XferMax X8-N (Casing Only) Memory Card Backup Device XQD/CF/SDXC for Nikon Series Camera

This is going to be used as a place holder for more information as I continue to evaluate my unit. But let's start with some initial thoughts.Let's start with some of the basics. I shoot a lot of dance recitals and studio sessions in environments where carting around my computer just isn't viable but - I need additional storage than simply my two XQD cards. So this product was something I've been hunting for, for a while.Build quality:Build quality is - sub par in my humble opinion. The buttons are "clicky". They aren't silicon pad based buttons from what I can tell. They feel like plastic buttons directly pushing on a printed circuit board. The case is sub par as well. It's a cheap plastic case and feels like a cheap plastic case. In the promo video, they show how easy it is to remove the SSD / HD from the back of the unit. In the one I received, its FAR more difficult than that. You'll need some sort of a flat head screw driver, or a plastic pushing device (something) to push the tabs up and off of the case in order to remove the back panel and replace the HD/SSD. Another thing to keep in mind is that it's not a touch screen interface. Everything has to be done using the arrow keys on the unit. Leaves a lot to be desired in this case.First use:So you read the description and it says it's a bare unit. Unit Only - no HDD/SSD or batteries or AC adapter - got it. I've got loads of high current AC adapters from Anker for USB charging (which is what this device uses - MicroUSB). It comes with a 3' MicroUSB cable. Not nearly long enough for you to have it plugged in at ground level and use the device. So keep in mind that you'll want something more adequate when needing to charge and use the product - like a 6' or 10' cable. But here's the kicker - you CAN'T use the product without batteries installed. I tried, and the unit simply would NOT format the disk or turn on reliably. So you need a pair of 18650 batteries - sold separately. Got mine for $20 for a pair with a charger.OK - well having the batteries in the unit makes sense for the purpose, right? You want to be able to use this on the road. Well -- You get about 60 mins of actual use from what I've bench tested. That equates (for me) to 2-3 full off loads of information from my 256GB XQD cards. What about when I'm shooting a full day and need to tether to power - well, you get unexpected results from the device.Formatting the SSD/HDD was a bear on first use. Straight out of the box - Crucial 1TB SSD - took way too many reboots to get the device to be recognized. Then it took forever for the device to turn on and initialize and ask for today's date.Once you get through the pains of initial setup and the price tag - and understand the time limitations - the device works as described. But - I've only had it less than a week. So I really would take this with a grain of salt till I see how reliable it is over time.Do bear in mind one thing. You can easily by an Intel Atom Laptop + an External HDD + Card Readers for less than this device and run longer... Just saying.Customer service: Keep in mind that it's a new product with really nothing else to compete with - so even though there's a lot more to be desired from a touch screen, build quality, easier initial setup, etc. Customer service has been probably one of the better points to this whole purchasing experience.More to follow...

This is a must for professionals that want an easy backup system to in other words sleep better. I use this with my XQD cards after every wedding. Fast backup and it allows me to easily one button color screen to access and backup. Not cheap as you need to buy the batteries which is cheap but you have to use your own ssd card. Great product if you have not that many xqd cards and format them it makes me feel comfortable formatting them and knowing I have them here and on my computer hard drive.

The XferMax does a nice job in a niche area. I've tried other products, including the WD offerings and was always disappointed. The XferMax handles multiple types of memory cards and can back up to internal and external drives simultaneously. The user interface is easy to navigate and the backups happen quickly. The only downside is the price. In my case, this was money well spent.

The device is just a customized, flimsy assembled pack with circuitry and firmware to view/manage digital images. I don't think this device will last very long. Fact that it does not come with batteries or a drive, makes the US$500 price tag way too much to pay for. Regret buying this.