CF Driver - Athena's (Formally Eruware) CF Enabler VS. PDA Ascent's CF Magic

[CYber_Stingray]

To get this started I just want to point out that I'm not looking for mud slinging or name calling. I am just curious as to what peoples thoughts are about the software , not the company or the people who work for said company. Has anyone tried both? What are the comparisons (good / bad)?

Although in the back of my mind I wonder did I jump on the band wagon a little early? Not to say that I'm not impressed and awestruck about the one I choose... but when there is only one choice than... well... you get it... :rolleyes:

Cyber -------
-----Stingray

[tifosiv122]

Someone said for the CF Enabler you still need to do a soft reset when swaping cards..not sure if you need to with the other one.

Erik

[CYber_Stingray]

Well, the CF Driver allows you to hot mount the CF device and keep on working, you only need to do a soft reset if you want it to emulate the memory stick.

[CliePet]

I'll admit they suckered me in and I've tried both ;->

[actually all four currently available drivers:
CF Magic 1.0
Athena 2.0.0
Eruware 1.2.x
Sony CF driver (hacked or not)
]

I'm happy to see the CF Magic and Athena drivers providing new and unique features. This will hopefully, in the long run, make for clearer choices between them, as well as the Sony driver.

The CF Magic driver allows per-application setting. This is good because for many built-in apps you need tricks to make them work properly, and the tricks are different for each application. The defaults for the built in applications are good, making some cases easier. The price for that is having to soft reset (a problem with the "MS Replace" feature of both drivers)

The Athena driver has more global options (eg: the MS Replace, formerly MS Cloak, formerly MS Masquerade, needs only to be set once for all apps). This is a plus and a minus. If you are using just the built-in apps, you may need to change these settings. They also support limited caching (like EruWare 1.2.x) and a few minor things.

Both are unstable in certain uses and 'beta' quality IMHO. If you ignore the history, each is still version 1 (Athena 2.0.0, CF Magic 1.0)

Neither report the correct CF statistics about free memory etc.
The CF Magic driver now requires me to turn on the "My card needs extra startup time" even though I didn't need it before. There are other problems that sometimes require soft resets as hinted earlier [I think they only do the proper detection when you insert the CF card]
The Athena driver has had some other stability problems/crashes.
In some ways I prefer the EruWare 1.2.x driver over its two progeny - but I hope they will improve with time.
CF Magic's About Box wins on social commentary grounds.
Still I haven't been able to use any of the drivers with the movie camera app, but you can blame that on the movie app.
...

----

The speed of CF Magic, Athena and Eruware are in the same ballpark. I guess not too surprising considering their origins.

The Sony CF Driver is still faster overall and more stable IMHO. It lacks the configuration features of the other drivers, but works for most of the common apps, especially using Mini's patched apps.

I'll admit to only doing a cursory analysis, and quickly returned to using the stable Sony driver without fear of missing much.

----
As to the recent p***-ing match between the two companies in question, I really don't know what to say. Remember folks, this is only software...

[archangel]

The Sony driver is free and much more stable. It might be a little tricky to install, but the instructions are pretty clear and easy to follow. Why anyone would buy either of these buggy products is a mystery to me.

[Unregistered]

Clearly Archangel and Cliepet are men. From a woman's point of view I don't like having to register everytime I need to use the AA driver. I don't like picking my way through the "hacked" driver either. The CF magic is like a little black dress. You buy it and you don't have to worry whether it works at the office, or after dark. It's perfect for me. ;)

[Selachii]

^^didn't know they had female developers at Athene America ;)


I confirm what CliePet wrote. Allthough I haven't bought the CFMagic drivers, the 'hacked' sony drivers are far more stable (then the eruware or athena's).
I only use them for the audioplayer and it provides all necessary functionality. I don't have mp3's on the MS so Audioplayer will auto-select the CF for me...ideal

[CYber_Stingray]

Personally I have been using the Eruware drive since the start, I haven't had ANY problems with it for what I use it for. I haven't tried the SONY drive but I'm not a big fan of hacked drivers, sounds too risky reguardless of how many people say it works. I don't think the functionality of CF magic would be good for me. I haven't put the new Athena driver on to see what they changed... so there is still doubt. Anyway thanks for you thought....

