.
http://www.hypershop.com/HyperDrive-...rive-s/183.htm
The HyperDrive iPad Hard Drive works thru the Camera Connection port on the iPad. My understanding is that you can read/store images from a CF card directly onto the Hyperdrive (up to 750GB), then can connect the HyperDrive to the iPad for viewing/export. But suspect you can only download images from the Hyperdrive to the iPad (ie - can't move images or files from the iPad to the HyperDrive).

I have a unit on order (case only) which should arrive next week. Plan to drop in a SSD or 500Gb HD for far less than what they're charging, and then see how well it works.

Given you have a Mk4, you also have another option. Use a 16GB SD card as primary storage media in Mk4, then use the Apple Camera Connection Kit (which has SD card reader) to import files onto iPad. Given how the cost of CF cards has come down, you can use the MK4 to copy the SD card onto a CF card in the camera, and then use the actual CF cards as your backup storage media. It all depends how many images you plan to shoot.

Either way, you shouldn't have to still cart along your laptop.

Hope you enjoy the iPad2

[Fred J. Lord]

Peter: Thank you very much for your help.
I like the looks of the Hyperdrive and I have several old 2.5" HDD lying around but I think I'll continue to carry my Macbook Pro around for a bit until suitable enclosures are a bit less dear.
What is the function of the USB port on the CF card reader that you purchased. Is it only compatible with the camera USB?
Unfortunately, I elected for the 32GB iPad2. I don't think I can change the order but I'll have a look to make sure.
We'll enjoy the iPad in any case. I'm just not sure what effect it will have on my photo workflow. Mostly, I expected it to be a portfolio and reading device with some possible Netflix movie watching and email usage as we travel. If it can fit into the photography, all the better.

Fred

Fred
You can NOT move or backup images from your iPad onto a regular HD trying to use a USB connection . There is no direct USB port on an iPad.
Hopefully you got the 64G version - you'll loose about 5G to the operating system and have the rest for storage

There is a nifty backup device made by HyperDrive.
http://www.hypershop.com/HyperDrive-...rive-s/183.htm
The HyperDrive iPad Hard Drive works thru the Camera Connection port on the iPad. My understanding is that you can read/store images from a CF card directly onto the Hyperdrive (up to 750GB), then can connect the HyperDrive to the iPad for viewing/export. But suspect you can only download images from the Hyperdrive to the iPad (ie - can't move images or files from the iPad to the HyperDrive).

I have a unit on order (case only) which should arrive next week. Plan to drop in a SSD or 500Gb HD for far less than what they're charging, and then see how well it works.

Given you have a Mk4, you also have another option. Use a 16GB SD card as primary storage media in Mk4, then use the Apple Camera Connection Kit (which has SD card reader) to import files onto iPad. Given how the cost of CF cards has come down, you can use the MK4 to copy the SD card onto a CF card in the camera, and then use the actual CF cards as your backup storage media. It all depends how many images you plan to shoot.

Either way, you shouldn't have to still cart along your laptop.

Hope you enjoy the iPad2

[Peter Hawrylyshyn]

Fred
The USB connection of the CF card reader is only intended to be connected to your camera
I've read reports of some people being able to connect other devices via the USB port on the Apple CCK. In response Apple issued the following advisory: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4106

[Fred J. Lord]

Peter:

Thank you again for the information.
I received notice that our iPad was shipped today from China so no changes are possible. Of course, it's arriving Thursday while we're in NYC. FedEx said they would hold it until we return. We're looking forward to learning all about it.

Best regards,
Fred J. Lord

Fred
The USB connection of the CF card reader is only intended to be connected to your camera
I've read reports of some people being able to connect other devices via the USB port on the Apple CCK. In response Apple issued the following advisory: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4106