Those who use MS Import are wasting time...results inside!

[tifosiv122]

Alright so one thread I responded to someone said that MS Import was just as fast as using an external reader/writer, well, they are wrong, really wrong.

Using the latest ver. of HD Tach (industry standard for HD benchmarks) here are the results:

Both used the same MS with the same amount of free/used space.


Categories:

Random Access Time
(milliseconds, lower is better): RAT

Random Burst Speed
(megabytes per second, higher is better): RBS

Maximum Transfer Rate (higher is better):
Maximum Read - MaxRead
Maximum Write - MaxWrite

Minimum Transfer Rate (higher is better):
Minimum Read - MinRead
Minimum Write - MinWrite

Average Transfer Rate (higher is better):
Average Read - AvgRead
Average Write - AvgWrite

CPU Utilization (lower is better): CPU


So....how'd they do?

MS Import:

RAT: 2.8 ms
RBS: 0.7 mbps
MaxRead: 589.0 kps
MaxWrite: 330.0 kps
MinRead: 558.0 kps
MinWrite: 258.0 kps
AvgRead: 573.9 kps
AvgWrite: 281.4 kps
CPU: 1.3%

External:

RAT: 2.2 ms
RBS: 1.2 mbps
MaxRead: 1229.0 kps
MaxWrite: 786.0 kps
MinRead: 1167.0 kps
MinWrite: 495.0 kps
AvgRead: 1188.6 kps
AvgWrite: 543.1 kps
CPU: 2.2%


Summary:

In every test the USB 2.0 External Read/Writer destroyed MS Import (except CPU, but who cares). The all important Avg Read and Write times were double using the external device. Basically, MS Import is a waste of time.


UPDATE:
Real world test:
98.7 MB File

MS Import: 4:20
External: 2:15

For large files i'll use my external :D

Erik

[sebring]

Several things don't seem to be factored in here:

1) Only the latest hardware has USB 2.0 capability.
2) The time removing the MS from the Clie, locating and connecting the external reader.
3) The inconvenience of carrying around another device when on the road, just to double transfer speed of, at most, 1gb of data.
4) The cost of a USB 2.0 reader.

For most purposed, the differences you cited seem insignificant to me. My opinion only.

By the way, thank you for doing the tests. I did wonder, but I believe I will continue to use MSImport as my primary means of transfering bulk data to my MS. For the record, I do own a USB 2.0 card reader, but my PCs are all still just USB 1.1 capable.

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by sebring
Several things don't seem to be factored in here:

1) Only the latest hardware has USB 2.0 capability.
2) The time removing the MS from the Clie, locating and connecting the external reader.
3) The inconvenience of carrying around another device when on the road, just to double transfer speed of, at most, 1gb of data.
4) The cost of a USB 2.0 reader.

For most purposed, the differences you cited seem insignificant to me. My opinion only.

By the way, thank you for doing the tests. I did wonder, but I believe I will continue to use MSImport as my primary means of transfering bulk data to my MS. For the record, I do own a USB 2.0 card reader, but my PCs are all still just USB 1.1 capable.

I don't think its because it was USB 1.1 or 2.0, I think the Clie just slows down the process. I typically transfer 100mb at a time and noticed that the Clie Vs External was different. IF you already have a reader/writer you should use it if you are transfering large files. I agree that the speed difference isn't worth buying, however if it takes 3 mins on the clie, it will be a little more then 1 min. on the external device...thats a big difference. And yes, you need to remove the card, but you still need to run MS Import, which takes about the same amount of time. As the cards get bigger (512 - 1 GB) I am sure it will be worth using the external device.

Erik

Erik

[Rick 098]

Erik, why did you say Erik twice?

Erik

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by sebring
For most purposed, the differences you cited seem insignificant to me. My opinion only.[/B]I agree. MS Import is fine for my needs. I don't need extra hardware, and my cradle is already attached to the computer anyway.

Of course, if I was transferring a 100MB at a time, then I would probably invest in a card reader.

Like almost everything in life, it depends. :)

[TechnoCat]

Originally posted by tifosiv122
Alright so one thread I responded to someone said that MS Import was just as fast as using an external reader/writer, well, they are wrong, really wrong.

Using the latest ver. of HD Tach (industry standard for HD benchmarks) here are the results:
Gee, I'm surprised at the passionate waves of apathy that greeted your data. I, for one, am greatful that you took the time to do this... regardless of whether I switch mechanisms, it's nice to know the hit-size.

[taleb]

Yea, well MS Import does have it's benifits to an External Card Reader

I used to have a Sony Memory Stick Reader which is around twice as fast as MS Import.

