Reviewed by Ron Risman, January 2009

Introduction

The Nexto Extreme ND2700 is a high-speed portable memory card backup storage device that is marketed as having the world's fastest backup speed - offering backup speeds up to 8x faster than other image backup devices. The company's literature claims that users will be able to copy a Gigabyte of data in just 40 seconds directly from the integrated memory card slots - no PC required. We've had a Nexto Extreme ND2700 with 160GB Fujitsu hard drive in-house for the past couple of weeks to test the usability, durability, and speed and have found that the unit does indeed live up to is speed claims.

What's in the box
The Nexto eXtreme comes with a neoprene carrying pouch, AC adapter, USB Cable, OTG USB Host Adapter Cable, eSata Cable, User Guide.

Product Information

The Nexto eXtreme is a reasonably compact portable storage solution (measures 5"H x 3"W x .80"D) that feature its own internal Li-Poly rechargeable battery. The unit can be powered and charged directly from the included AC adapter or any powered USB port. The unit features just one button labeled "copy" and can copy over 11 different memory card formats using one of the two integrated media card slots. The internal 1500mAh Lithium Polymer battery can be recharged at any time without hurting the battery and allows for up to 60GB of data to be transferred on a single charge. An optional 2200mAh external battery pack can be attached that offers 80GB of transferred data on a single charge.

The unit is encased in an elegant gold speckle finish covering a very square/boxy looking body and features an information only LCD screen. While the unit lacks ergonomics as well as a way to review your photos's, Nexto has done a good job of keeping the unit simple to use and relatively inexpensive - both very welcome features - if you can call affordability a feature.

The top of the Nexto eXtreme is a CompactFlash media slot that accepts both CompactFlash type I and type II media. The left side of the unit features a single media slot that accepts a wide variety of miniature memory cards such as Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Multimedia Media Cards (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro), and the MagicGate versions of each Memory Stick option. The unit can even accept MS Duo, mini SD, Trans flash, MMC Mobile, and RSMMC when used with appropriate adapters (not included). The internal media slots are capable of transferring data to the internal storage drive at speeds up to 66MB/Sec.

The base of the Nexto eXtreme features a USB 2.0 and eSATA interface, along with a power connector and external battery connector. The USB 2.0 interface features OTG (On The Go) technology that allows direct connection and transfer from USB devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, Sony PSP, USB card readers, and other USB devices - all without a PC. This OTG functionality helps provide the widest comparability and helps to ensure that the Nexto extreme will work for you even as new media devices are introduced. Nexto includes an OTG USB Cable in the box for connecting directly to USB devices.

Internally, the Nexto eXtreme supports 2.5" SATA hard drives up to 2TB (2000GB) in size. Externally, the unit features an eSATA interface that offers transfer speeds up to 3Gbit/ sec.

One Button Simplicity

The Nexto eXtreme features just one button. This button is labeled "Copy" but is also used to navigate the menu system. How can you navigate and make selections with just one button? It's actually very simple. Most on-screen options will feature either a (S) or an (L) symbol next to them. the (S) means a short press of the "copy" button, while an (L) means a longer press. There are also a few times when you might see a (D) symbol listed - which means pressing twice (double click) on the copy button.

When navigating through the menu you use a short press to move the cursor to the next item in the list, while a longer press selects the highlighted option. To go backwards in the menu you would use the (D)ouble-click option. The menu system provides a way to copy, move, browse, delete, verify, and even re-copy data cards over to the internal hard drive.

Copying Data

When you insert a memory card, you'll first see a confirmation on the backlit LCD that shows that the memory card was detected (see photo on left). You then have the option of either copying or moving the images from the memory card onto the internal hard drive of the Nexto eXtreme. The Copy option transfers your images onto the Nexto eXtreme without removing them from the memory card, while the move option erases the images from the memory card once the files have been transferred onto the unit (See photo above).

To select the copy option you would quickly press the Copy button using a (S)hort press and to select the Move option you would press the Copy button for a (L)onger period of time (press and hold). Once all data is transferred you can verity that the transfer was successful by having the unit compare the memory card data to the copied data. To do this, just re-insert the memory card, and the device will automatically recognize that the contents have already been copied and will allow you to select the verify option. There is also an option to have the device AutoVerify after each copy, however if you turn this option on you'll find that the device automatically erases your memory card once it has verified the successful transfer of your images. If you prefer not to delete the images on your memory card then you want to make sure that you don't turn on the automatic verification. Once verified, you can safely re-format and re-use the memory card in your digital camera or other device - assuming you don't desire the safety of duplication.

