Photo storage: Wolverine flashpac
 

I wanted to get some photo storage for an upcoming Botswana trip, and I just got a Wolverine Flashpac. My initial impression is that it’s a very good alternative to the often-mentioned Epson P-2000.

The Wolverine lets transfer all of the photos and movies on a memory card to the Wolverine’s 40GB hard drive, which in turns lets you re-use the memory card. (Larger drives are also available.) It’s extremely simple to operate: I stick an SD card into the slot and press the “Copy” button. Moving the files from the Wolverine to my PC was just as easy – just plug it in to a USB outlet on the PC and copy the files.

Comparing the Wolverine and Epson, there are some advantages to each. Both are small and lightweight (the Wolverine being just a bit smaller and lighter), and both can be recharged. The biggest feature difference is that the Epson has a window for viewing the photos, but the Wolverine does not. There’s a big price difference as well: the Epson is US$400-450, and the Wolverine is about US$170. For me, while it would have been nice to have a viewing window, the price difference didn’t justify it. Also, I preferred the more compact size of the Wolverine.

So, without a window to check the file transfer, how do you know it really happened? Can you do a directory check on the Wolverine? A viewing window is worth it if you find a malfunction now instead of 14 days later when you get home. I just don't like to push a button and pray. I agree about nice to have smaller size and lighter. I have an (old)Archos AV320 which works. It is too heavy and big for simply backup - but- after download I can go in and actually see the transfered files. Always trade-offs.
regards - tom

We've been using an X Drive (actually we now own two) for years and they don't have a display screen either. We've never had a problem with either not actually copying the files, not once and we backup all cards to both devices or to one device plus the laptop if we're taking the laptop.

The advantage of not having a viewing screen is usually batterylife. Viewing the images on the screen drains battery fast and it's not always convenient to be charging multiple items every day... what with the camera battery too.

I can accept two backup devices without a way (screen) to check the transfer. With my old Archos AV320, I do not use the screen to verify each and every photo. I use screen to see if there was a new directory made then I go into it and view one picture just to be sure. Ever since I had a catastrophic failure of a PC used for backup, I've felt the need for two backup devices. Because, of course, my photos might all might be required by National Geographic for a special issue ;-)
regards - tom

:D
I'd probably have a heart attack on the spot if I discovered I'd lost any of my precious pictures and mine aren't NG material either! :D I've heard too many stories of people losing their stuff - hence the double backup path ... paranoia it may be but it helps me sleep more easily!

Sorry for the confusion: the Wolverine does have a window display that confirms the copy operation (number of files copied, indication when copy is complete, etc). That window only displays messages, though; you cannot display the photos themselves.

rizzuto,
I took a Wolverine Flashpac along on my first safari in March. I had no problems, it was easy and reliable. I did a few tests before leaving home. Have a wonderful time in Botswana!