Now I have a PCMCIA reader which takes CF and MS

quite simply, for bigger files yes the speed issue does make a big diff but for me

using MS Import is a lot more simpler as my cradle is always connected to my USB hub ... all my USB perpherials are connected to 1 device, as for ease of use on the laptop :) and of course when I go travellling I just use my sync-n-charge cable n MS import for transfer :)

so yes an External Card reader IS faster ..no doubt about it, but unless u move large data on a regular basis to it , it sometimes isnt worth the hassle

[archangel]

I'm just happy Sony gives us the option not to have to buy an external card reader. With a Palm you have to spend an extra $20 if you plan on transfering large files to your memory card.

[tifosiv122]

Rick 098 - I was prob. distracted by something and I typed it twice :)

archangel - I agree 100%.

Basically I just wanted to let people know that if they wanted to speed things up a bit, using an external device is a good idea. My personal computer has 7 USB ports so I leave my device plugged in all the time. I fully understand that most people don't have a setup like this, but if you have the hardware don't be mislead by people who state its just as fast as MS Import, because its not, its faster!

Erik

[archangel]

I'm thinking about getting one of those 6 in one card readers. If I can use it to transer files to a CF Card and memory stick it would be worth getting.

[nandaiyo]

same - external is faster for me by far

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by archangel
I'm thinking about getting one of those 6 in one card readers. If I can use it to transer files to a CF Card and memory stick it would be worth getting.

Thats what I have and I love it, plus whoever brings over their memory from whatever camera I can read, be it MS, CF, SD, etc.


Update
Real world test...see above!

Erik

[keesercc]

thanks for the data, data is good. I do not have the luxury of using an external reader, so I will stick to MS Import for now. but thank you!

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by keesercc
thanks for the data, data is good. I do not have the luxury of using an external reader, so I will stick to MS Import for now. but thank you!

NP. I am not trying to 'sell' anyone on the idea that they NEED to buy a device...I just wanted to let people know it was possible to get much faster speeds...someone like me who does batch Mp3 transfers would find this info worth while.

Erik

[YTTAN]

Those who use USB 2.0 card reader to replace Ms Import are wasting money.(quote for fun- no offence)

As I do not have any USB 2.0 card reader$$$ and my PC$$$ not support it too. I rather stick to the more economics way--Ms Import.

[Sid]

Are you in that much of a hurry?

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by Sid
Are you in that much of a hurry?

2 Mins per stick...2 sticks a day (at least)...so thats 4 mins a day...
5 days a week...20 mins a week...
4 weeks a month...80 mins a month...

An extra 1 hour and 20 mins a month...just for my normal usage...and I use my MS a ton more then that...

Erik

[mrdeucie]

Originally posted by archangel
I'm thinking about getting one of those 6 in one card readers. If I can use it to transer files to a CF Card and memory stick it would be worth getting.


This is the one that I use.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10332738&loc=101

When I bought it Sandisk was offering a $10 rebate so it came to about $20. I use it instead of my camera to transfer images off of my camera's CF card.

[archangel]

Originally posted by mrdeucie



This is the one that I use.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10332738&loc=101

When I bought it Sandisk was offering a $10 rebate so it came to about $20. I use it instead of my camera to transfer images off of my camera's CF card.

Thats what I'm looking for. Thanks for the link.

[tifosiv122]

I think this is mine (got mine from BB though):

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10334557&hdwt=30421&loc=101

I think I paid $40 about 7 months ago...a bit pricey, but its very small and portable.

Erik

[wilsonch_98]

Please don't shoot me...but i always have this feeling when i come to cliesource.

I am wasting too much time in here...
(A lot more then the time wasted on MS Import :) )

are you?

[Flash-57]

> 2 Mins per stick...2 sticks a day (at least)...so thats 4 mins a day...
> 4 weeks a month...80 mins a month...

Ahem. Except that you get that extra 80 minutes a month in small 2-minute increments. It's not like you can watch an extra movie in that extra 80 minutes.

Besides, that extra 2 minutes you save every day is probably only a phantom 2 minutes. When I hotsynch or transfer files, I simply start the process and then go off and do something else (bathroom break, read email, play with the dogs, etc.). When I come back to get my Clie, it's all done and it really doesn't matter whether it took 3 minutes or 5.

Now, I guess if you have a lifestyle where you start your hotsynch and then hover over it, waiting to grab it and bolt out the front door, then 2 minutes might make a difference.

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by Flash-57
> 2 Mins per stick...2 sticks a day (at least)...so thats 4 mins a day...
> 4 weeks a month...80 mins a month...

Ahem. Except that you get that extra 80 minutes a month in small 2-minute increments. It's not like you can watch an extra movie in that extra 80 minutes.

