[font color=\'#000000\']I've been using Microdrives since they first came out and have never had a failier. I've used them in +120F and -20F temperatures and from below sea level to 13,000 Ft+. Never a hickup. I've never dropped one though.
I find that if one is taking a single frame they write slightly more slowly than a solid state card. But if you are shooting quickly, or doing bursts, so that the drive can spin up and stay spinning, then they can actually be faster than a solid state card.
Given that 1GB Microdrives are now well under $300 they are a remarkable bargain and I see no need to use anything else, particularly with a DSLR than produces large files.
All Microdrives come from the same factory regardless of whose lable is on them.
Michael[/font]