With video capability invading the DSLR world and memory card capacities simply soaring on what seems like weekly basis, reliable back-up solutions have taken center stage for digital shutterbugs. And when a particular storage solution is portable and carries the promise of being “the fastest available” it is sure to turn a few heads.
That would bring us to the Nexto eXtreme ND2700 portable memory card back-up device. A lightweight, yet durable little external drive that is being marketed as having the world's fastest backup speed, “offering backup speeds up to 8x faster than other image backup devices.”
The device's dimensions are 5″ H x 3″ W x .80″ D so it passes the portability test with ease. As for living up to the speed promises – more on that in a minute.
An internal Li-Poly rechargeable battery charges quickly and holds the charge nicely and the unit can be powered and charged directly from the included AC adapter or any powered USB port. While we didn't need the device to last us for more than an hour at a clip, it was going strong at that point each time we used it..
While the device won't win any style points with its rather boxy design, the gold speckled outer finish was at least a nice try. The information-only LCD screen on the face of the unit could be a bit larger and we have to say the inability to review content was a downer. But alas, the manufacturer has kept the device uncomplicated and inexpensive so we understand the trade-off.
As for those promised transfer rates – like 1GB of data in 40 seconds – the ND2700 stayed relatively true to this claim as our transfer rates were only slightly off those numbers. Obviously, the type of card you insert plays a role in these numbers as well. We were using a SanDisk Extreme III so that certainly didn't hurt our efforts.
Perhaps our favorite feature was the “No PC required” promise as we achieved these rates directly via the unit's integrated memory card slots (CF Type I & II, MicroDrive, – adapters needed for other formats). The only button present on the eXtreme is the one on the face of the unit that simply says Copy. Once you insert the card into the correct slot and hit this puppy the transfer begins. You'll see a light that rims the Copy button flick on acknowledging the card has been inserted.
We really liked that fact that after the card has been inserted the unit presents you with the option of either copying or moving the images from the memory card onto 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. Very slick feature as sometimes clearing the card while you're on the go is key.
On the base of the Nexto eXtreme you'll find a USB 2.0 and eSATA interface, along with a power connector and external battery connector. The company explains that the USB 2.0 interface also features OTG (On The Go) technology that allows for direct connection and transfer from USB devices such as digital cameras/camcorders, USB card readers and the like. Again, all this without the need to connect to a PC. Nice.
Hey, storage is the most overlooked aspect to this crazy digital content game everyone is so wrapped up in today so bravo to Nexto for a reliable, durable and portable storage device that actually delivers on the promises it makes.
The Nexto eXtreme comes in a variety of sizes up to 500GB with prices ranging up to $300-$350. Inglewood, California-based International Supplies is their U.S distributor.
In The Box
The Nexto eXtreme ships with a neoprene black carrying pouch, AC adapter, USB Cable, OTG USB Host Adapter Cable, eSATA Cable, User Guide.