[Unregistered]

I bought the EruWare driver back in June and decided to give the CF Magic upgrade a shot (was only $10 so I said what the heck). IMO the CF Magic driver is a major improvement over the EruWare one for a couple of reasons:

1. I can listen to MP3s and watch movies (MPEG) and use the MS for movie recording all without having to remove and reinsert cards or remember which card needs to go in what order.
2. Automount is sticky. This was one of the most annoying things about EruWare.

I know there are hacked drivers/apps but I won't use them (no judgement there, just me). Between CF Magic and Athena I would say CF Magic (for me at least). Between these two and the hacked drivers/apps I'll leave to others to comment.

[The Missus]

I agree, no mud slinging here. I think if you can use the "hacked" apps cool, if you like the old driver and can get the upgrades for free cool too. If you have a problem with something you buy then by all means I hope you get it fixed and get the best service possible. It isn't about "mud slinging" it is about making and keeping the customer happy. So if you have a problem (regardless of what you bought or not) please post all the pros and cons, be specific and if you found a solution (again be specific) post it. Everyone wins when you do that. Have a great day all.

[jhoh]

A few questions for those who have tested:

Does the new CF Magic driver support the Voice Recorder on a NX60/70? This is one complaint about the "hacked" driver.

Has any of the drivers fixed the lockup in Movie Player when using the seek bar to jump to a position in the movie?

How would one uninstall the "hacked" driver in favor of the CF Magic Driver?

Does the CF Magic driver support any kind of MS Export or MS Import function for the CF card like the "hacked" driver does?

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by jhoh
A few questions for those who have tested:

Does the new CF Magic driver support the Voice Recorder on a NX60/70? This is one complaint about the "hacked" driver.

Has any of the drivers fixed the lockup in Movie Player when using the seek bar to jump to a position in the movie?

How would one uninstall the "hacked" driver in favor of the CF Magic Driver?

Does the CF Magic driver support any kind of MS Export or MS Import function for the CF card like the "hacked" driver does?

Yes, CF Magic supports the Voice Recorder...it works pretty well.

Movie playback seems good, I always stop seek then play (even with MS) so I don't know if it locks up on seek without stop.

Go to filez, reset the type of CFSlot to something other than libs and then reset. Then you should be able to delete the files. CliePet posted something like this earlier...hope I got it right.

No MS import/export in CF Magic...but use an external card reader. I like it a lot better(even for MS) because when I go places I can just drop it in my backpack.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by archangel
The Sony driver is free and much more stable. It might be a little tricky to install, but the instructions are pretty clear and easy to follow. Why anyone would buy either of these buggy products is a mystery to me.

I haven't seen any bugs in CF Magic (not saying there aren't any) and I've been using it about a week. The reason to buy it IMO is the same reason some people hire a real estate agent while others go house hunting on their own. It's a convinence factor...I don't have to worry about all the details...it just works. There's a price for that and it's low enough that I'm willing to pay it. Others can make their own judgements.

[jhoh]

When moving to the CF Magic Driver, should I removed the "hacked" apps (MoviePlayer, AudioPlayer, etc), or can I still use these?

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by jhoh
When moving to the CF Magic Driver, should I removed the "hacked" apps (MoviePlayer, AudioPlayer, etc), or can I still use these?

I don't see why you couldn't use them...just set CF Magic to "Do Nothing". But you don't need them....that's kinda the point.

[I_aM_mR_kEE]

I just wish I knew who are the Unregistered's then we know whether its from AA or Ayasin

[CliePet]

> I just wish I knew who are the Unregistered's then we know whether its from AA or Ayasin

Or perhaps (gasp) an unbiased person who has a somewhat more objective real-user experience...