Besides, that extra 2 minutes you save every day is probably only a phantom 2 minutes. When I hotsynch or transfer files, I simply start the process and then go off and do something else (bathroom break, read email, play with the dogs, etc.). When I come back to get my Clie, it's all done and it really doesn't matter whether it took 3 minutes or 5.

Now, I guess if you have a lifestyle where you start your hotsynch and then hover over it, waiting to grab it and bolt out the front door, then 2 minutes might make a difference.

It just adds up...i don't want to waste the time, plus I can transfer the files and USE my clie while thats happening.

Erik

[TechnoCat]

Originally posted by wilsonch_98
Please don't shoot me...but i always have this feeling when i come to cliesource.

I am wasting too much time in here...
(A lot more then the time wasted on MS Import :) )
But ya see you can more efficiently waste time here discussing MS Import because you are wasting time on Clie Source and, since it's discussing MS Import, on MS Import. You can double-bill. For the 30 seconds you wasted reading my response here, you managed to accumulate an entire wasted minute by double-billing it.

If you waste enough time, you could live forever.

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by TechnoCat

But ya see you can more efficiently waste time here discussing MS Import because you are wasting time on Clie Source and, since it's discussing MS Import, on MS Import. You can double-bill. For the 30 seconds you wasted reading my response here, you managed to accumulate an entire wasted minute by double-billing it.

If you waste enough time, you could live forever.

I am wasting time in my .Net programming class...:)

Erik

[sebring]

Originally posted by tifosiv122
I think this is mine (got mine from BB though):

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10334557&hdwt=30421&loc=101

I think I paid $40 about 7 months ago...a bit pricey, but its very small and portable.

Erik

Before anyone orders this from Buy.com, better check model numbers. This is very similar to the one I also bought at Best Buy, which I am very happy with, but the one in the link does not indicate it reads/writes MS and also does not indicate it is USB 2.0. The one at BB normally sells for 49.95.

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by sebring


Before anyone orders this from Buy.com, better check model numbers. This is very similar to the one I also bought at Best Buy, which I am very happy with, but the one in the link does not indicate it reads/writes MS and also does not indicate it is USB 2.0. The one at BB normally sells for 49.95.

Yes I agree...mine states USB 2.0 this didn't which is why I said I wasn't sure. Mine was $49.99 but I got a discount and paid $40.00.

The model # is Mfg Part#: P-ALFMT-USB2-PB and it shoud read/write MS...its standard on most multi function devices.

Erik

[gothicaleigh]

I have a built in Mem.stick drive in my VAIO. I don't know the numbers, but it is definately faster than MSImport.

Mine was about $4000. I got screwed, eh? :p

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by gothicaleigh
I have a built in Mem.stick drive in my VAIO. I don't know the numbers, but it is definately faster than MSImport.

Mine was about $4000. I got screwed, eh? :p

ROFLMAO :D

[Unregistered]

Thanks for taking the time to run the numbers and post them.

I swear, no matter what someone posts here there is always someone who whines about it. Probably does prove the point that some people do spend too much time here. I mean how much time is wasted on 20 to 30 posts a day take up, lol ?

[Lee]

I have yet to transfer anything close to a 94 MB file, couldn't see the need to spend $40+ on another device, which required more time to hook up (not to mention research the purchase, purchase, pay for... etc. etc.) than I would save in transfer rates. And like someone else said, for tasks like hotsync and such, I can do other things in the meantime. And I would bet that many who are so concerned with wasting time, spend plenty of time playing games and listening-viewing entertainment-photos-etc. Is there really any of us nerds who doesn't waste a lot of time already just marveling at all the things the d*** pda does? I've probably wasted more time with it than I save by all the fancy things it does for me. But you'd have to pry it from my cold dead hands to get it away from me now...

[sebring]

Yesterday in WalMart, I saw a Lexar Jump Drive that uses MS, SD or MM cards. It cost $19.95 with you supplying the memory. Requires no drivers to function and is USB 2.0. Could be an alternative for those that are wasting time.:)

Here is a picture.

http://www.lexarmedia.com/jumpdrive/index.html

You can save $3,980. plus tax.

[nevarDeath]

Yeah, I got a lexar driv that's the size of a deck of cards. It's translucent green and reads 6 different formats, very nice, $30 though, they don't show it on their site anymore :( I still like it though.

[gif]

Yes! In my experience the integrated MS slot on the Vaio's are also about twice as fast as MS import. Over time, I have found it is much faster to load pics, video and isilo webpages using this method.

-gif

[nevarDeath]

I would think that a built-in drive would be hella faster than anything since it's built-in, and probably connected to the IDE cables, or SCSI