Article:		iPod as Digital Photographer's Best Friend
Subject:		Another MP3 player
Date:		2003-12-03 09:11:35
From:		anonymous2
"Why would any Mac photographer even consider another MP3 player?" Because another player might have a built-in card reader, a color screen for reviewing images in the field, and video out. That's why I'm thinking about buying a SmartDisk FlashTrax instead of an iPod. Hard drives start at 30GB and it does play MP3s (but probably not as elegantly as an iPod). The FlashTrax looks more like a photographer's best friend that plays music, while the iPod looks more like a music fan's best friend that sort of handles photos.

Showing messages 1 through 3 of 3.

• Another MP3 player
  2003-12-10 08:56:13  anonymous2 [Reply | View]
  
  
  Flash Trax is an interesting product. It probably uses a larger (physical) hard drive than the iPod, so the capacity (80GB) is bigger and also probably cheaper, but the size and weight {5.63 in X 3.62 1.26 in (143mm X 92mm X 32mm) 12 oz (340g)}makes it large for a pocket device. It does have a decent size color screen. At the moment, these are probably the types of trade-offs that are necessary. Hopefully, price, size, weight, etc. can be cut in half and running time, capacity, screen resolution, etc. can double.
  

• Another MP3 player
  2003-12-03 09:26:19  Derrick Story | [Reply | View]
  
  
  Indeed, the FlashTrax looks cool. I like that they made a mass storage device so it doesn't need any additional drivers. Very smart.
  
  The 40 GB model retails for $549 US, which is about $50 cheaper than a 40 GB iPod with the additional Belkin reader. So it's right there in price hunt.
  
  The reason why I like the iPod for the "Mac photographer," is because it so well integrates with the operating system and will continue to evolve. Just recently we saw the addition of voice recording and media storage. Other features such as calendaring, data back up, iSync, etc., make the pod an extension of the Mac itself.
  
  So it really depends on what type of computer user you are and your primary needs. For me, I'm deeply involved in many aspects of my Mac, and the iPod complements my style nicely. If your focus is more digital photography and less Mac computing in general, the FlashTrax could be an excellent choice.
  
  If you get one, let us know what you think!
• Another MP3 player
  2003-12-03 11:03:24  anonymous2 [Reply | View]
  
  
  I will add that in favor of the iPod, your article pointed out many things I had no idea you could do! I may not need them, but you are correct that the integration level is impressive.
  
  Thanks!