Advice On Phase Compatible Image Viewer

[cgoss]

I have been considering the Epson Px000 series of compact RAW photo viewers as a possible solution for bulk image storage on an extended trip I will be taking with my P45+.

I don't want to carry a full size laptop and the Epson's small size, large storage capacity, and ability to read direct from CF sound appealing.  There's one thing that troubles me though - I don't see Phase on the list of supported cameras and suspect that means the viewer on this relatively expensive device will go to waste.

Has anyone successfully used one of the Epson devices with Phase files?  If yes, can images be viewed as well as archived?

I'd also be interested in hearing about other affordable battery powered storage devices and/or ultra-compact laptops that are capable of reading direct from CF.  

Thanks!

[Snook]

I have the Espon p4500 and the Phase files are not viewable.
I also have the NEXTO which both download the files perfectly but are not viewable...
Sure would be nice and I know of several people that have written to Espon but do not think it is going to happen!!!
Snook

PS. The NEXTO is by far better and FASTER than any of the others. I do double back-ups first to the NEXTO then to the espon on my trips, never has failed. The NEXTO batteries also last FOREVER!!
Get an extra battery for the epson for sure as it down loads rather slow but much better the previuos espon models.

[tom b]

Another option would be to get a netbook and portable flash hard drive for backup.

A comparison of netbooks is here:

http://laptopsmatrix.com/Netbooks/

An example of a portable hard drive is here:

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=701

This way you can see your images and back them up for a similar price to a 80GB Epsom.

Cheers,

[cgoss]

I have the Espon p4500 and the Phase files are not viewable.
I also have the NEXTO which both download the files perfectly but are not viewable...

Thanks Snook.  Of these the NEXTO sounds like the best choice given Epson's inability to display Phase files.  A quick look at pricing suggests it also offers a lot more storage for a lot less money.

[cgoss]

Another option would be to get a netbook and portable flash hard drive for backup.
This way you can see your images and back them up for a similar price to a 80GB Epsom.

Good point.  Size and weight are a bit more than for a stand-alone but might be within reason.  USB support would allow use of a portable card reader to import images.

[Fritzer]

Another option would be to get a netbook and portable flash hard drive for backup.

It's what I did; for around 300 USD I got a Netbook, installed OSX on it, it's fully-featured backup HDD and reliable picture viewer.
Of course it's bigger than an image viewer.

[cgoss]

It's what I did; for around 300 USD I got a Netbook, installed OSX on it, it's fully-featured backup HDD and reliable picture viewer.
Of course it's bigger than an image viewer.

I hear you.  I'm definitely leaning toward a netbook.