Minding the Stor

November 2001: Could this be the ultimate digital camera user’s companion? The new MindStor digital wallet from Minds@Work is a portable, battery-powered storage device that comes in 5GB, 10GB and 20GB capacities and has been designed to provide reliable image storage for digital photographers. It’s simple to use but provides a convenient and lightweight alternative to carrying extra memory cards or a notebook PC when you want to take lots of pictures.

When your memory card is full, all you need is to remove it from the camera, slip it into a compatible PC card adapter and insert the adapter into MindStor’s built-in PC card slot. Select the first menu option and you can download the files instantly. Re-insert the card in your digital camera for reformatting and you’re ready to continue shooting.

Transferring stored image files to a PC is equally easy; simply connect MindStor via USB or FireWire cable and you’re ready to download. And MindStor will work with Windows, Mac or Linux systems. In addition, when you connect via USB, MindStor also acts as a card reader!

MindStor features some convenient technological innovations, including a RISC processor that makes data transfer fast (up to 15 MB/sec) and a countdown clock that shows the duration of each file transfer. It also allows users to transfer individual files or entire folders from a memory card. It provides file verification after every transfer, plus automatic notification of corrupted files.

But its use isn’t limited to image files: MindStor can also be used with text files, including email and contact lists and its multi-lingual text display and support for long file names further increase its versatility. The unit weighs less than 340 grams and fits in the palm of a hand. The 5 GB model sells for $899 while the 10 GB and 20 GB units are priced at $1130 and $1300 respectively. They can be purchased online from Bits Pty Ltd by emailing sales@bits.com.au. Product details are available at www.bits.com.au.