[Halesy]

I started (and payed) for the Eruware driver.  Many thanks to them for getting the ball rolling.  It was good for an early version.  After a while I progressed onto the hacked Sony drivers which seem to be more stable and more user firendly (except for the installation process).  Currently I prefer the hacked driver's and haven't tried Ascent driver.  Currently:

Movieplayer works better with hacked driver

Problems with MovieRec, have to remove CF card to record

AudioPlayer was OK for both Eruware and hacked version

A final point though.  I bought and subscribed to the Eruware driver.  It was only until I read this post that I realised Eruware no longer existed and it has become Athena.  This makes me very unhappy.  I thought they might want to tell their loyal, initial customers of such a change.  Guess my name dropped off their email notification :mad:.  I have visited the new website (Athena) and received details of the new driver, but without mud slinging, this is not the customer service I expect.

[ayasin]

Its not me. I don't expect the fanatics to believe that of course. Since this whole C F business started I've been called everything from a saint to satan (sometimes by the same people). No one is making you buy either product. I've tried to continue the vision I had for the driver and I'm sure AA will do their thing. As others have pointed out here its just software (though some people take the CF driver WAY too seriously). As for mud slinging, someone made some statements about me publicly that were false...I corrected them end of story. I'm just a guy who wants to make software and earn a living...I think people who've known me on this and other boards kmow that. Anyway, use what woks for you.

[CYber_Stingray]

A final point though. I bought and subscribed to the Eruware driver. It was only until I read this post that I realised Eruware no longer existed and it has become Athena. This makes me very unhappy. I thought they might want to tell their loyal, initial customers of such a change. Guess my name dropped off their email notification . I have visited the new website (Athena) and received details of the new driver, but without mud slinging, this is not the customer service I expect.

I have to agree, why wouldn't you let your customer base know about the change? I too found out via this site! that's just not cool in my books...

However...

I think the market is now starting to get competitive in this area and competition will lead new and / or better ideas. We'll just have to sit back and watch... And if we look at it from the money point of view $$$... Personally I don't mind paying for a product to that will serve a purpose, if another company comes out with a better product then yeah I may consider buying it too... It does help that they are not asking astronomical amounts of money for the product....

[AgentEE7]

Curious for feedback from NX80 users experience with the new versions of CF Driver and/or CF Enabler. Are there advantages/disadvantages with use on NX80.

I assuming the comparison is different thn with the older OS 5 Clies, since the NX80 includes Sony's CF Driver support and different SONY application versions.

Thanks!

[wallywld]

FWIW - I did receive notification from Athena via email. The text of such is attached below. I really don't care one way or the other, but I do think it's fair to state that they did send out a message. Wether it got to everyone is another story...

-------------------------------
We are pleased to announce the Athena CF Enabler, brought to you by Athena America. (www.AthenaAmerica.com)

Athena America is now handling the sales, maintenance, support, and ongoing development of the product formerly known as the EruWare CF Driver. Athena CF Enabler is a replacement for the EruWare CF Driver, with a new name to reflect its new pedigree and capabilities.


Now supports Clié Models NX73 and NX80

The new Athena CF Enabler brings the same great CF support and enabling features to the popular Sony Clié models NX73V and NX80V. The product can run, unchanged, on the widely-popular 60, 70, and 90 models, and on the recently introduced 73/80 models. Version 2.0.0 of the Athena CF Enabler coexists peacefully with the built-in Sony driver, handling CF storage cards when they are used -- and letting the Sony driver take over when non-storage devices are inserted in the CF slot.

With the new support for the Clié models NX73V and NX80V, users of the newer Clié models can use their CF Storage cards with many of the Sony built-in applications, including Audio Player, Movie Player, Movie Recorder, and Voice Recorder.


Versatile User-selectable Switches

The Athena CF Enabler's Console program lets you Automount cards (making the functioning of the CF cards as transparent as Memory Sticks). The Console also allows you (through the "Replace MS" function) to make the CompactFlash slot behave as though it were the MS (Memory Stick) slot on the Clié, thereby allowing access to selected built-in Clié applications such as Audio Player and Movie Player.


