Photo Functionality
It's hard not to like the FlashTrax XT as an accessory for photographers.
It supports the major photo formats (RAW, JPEG, GIF and BMP) with the
exception of TIFF, has 40GB or 80GB of storage depending on which model
you choose. If features a built-in type I/II compactflash memory card reader/writer,
has a large 3.6" color display, allows the photographer to quickly zoom
in on each photo to check for sharpness and other details that are often
too small to see on a camera's tiny LCD, can play slideshows with music
in the background, connects to a television or projector for large screen
playback, offers fast transfers to your PC with USB 2.0, and copies the
entire contents of your memory card with the press of one button.
There are a few things missing that I'd like to see added in future models or updates.
The ability to rotate images is a feature that should have been implemented
and hopefully can be added via a firmware update. In a future version
I'd like to see a remote control included, which would come in handy when
giving presentations. I would also like to see built-in support for all
major memory card formats. As it is, you can purchase adapters for other memory
cards (see "Features for Photographers" page), but not having them built-in
will most likely limit its appeal for the average consumer. Even professional
digital SLR's are starting to support smaller media, like the Secure Digital format.
Video functionality
The video playback feature of the FlashTrax XT works great. Watching movies
and other videos on the 3.6" screen offers a high quality portable video
experience. The screen is not transflective so viewing it in direct sunlight
is nearly impossible, however I had no problem viewing photos and videos
while in the car (while parked!). TV shows, home videos, and downloaded music videos
all played without a hitch. The built-in speaker
is also a nice touch, since there are times when headphones limit the
ability to share the experience.
The video recording capability is also a welcome addition, and for the most part, did a great job.
As mentioned in the review, I did get many skipped frames while recording at 704x240 resolution, however,
even in this mode, video was enjoyable to watch and the audio never missed a beat.
When recording at 352x240 resolution, video was captured at 30fps, and I was unable to detect any
skipped frames. The lower resolution is actually perfect when the playback will be done on the 3.6"
screen, however you should use the higher resolution mode if you plan to connect it to a larger
screen.
Music functionality and FM Tuner
If you think of the MP3 playback as a bonus feature then you'll love it. Sound quality was excellent
and the player features all the basic functions of an MP3 player (create
and edit playlist's, shuffle play, repeat, etc.). It makes for a rather large MP3 player,
which is the reason I view this more as a bonus feature.
As I mentioned in the review, the clamshell design makes the FlashTrax
XT a very nice desktop MP3/Video/photo player, and the built-in FM tuner allows
you to not only listen to your favorite stations, but also record your
favorite songs as MP3's while you're listening.
Unfortunately, the FlashTrax XT does not have the ability to rip MP3's
directly from an external audio source. If you don't mind larger file
sizes, you can record audio while in VIDEO mode - but since the device
will also record blank "video" while recording the audio, a typical 3.5
minute song will use up 6.5MB of storage, compared to 3.6MB if it was
recorded as an MP3-only audio file. It's possible that this capability
could be added with a firmware update, although I have not talked to SmartDisk
about this.
FM Stereo Tuner with Record Function
The FM tuner allows you to listen and record your favorite songs played
over the air. There are 12 on-screen presets, which allow you to program in your favorite
stations. This is the only way to scan through stations since there is
no standard "seek" or up/down button to go to the next station. When editing
a preset, the FlashTrax XT does have an auto search feature to find the
next available frequency. Like many portable FM devices, a headphone or
external audio cable is used as the FM antenna - so don't get disappointed
if you don't get reception at first. Connect headphones or external speakers
and you should be all set.
Comparing it to the Epson P-2000
The FlashTrax XT is up against a serious competitor in this field; the
Epson P-2000. The Epson P-2000 with 40GB drive sells for $499, the same
price as the FlashTrax XT with an 80GB drive. The Epson P-2000 also lacks video recording,
FM tuner and FM recording, but does feature a higher-resolution 3.8" screen that
uses the latest technology for unsurpassed image quality indoors or out.
It features dual memory slots (CompactFlash and SD memory) and offers
PC-free printing to compatible printers.
On the other hand, the FlashTrax XT offers better battery life as well as
support for a wider range of RAW image formats from Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax,
Sony, Sigma, and Konica Minolta.
If screen quality and sleek design are important or if you plan on watching a lot of
video clips while on the go, then the Epson P-2000 is the better choice.
However, if photo storage capacity, video recording, and battery life are more important -
then the Flashtrax XT is the better choice.
The Epson is slightly smaller (3.3"d vs. 3.5"d -- 5.8"w vs. 6.0"w -- 1.2"h vs. 1.3"h), but the
clamshell design of the FlashTrax XT will help protect the screen from scratches, dust, and dirt.
With the Epson P-2000, scratches and fingerprints are inevitable, since your fingers
are constantly touching the screen - not to mention the abuse it might get inside a camera bag.
It's your choice, but for portable photo storage needs, I'd
recommend the FlashTrax XT - especially the 80GB version, which offers
twice the storage for $100 more - or the same price as the 40GB Epson P-2000.
