LAST TRY! Do I try the CF Magic 2.0 or buy a 256 MS?

[Forest_Noggle]

Since I have gotten nowhere on the board with answers to my Pelica driver issue, I see I have 2 options which are listed in the obvious subject.

Anybody care to give any feedback on any of this?

I really don't know if my problem is just so advanced that no one has an answer or if there just aren't the people there used to be using this forum.

Lastly, it really ticks me off that my last post was moved by the moderators (I put it in GENERAL because I wasn't getting any replies under CF) and see a total mish mash of stuff in other forums!

What to do?

Jay

[CliePet]

I recommend getting a 256 MB memory stick (MS Pro) if you need the extra space. They aren't that expensive compared to a fast 256MB CF card.

Dealing with the hassles of Compact Flash (regardless of driver) is only worth it (IMHO) if: you have lots of CF media already, need to transfer data between CF devices (like a camera) or need lots of storage (ie. 1GB or more) and want the cost savings of CF over MS Pro.

For 256MB or less of storage, using the memory stick format is going to be a much easier and more pleasant experience.

Also in buying a new MS Pro stick, you know it will be fast enough for movie playback and/or record. Not all Compact Flash cards are created equal.

[Forest_Noggle]

I already have the 256 12x CF. It USED to work flawlessly. Now I'm just so pissed, I want an easy was out.
I was planning on buying a 512 CF for movies(can't afford a 512 MS) because they are cheap.
I am not a newbie to the CF driver thing, just at the end of my rope and time.

Thanks, Jay

[anitanium]

CF will always be cheaper than MS...at least right now it is
and with peleca, i believe that only SOME cards work well with it, such as Sandisk

[Forest_Noggle]

Mine USED to work great! That's the frustrating part.

[CopyCat]

CF Magic is not that expensive and support on their boards is withen a day or two. Its a nice driver with some great features.

I would get a 256MS even if you got the CF Magic, I love having my 512MS...it is great to have a large capacity MS no matter CF or not.

[CliePet]

> ... I want an easy was out.
> ... just at the end of my rope and time.

MSPro is clearly the safest answer. The price difference for 256MB is in the $10 or $20 ballpark

Everyone emphasizes the price difference between CF and MS-Pro. That price advantage may not outweigh the hassle advantage, and cost of drivers.

IMHO for people shopping in the 256->512 MB range, the memory stick is very cost competitive (the overinflated MSPro prices are slowly coming down) and the makes for the best PDA experience

[cliener]

Originally posted by CliePet
> ... I want an easy was out.
> ... just at the end of my rope and time.

MSPro is clearly the safest answer. The price difference for 256MB is in the $10 or $20 ballpark

Everyone emphasizes the price difference between CF and MS-Pro. That price advantage may not outweigh the hassle advantage, and cost of drivers.

IMHO for people shopping in the 256->512 MB range, the memory stick is very cost competitive (the overinflated MSPro prices are slowly coming down) and the makes for the best PDA experience

Hey Cliepet, any comments on the rumor that Sony will discontinue making MS sticks? I know it is off the issue but you seem to have a little insight into these matters? Refering to an earlier comment (earlier meanin a week or so ago) about an issue that they will discontinue in a year or so.

[CliePet]

> any comments on the rumor that Sony will discontinue making MS sticks?

I don't have any inside info on that, and I rarely comment on rumors.
From looking at the current and future planned Sony offerings, I think it is safe to conclude that memory stick will be around for a while (in Sony products).

Sony is using more of the DUO form factor (small phones, cameras, etc), but it is compatible with the CLIE using the memory stick extender.

Of course with Lexar and Sandisk, "Sony" branded sticks may be less common.
What to do with leftover sticks: http://www.aibohack.com/pix/dogs_playing_cards2.jpg

---
If anything I'd predict CF format will be going away first, at least in new designs. Many newer PDAs (including PocketPCs) have been moving towards smaller SD media (phasing out the relatively large and bulky CF form factor).

[jdonalds]

Here's something to consider.
My Viking 256M CF card shows 244M Capacity.
My Lexar 256M MS Pro shows 228M Capacity.
I paid $39 for the Viking and $79 for the MS Pro.
So I got 16M less memory for $40 more!

There are advantages to the MS Pro. I can watch movies without all the hangups I experience with the MS Pro. My plan was to copy movies from my cheap CF to the expensive MS Pro but some won't fit because of the 16M loss on the Pro.