A few Sample Screen Shots

Data Verification

The real use of an integrated preview screen on a backup solution would be to verify that your files are actually there. Regardless of speed, ultimately it's the reliability in the field that matters. The fact that the Nexto eXtreme lacks any way to view your images may prove bothersome to some, especially if you're relying on this as your only backup until you get home. Fortunately, the Nexto eXtreme does provide a verify function that will compare the contents of the just transferred memory card to the copied files on its hard drive. You can even drill down using the integrated menu system to view the filenames within each folder - as another reassurance that the files do indeed exists. When data is transferred using the internal card slots, files are put into folders with the current date as the folder name. This makes finding photos easier since you can view them by date.

Ultimately only time and usage will allow this or any backup device to become a trusted partner for your images when you're out in the field. As a reviewer, I don't have the luxury of using this unit for many months so I really cannot speak for its long term reliability. During the few weeks that I had it in house, there was never a problem.

Back at home you can connect the NEXTO eXtreme to your desktop or notebook PC using the USB 2.0 or eSATA interfaces. The drive doubles as an external drive when connected to your PC. Users can 'drag and drop' files to and from the drive as they would with any drive. You can even power the device directly from any powered USB port. Charging however must be done with the drive OFF unless you use the included AC adapter as power. It takes about 5 hours to fully recharge the Nexto if the battery is completely drained.

Performance

Performance claims were really the big reason I wanted to review this unit. A few years ago I used an Epson P3000 multimedia viewer, a device specifically designed and targeted to photographers. The data transfer speeds from memory card to the P-3000 were terrible. Luckily memory cards were a lot smaller then so the pain of waiting wasn't nearly as bad as it is today. Case in point - the new Epson P-7000 ($800) was recently reviewed by Photography Blog and was stated as taking over 18 minutes to transfer 9.3GB of files using a SanDisk Extreme III memory card. In my testing of the Nexto eXtreme, 9.3GB worth of data takes just over 6 minutes when using the Lexar 300x Professional UDMA memory card. That's 3x faster, which in the field, means everything - faster re-use of memory cards, less battery drain, and/or increased productivity.

The speed of the Nexto eXtreme is attributed to an exclusive feature developed and patented by NextoDI called "XCopy." XCopy technology bypasses the CPU and allows direct transfer from memory card to hard drive. The XCopy technology allows 1GB of data to be transferred in just 40 seconds, a claim I was able to verify when transferring data using a Lexar 300x Professional UDMA memory card. Even when using a slower 133x Kingston CompactFlash card I was able to transfer 4.9GB worth of images in 229 seconds, which breaks down to 21.45MB/sec. or 47.74 seconds to transfer 1GB (1024MB), just slightly slower than the 40 second rating. If you we go back to the comparison between the Epson P-7000 and the Nexto eXtreme you will find that even when using the Kingston 133x memory card the Nexto blows the Epson out of the water with a 2.5x faster transfer speed. The 9.3GB worth of data that took over 18 minutes when tested by Photography Blog, only takes 7:26 seconds on the Nexto eXtreme.

Comparing the Nexto eXtreme ND2700 to the Epson P-7000 is not really fair if you are looking for features beyond portable backup. The Epson P-7000 is a beautiful media player with ultra crisp 4.0" VGA color display, slideshow capabilities, and the ability for photographers to zoom in to check the detail of their images. However, at $799, this is one pricey unit and truthfully most photographers would easily trade the fancy screen for faster transfer speeds, longer battery life, and a lower price. The Nexto eXtreme 160GB sells for $209.99 from MPC (through Amazon), the 320GB version for just $269.99.

While the Nexto eXtreme lacks a color review screen, most digital cameras feature their own 2.5", 2.7" or 3.0" displays for reviewing images and most new DSLR's even offer ultra high-resolution LCD's with VGA resolution (920k pixels). So the preview feature that some multimedia players offer are duplicated in the camera, making that feature less valuable in an external device - at least for photographers. The other thing to keep in mind is that when you bring along a portable drive to use as a backup the last thing you want to do is to start reviewing images on an LCD that will only serve to drain precious battery life.

