Freecom FS-50

Advantages: Works non-mains connected
Disadvantages: poor documentation, bus powered is a cheat

...--------- In operation, how does it work, put disks in and it plays them, as long as the batteries are charged it works fine - I haven't yet found out quite how long a set of batteries will last before you need to recharge the device. There is no way to monitor the state of the batteries. The eject button and getting the CD draw to close can be a bit fiddly but once the disks in its OK. Performance seems fine. Watch for the wrong one ----------------------- Another trick to watch for is that there seem to be two models of drive: a new one with lightscribe and an older one without. The drives look almost identical so be sure you get the correct one. You can tell from the product number (call Art No on the bottom of the drive. The FS-50 lightscribe has an ART number of 25219 the older non lightscribe FS-50 has an ART no: 24666. Support ------- Overall... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Size, cost.
Disadvantages: Above average graphics required, Software

...Summary: I cannot recommend this unless there is a major re-working of the software. Have had my unit for a few months and I use it on a notebook, for which this (portable) device is primarily designed. The unit handles just TV (running no other apps on your notebook) pretty well. Unfortunately, my video memory is shared and the moment you try and hop a few channels the Freecom tends to struggle. I know this is a combination of the shared graphics and the Freecom, but I have no way of upgrading my video memory so have to live with it! The software looks bad and under-performs. This is one of the few applications which regularly crashes on me. My main gripe is the way the sound support is implemented, it is not helpful to say the least. For example, the Freecom volume control, controls the main Master Volume for windows... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Portable Drive, take your music and files anywhere !
Disadvantages: Easy to knock

...second (although this will practically never be achieved because of other factors. The MTBF 50,000 power on hours , this is quite a useful piece of information as it means the drive should last for that length of time before starting to fail). The drive comes bundled with the Freecom Software Media Suite, which makes it easier to transfer files and especially securely, working rather like the "briefcase" does in Windows Operating Systems. The "briefcase" can then be set to synchronise and will find up to date files and overwrite them (accoring to settings) The drive case is silver and black in colour and is aluminium in build, aluminium being one of the best materials for getting rid of heat quickly , so that the drive lasts longer. The drive is a good solid build and can be recommended , just do not plug it in before you have installed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful