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The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

theniftyminidrive.com

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Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#71

Post by prawn »

Wingman4l7 wrote: post #55
prawn wrote: post #31

Any real hope of 2TB cards in the near future?

That's what I've been wondering -- just because a 2TB card is supported doesn't mean that they can actually be built . I'm sure there's a hard limit on how much flash memory you can cram into the microSD form factor. Anyone know what that limit is?

When I first saw this project on KickStarter, I checked to see the current capacity of MicroSD and it was around 64GB. Not sure if it's likely to remain at that level for some time.

Even at that size, it could be worth trying to set one up with TimeMachine to give a second copy of critical files in case of hard drive failure in your laptop. Not quite off-site back-up though.

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#72

Post by Evbn »

ghshephard wrote: post #59
relix wrote: post #20

I see a lot of uninformed and unwarranted (apple-)hate in this thread. The removal tool, is a reference to how Apple includes the "SIM removal" tool with iPhones, which is just a paperclip. To me, it's obvious that you can just use a normal paperclip to remove this as well. This is also demonstrated in the video on kickstarter, which admittedly you need to search for. It's made as a semi-permanent piece, so the fact…

To all those who hate it, I'm wondering if they could recommend an alternative flash SD card adapter at a lower price.

As soon as this product launches, of it sells well, the mold factory that produces the product, or one of its neighbors, will sell a clone for $5.

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#74

Post by Wingman4l7 »

prawn wrote: post #71
Wingman4l7 wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's what I've been wondering -- just because a 2TB card is supported doesn't mean that they can actually be built . I'm sure there's a hard limit on how much flash memory you can cram into the microSD form factor. Anyone know what that limit is?

When I first saw this project on KickStarter, I checked to see the current capacity of MicroSD and it was around 64GB. Not sure if it's likely to remain at that level for some time. Even at that size, it could be worth trying to set one up with TimeMachine to give a second copy of critical files in case of hard drive failure in your laptop. Not quite off-site back-up though.

Even on-site would be better -- theft or physical damage would easily render such "in-place" backup moot. Better than nothing though, I suppose -- and I will readily admit that SD cards are quite tough (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3939333.stm).

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#75

Post by prawn »

Wingman4l7 wrote: post #74
prawn wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When I first saw this project on KickStarter, I checked to see the current capacity of MicroSD and it was around 64GB. Not sure if it's likely to remain at that level for some time. Even at that size, it could be worth trying to set one up with TimeMachine to give a second copy of critical files in case of hard drive failure in your laptop. Not quite off-site back-up though.

Even on -site would be better -- theft or physical damage would easily render such "in-place" backup moot. Better than nothing though, I suppose -- and I will readily admit that SD cards are quite tough ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3939333.stm ).

Thing is, the nice snug fit of this device (its entire appeal) goes against frequently taking it out to store elsewhere.

I guess you could use it with two MicroSD cards to alternate back-ups, storing one at home, one at the office. But then the sole advantage would be that during the day, you're not bumping into it sticking out of your computer. I don't move my laptop around during the day often enough for that to be an issue.

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#76

Post by ghshephard »

taligent wrote: post #61
ghshephard wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

To all those who hate it, I'm wondering if they could recommend an alternative flash SD card adapter at a lower price.

And also importantly for most Apple users something that fits in with the design.

Well - for this apple user, I'd take any flush adapter.

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#77

Post by heretohelp »

relix wrote: post #20

I see a lot of uninformed and unwarranted (apple-)hate in this thread. The removal tool, is a reference to how Apple includes the "SIM removal" tool with iPhones, which is just a paperclip. To me, it's obvious that you can just use a normal paperclip to remove this as well. This is also demonstrated in the video on kickstarter, which admittedly you need to search for. It's made as a semi-permanent piece, so the fact…

Regarding the removal tool: My macbook air doesn't go anywhere without being inside of its case. Its case has a slip pocket where I can put a removal tool / PAPERCLIP like this.

I will probably get one to expand my SSD storage.

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#78

Post by austinshea »

sliverstorm wrote: post #66
taligent wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm going to take a guess that you don't know many non-IT people. Because the majority of the general public care about how how something looks and works. Whether it's the car the drive, the clothes they wear, how their house looks etc. Most people care about form.

Eh, I'd say it's about 50/50.

You say it makes up half of the purchasing population, and you also say that you tend to forget about them?

Sounds spurious.

Re: The Nifty MiniDrive - SD slot hack for the Macbook

#79

Post by podperson »

mdonahoe wrote: post #14
podperson wrote: post #7

Setting aside the price, requiring a tool to remove it is a design fail. What I'd like is for it to have a removal prong that tilts out when pressed on one side (perhaps with a pen). I guarantee that I'd lose the butt ugly gizmo. So it's ugly I'm going to lose the thingy. Oh and it's $35.

Much like the tool that Apple includes for removing sim cards from your iphone, this tool is a glorified paperclip. Not the end of the world if you lose it. Also, prongs break. That said, I don't have a macbook with an SD card. Nor am I running low on internal storage, so this thing isn't for me anyway.

What's the expected number of times you'll remove the SIM card from a phone in normal use? Hmm. 0.

Requiring a tool for removing removable storage media is a different order of inconvenience.

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