Media Card Speed Tests

Kingston 133x CompactFlash Memory Card Transfer Test (21.45MB/Sec)
In this test I transferred 4,912 Megabytes (4.79GB) of data in 294 files. There were 146 RAW files (3056MB), 102 JPEG files (830MB), 18 movie files (1025.3MB, MOV format), 19 thumbnail files (444KB), and 9 .xmp metadata files (64.8KB). The total transfer time took 3 minutes and 49 seconds (229 seconds total), which broke down to 21.45 Megabytes per second (4912MB / 229 seconds = 21.449MB/sec).

Lexar 300x Professional UDMA CompactFlash Memory Card Transfer Test (40MB/Sec)
In this test I used a Lexar 300x Professional UDMA memory card to copy over 5,824.18 Megabytes (5.7GB) and the results were even more impressive. 5.7-gigabaytes worth of images and related files took just 3 minutes, 41 seconds (221 seconds) for a total speed of 26.35MB per second. This means that 1GB of data (1024MB) only takes 38.86 seconds to transfer, slightly beating the 40MB/Sec. rating by the manufacturer.

Sandisk Extreme III CompactFlash Memory Card Transfer Test (22.75MB/Sec)
In this test I filled up a SanDisk Extreme III 4GB CompactFlash Memory Card with as many photos as I could including JPEG and DNG RAW files, and was able to fit 3.80GB or 3891MB of data (63 files). Transferring the card onto the Nexto eXtreme ND2700's internal hard drive took 2 minutes, 51 seconds (171 seconds) for a transfer rate of 22.75MB/sec. or roughly about 1GB / 45 seconds.

Sandisk Extreme III (133x) SDHC Memory Card Transfer Test (21.45MB/Sec)
In this test I filled up a SanDisk Extreme III 4GB SDHC Memory Card with as many photos as I could including JPEG, RAW, and DNG RAW files, and was able to fit 3815MB (3.8GB) of data. Transferring the card onto the Nexto eXtreme ND2700's internal hard drive took 3 minutes, 44 seconds (224 seconds) for a transfer rate of 17MB/sec. or roughly about 1GB / minute. In this test, the SanDisk 133x SDHC memory card didn't perform as well as the Kingston 133x CompactFlash card, which hit 21.45MB/sec. I re-ran this test with a different set of files and found

Canon HG10 AVHCD Camcorder Direct Transfer Test (23MB/Sec)
In this test I connected a high-definition Canon HG10 AVCHD camcorder directly to the Nexto eXtreme ND2700 using the OTG USB connection. I pressed the Copy button on the Nexto eXtreme ND2700 and the unit backed up ALL folders (.mts video files included) from the Canon camcorder (5.55GB or 5,683MB) in 4 minutes and 8 seconds (248 seconds). This averages out to be about 23MB /second transfer speed. The Canon HG10 features a 40GB hard drive, so if full, would have taken about 30 minutes to backup.

Speed Comparisons

The following speed comparisons were made based on either manufacturer specifications or product reviews found online that tested the transfer speed of the model in question. None of the four units below have been compared in house or tested by Cameratown.

• 2.8x faster than the Epson P-7000 (Reviewed & Tested by Photography Blog)
• 5.1x faster than the Digital Foci DataSafe II (Manufacturer rated at 5.0MB/Sec)
• 15x faster than the Wolverine Flash Pack 7000 (Reviewed & Tested by ProPhotoshow.net)

Nexto eXtreme to Desktop PC Speed Test (USB 2.0)

The transfer speed from the Nexto eXtreme to your Desktop PC is important as well, especially since you may find yourself uploading over 100GB of data to your desktop PC or other external hard drive when you get back from a trip or photo shoot. In this test I connected the Nexto eXtreme to my desktop PC using the USB 2.0 connection. I transferred a folder with 5.3GB worth of photos (5427MB) in 4 minutes and 49 seconds (289 seconds total), which worked out to 18.78MB/Sec. Not as fast as the internal transfer, but still fairly respectable. Just to put that into perspective, if you filled the entire 160GB hard drive, it would take 145 minutes (2hr, 25 minutes) to transfer the entire drive to your PC.

