On the go file transfer computer

Big-O · Post by **Big-O** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:39 pm

I'm looking for a file transfer computer for my psp and iPod, so that I can transfer videos to and from them. I don't care what it looks like, or how it's designed. But it needs to be able to fit into a pocket or small bag and has to be under 150$.

Any Ideas?

Post by **bicostp** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:56 pm

Sorry, but on that budget your options are limited. You won't really be able to have a full pocket sized machine (Mac Mini sized). The smallest solution that I can think of is a used laptop with a USB 2.0 PCMCIA card.

You could also get a somewhat old PC and put XP, 2000, or Linux on it, but it will be larger (duh). You'll most likely wind up with a minitower. You may want to get a bigger hard drive too, especially if you plan on storing extra media on the hard drive. If you want to follow this path, look into getting a Compaq DeskPro. They're small form factor PCs, but they will work for what you need. (Throw in a USB 2.0 card for faster data transfer)

Building a Mini ITX machine is out of the question for your budget, mainly because the cheapest motherboard is 90 bucks, and on top of that you need a power supply, a fairly large hard drive.

I recommend picking up a Deskpro. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Compaq-Deskpro-EN-D ... m">Here</a> is a 1 ghz model with 256 MB RAM and a 20 gig HD for <$50. Throw in an <a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... atId=8">80 gig HD</a> and you'll be set for space. (Sorry but there's only room for 1 hard drive in this case. Believe me, I have one.) Throw in a light-ish Linux distro and the necessary iPod software for it, and you'll be set.

Edit: <a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... d=511">add USB 2.0 ports to an old laptop</a>

Post by **Sparkfist** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:43 am

The best you can do with that amount is to buy a laptop off ebay, and likely have it be a PII or PIII. The problem though with this idea is that you'll be left with USB 1.1 at best, so transfering files will be very slow.

I'd suggest a USB drive, but as neither of those support USB or at the very least the iPod doesn't it wont work for you. And really as I see it a full size computer is too limited to carry with you and power outside a car or 110v ac outlet.

tom61 · Post by **tom61** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:03 pm

How new is the iPod? If it's new enough, you might be able to transfer videos to and from the PSP using this: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/W ... M9861G%2FA

I'm not sure if the default apple firmware supports using the connector for anything other than images, if not, it seems very likely to me that iPod Linux could.

Sir Games-A-Lot · Post by **Sir Games-A-Lot** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:24 am

Just get this thing and a big USB thumb drive or USB hard-drive (or three):

http://www.aleratec.com/usbcocrplpa3.html

It can even browse hidden iPod files according to Engadget.
Engadget Article

NOTE: to work with the PSP you need to have the homebrew app for the PSP called FileAssistant, because the folder that the USB Cruiser Plus creates in the PSP breaks the PSP's file structure and the movies you transfer cant be played.