It's pretty straightforward for me
(Rich and C:Amie are referring to a process which I haven't tried on the MP, but have used with my MP3 players
). I plug in my USB memory stick
(thumb drive, key drive, etc.
). When I save my file, I just select that drive
(it's called Storage, I think, it just becomes second nature
). The issue is when you forget your USB memory stick ;-
) and can't easily transfer. The other way is to use a CF card in the the CF card slot
(although you could also use the PCMCIA slot with an adapter
). The transfer then needs a CF --> USB reader
(I have several cards and readers from my photography
).
The USB route is also inelegant because the drive sticks out ;-
) but that's remedied by the really small USB storage devices now available. The USB only a 1.1, but for note-taking
(you're looking at 100 kB as a huge file
), it's fast enough. It also allows me to transfer files to any computer with only the usual security issues
(putting your storage device into an unknown, err, slot
). Of course, it's not any more so than making sure you have the correct cable. The temptation for mission creep comes in with music
(not a problem
), recording audio
(not really a problem
), playing games
(umm, yeah, I get paid to do that...
), looking at photos
(not a problem unless you want to look at files significantly larger than the screen, oops... that's almost everything these days
), and want to watch a movie
(DVD Catalyst is your friend, but you're going to have to be reasonably dedicated
). Internet... not a good idea unless it's an emergency.
My MP isn't used alot now
(although I'm tempted to return to it just to shave off a pound and few cubic inches
) because I use an atom-based netbook.
As you might have guessed, I don't have alot of time to really play with the equipment. That's not to say that I don't
(it beats working
), but it's solidly in the "fun" category. When it comes to note-taking at meetings and conferences, wasted time and energy is more important than money. But YMMV.
