Chekm8

So here's the deal. As posted before, I was searching for a way to integrate an external USB HD to my PDA and use it to store MP3s. I've been using my PDA as an MP3 player in my car so prerequisite for this is the blitzsafe adaptor install.

I ordered the adaptor from (<a href="http://www.pc-mobile.net/ptu1.htm">http://www.pc-mobile.net/ptu1.htm </a>) that will plug onto my PDA. I think it's the same as the expansion for the Toshiba but just a straight USB connector

USB connector;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0112.jpg">
Plugs into;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0116.jpg">

I also ordered an external HD from (<a href="http://www.newegg.com">http://www.newegg.com </a>). Nothing special, just a USB version. They have a Firewire version which can move data from your PC to the drive much quicker than the USB 2.0 would. HD not included. Used an old 20GB I had.

USB HD;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0113.jpg">
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0114.jpg">

I had to obtain drivers for the new adaptor to read the large external drive. The drivers that came with the USB adaptor didn't support it so I got my drivers here (<a href="http://www.ratocsystems.com/english/support/driver/cfu1.html">http://www.ratocsystems.com/english/support/driver/cfu1.html </a>)

To make a long story short, I got 20GBs of space and use my PDA as the MP3 player (GPS as well and other things).

Mounted Volume is the External USB drive;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0101.jpg">

Playlist with only about 5GB of MP3s;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0103.jpg">

Using Windows Media Player to play MP3s, there are others that are faster;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0104.jpg">

Note, when playing a song and trying to view the play list, the song will pause for a second and the hourglass will pop up. I think it's due to the fact that it's trying to access a large size drive bogs the memory.
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0102.jpg">

I've tried testing the SHUFFLE option and see if there's a lag--NONE. Jumps from one song title/folder to the next without any issues. I'm going to be driving to Vegas at the end of the month and I'm covered for the 9 hour trip with music already! Whohoo!!

Haven't quite figured out about where to put the HD. Glove seems to work without skipping/jumping and hte HD doesn't get hot enough. Since this will only be used for long trips, I don't think I'll be doing a permanent install for it. Please excuse the messy wires.
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0100.jpg">

<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0099.jpg">

<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0098.jpg">

<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0097.jpg">

Lastly, everything I used excluding the mount and the blizsafe;
<img src="http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v172/chekm8/CIMG0109.jpg">

Mount and Blitzsafe install pics here as well as all the pictures you see here;
<a href="http://public.fotki.com/chekm8/">http://public.fotki.com/chekm8/ </a>

Thanks for viewing!

ben gt/cs

thats a lot of wires

needforsleep

that I have an old Audiovox Maestro Pocket PC (same as Toshiba, just rebadged) and was thinking of doing the same. I was wondering if it was cheaper to do this versus buying an mini-IPOD. I don't use the Pocket PC for anything so I figured I'd put it to good use.

Chekm8

Toshiba E755;
bought about 2 years ago at $500

Laptop Drive;
had an old one--2 actually, 14GB and 20GB. price--not sure how much they go for now.

USB Case;
range from $10 to $60. Got mine for $20

USB adapter;
$20 i think

The ARKON pda mount;
was about $40 i think

Yeah, lotsa wires. like I said, not sure what to do with it yet. Don't want to drill holes and plug them through cuz it's for long trips. The 2 main USB wires comming from the bottom of the PDA mount are USB power only. The coiled wire is for the Cigarette lighter powering the mount. Also, I might be able to get a USB Hub which can act as power source and such, but why bother. I'm not good at cleaning up as you can see. Did the quick and dirty...


Umm, probably cheaper to get an IPOD. Hell, I plugged my brothers IRIVER into it and it acted as another "removable drive". I can also plug it directly to the blitzsafe and play MP3s directly.

ChuckTigre

Not that bad...maybe $125-175 total then? Might as well spring for a decent IPOD too...now only 250?

needforsleep

So, basically I'd have the same type of expenses to get going. Thanks for the info.

Chekm8

if the PDAs became more advanced where they can process faster and add perepheral devices without issues, i'd probably revisit this.

it'll work for now.

Chekm8

all good... lemme know if i can help.

needforsleep

the only drawback is the PPC's battery is terrible. I think I could get 3hrs of play if I am lucky.

Chekm8

battery on the the e755 is actually decent.

Lemme go grab a picture of the night shot--money shot. won't see the wires and looks pretty kool...