Use both the CF card and the Memory Stick simultaneously

The "Second MS" mode allows you to use applications such as Audio Player and Movie Player without the need to enter "Replace MS" mode. Thus, the Memory Stick remains fully usable, and no soft reset is required to enter or exit from the mode.


Easier to Use; More Robust Capabilities; Great Docs and Support

With a streamlined user interface and a new, simplified registration system, Version 2.0.0 of the CF Enabler is easier to install and run than ever before. Greater error-checking and improved logic translates to a more reliable, robust product. And our heavily expanded User's Guide and friendly, knowledgable support will have you productive with your CF card and Clié in the shortest time possible.


New Purchase Options

The Athena CF Enabler is available for purchase for $27 directly from http://www.AthenaAmerica.com using any one of: Credit Card, check, money order, "ECheck" (direct bank withdrawal), or PayPal.


Maintaining our Lifetime Upgrade Guarantee

All purchasers of the Athena CF Enabler, as well as all owners of the former EruWare CF Driver, are entitled to free lifetime upgrades of the product.


Owners of the EruWare CF Driver may obtain a copy of the Athena CF Enabler by logging into the Athena America account management page at http://www.AthenaAmerica.com/aa_account.asp.


Best Regards,
the Athena America team

-----------------------------------------------------
www.AthenaAmerica.com The Art of Science

[Handsome]

Ok, all I hear about this CF Magic driver, how does some one goes about getting this driver?...
I have been to many sites looking for it and yet I haven't found it...could anyone point me in the right direction?
Thank You.....Handsome

[ayasin]

Get it here. (http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=software.showsoftware&sid=6450E15B-40FA-4548-B633CBCFFEAABB64&catid=0&area=software.essentials&searchtitle=Essentials&searchterm=&step=1&orderby=modificationdate&direction=asc&userid=0&prodid=52374)

[cliener]

Out of curiousity, how can "only hear about this driver but not know where to get it?" It is purchaseable from Handango and from Palmgear, it has had a review from David Eaton of PDA247 and it has a website you can find if you do a search on google and probably any other search engine. Not trying to call you out or anything but I am just wondering where you are hearing about it but can't find it? Especially if you are reading any of the threads here on Cliesource. The proverbial "ask and you shall receive" website for clie info.

[mole]

Originally posted by wallywld
FWIW - I did receive notification from Athena via email. (...)

I also received this and I think its a breach of privacy. I bought the Eruware driver, I have no business relation to a company Athena. At least they should have added remarks saying how they got my address (e.g. "we are the same company, yet with a new name and thus used the address you once gave to Eruware"). The way it presented to me, without explanations (even the About Us section of their web site doesn't mention their history), I consider it unsolicited commercial email/UCE/SPAM.

Just my 0.02 EUR.

mole

[starbuckk]

Where do you get the Sony driver? Hacked or unhacked? And what exactly is the "hack"?

[cliener]

I think you would have to cruise the threads and look for Pelaca, Cliepet and some other key names to find any of that stuff or other answers to your questions.

[tibeo]

Hi there,

I badly need Athena CF enabler. Could please send me the file? lebinhphuong@yahoo.com.

Thank you so much,
Tibeo

[CliePet]

> I badly need Athena CF enabler.
http://www.athenaamerica.com

It is a commercial program: $27.

---
If looking for free alternatives, check the sticky thread at the top of this forum
"NEWBIES READ THIS if you need help with the whole CF craze! "

[nunx]

how do I get this sony driver? is it still easily accessible for the non-gearhead?

[nunx]

how do I get this sony driver? is it still easily accessible for the non-gearhead?

[bike1]

The CF Magic FAQ is unclear on whether the recommended data rate of 192kbps for MPEG-1 is a limitation of the CF Magic software, the CF card interface, or the Clie itself.

It obviously can't be the Clie because I have a Clie NZ90, which plays 24fps, 300-600kbps Xvid movies very smoothly from a memory stick pro with the TCPMP player and lightspeed overclocking to 265mhz.

Does anyone know the max transfer rate of movies from the CF card with either CF Magic, CF Enabler, or the Pelaca drivers?

Thanks,
Bruce