Reformatting the 160GB Drive

It only took 21 seconds to reformat the devices internal 160GB hard drive.

Nexto Extreme ND2700 Specifications

• 160GB Fujitsu Hard Drive
• Internal SATA HDD
• USB 2.0 / eSata Interface
• H/W Verify Function
• Self Check Function for HDD and Memory Card
• Up to 6x Faster than other image backup devices
• X-Copy Technology (40 seconds to backup 1GB)
• Supports: SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/MS/MS MagicGate/MS Pro/MS PRo MagicGate
• Supports w/adapter: mini SD/Trans flash/MMC Mobile / RSMMC / MS Duo / MS Duo MagicGate, MS Pro Duo / MS Pro Duo MagicGate
• OTG Backup allows you to connect any USB device (Camcorder, card reader, PSP, PMP, digital camera without the PC. Just connect using a USB cable

Conclusion

Memory cards have become so inexpensive that you can now pick up 8GB SDHC or CompactFlash memory cards for between $15 and $45. An 8GB card is large enough to hold over 300 high-resolution (14MP) RAW+JPEG images or 90 minutes of video from a camera like the Canon Powershot G10. With that kind of storage, do you really need to off-load images to another device? If most of your shooting is done around town and in short bursts, the answer is no. But how about when you take a vacation? Keeping your once-in-a-lifetime photos on tiny postage stamp-size memory cards may not be the smartest thing to do - at least not without a backup. What if after shooting a couple of days worth of events, the memory card fails or you lose / break one of them. I have even seen situations where memory cards have been confiscated for using a camera in a restricted place. Even if you have multiple memory cards there is no easy way to make a backup copy from one card to another. I used to bring a laptop with me just for the purpose of backing up my images, but truthfully who wants to lug a laptop on vacation now that most phones can be used to check email, voicemail, and surf the web.

If you're serious about your photography you already know the importance of duplication, especially when traveling. You also know the value in having a fast, efficient backup solution. Yes, backup solutions like the Epson P-7000 offer a lot of features, but they're too expensive, too slow, and have too many features you'll never use while out in the field. Even if you did find value in the ability to review images on its 4" display, you'll keep reminding yourself how much battery your wasting - thus you won't do it.

The Nexto eXtreme ND2700 is the fastest and one of the most affordable backup solutions on the market. I don't think the Nexto or any portable backup solution should be a substitute for having enough memory card storage, instead it should be a way to keep duplicates of all the images you shoot while traveling. If a card is confiscated, fails, breaks, or is lost - you'll be comforted in knowing that you have a backup. Professionals also use backup devices to make duplicates once a card is full. This duplication is a must if you shoot weddings or for any client that hires you. The fast transfer speed and long battery life of the Nexto eXtreme ND2700 will allow you to go all day on a single charge. If you need more than 60GB of backup on a shoot, you can opt for the optional external battery that will provide an addition 80GB of backup per charge.

As always, nothing is perfect, so this paragraph is here to highlight some of the things I'd like to see changed. First, is the product size. The unit, while not heavy or huge, is definitely not ergonomic. Let's thin it out, round the corners, and add a larger LCD display. I don't think a preview screen is necessary, especially since it reduces battery life, but a larger lCD display would allow for easier viewing and larger font sizes. At 45, my eyesight is definitely not what it used to be. I would like an option to turn off the auto memory card erase feature when using the autoVerify function. It would also be nice to have an up/down arrow on the side of he unit to make menu navigation a bit more intuitive. Since the unit connects to the PC and it has an internal card reader, why can't the device itself be used as a card reader for the PC? I already have a separate card reader and I suspect most readers already do as well, but it seems like an easy feature to implement. Overall, the Nexto eXtreme delivers on its promise of long battery life and fast transfer speeds and it does so at a very competitive price.

It is not often that marketing hype matches reality, but the speed claims that NextoDI makes about their eXtreme ND2700 are not hype at all as we were able to match those speeds during our testing. For anyone serious about their photography, the NEXTO eXtreme should definitely be high on their must have list.

Purchase the NextoDI eXtreme ND2700 with 320GB Drive through Amazon.com

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