Epson P-3000 40GB Multimedia Storage Drive, Viewer, and Audio-Video Player w/ 4-Inch LCD

Purchased this product to give me the ability to download pictures and movies to a device that is easy to bring with me and not have to worry about having my Mac with me when i went on vacation. This device is easy to use and has great picture quality. It is a great device for showing pictures when you do not have your Mac or PC available. Directions on use for transporting pictures and movies can be improved.
The Link2 software cannot find my pictures or movies that are stored in the iPhoto application on my mac. In order to copy images and moves, including songs, I have to do a straight drag and drop from my Mac to the Epson P3000.
I currently have an open issue with support due to movie sound playing at a fast rate (sounds like the chipmunks). Support things the new firmware 1.3.2 is what may be causing the issue. Still waiting for the 1.3.1 firmware to be available.
Overall, I'm pleased with the Epson P3000. I gave the Epson P300 a 4 star rating due to the open issue. Without the open issue, I would have given this device a 5 star rating.

I recently switched from a 15" to a 17" laptop, which meant that, under no circumstances, would I be hauling my computer around with me on any phototrip. This in turn meant that I had to look elsewhere for backup. I'd considered buying one of these multimedia storage devices previously, but found the price to be a little steep. Now that I have one (the 80GB P-6000) I really, really like it, and, actually, don't think it too dear.

The size of the thing is just about perfect. It feels very well in your hands, the screen is bright and contrasty, the controls are very intuitive and all in the right place (although I haven't actually tried it yet, I should think that one can operate this device with gloves on). Backing up your files from a CF or SD card is simple and quick, and reviewing them on the device is equally easy. I haven't tested it to the proverbial limit yet, so I shant be able to say anything clever about the battery life and performance in extreme conditions, but it seems rather well built. I haven't tried (or will ever, probably) all the music/video functions of the apparatus, as I have no need for them, but I suspect it performs well as a multimedia player as well. I mean, the screen is quite lovely, so I guess video would look decent on it.

I guess this is another one of those products that actually do what it says on the label. It stores your data when in the field, and it does it well. It fits into virtually any bag, and is one of those things that any photographer on a lengthy trip should never be without.

Highest possible recommendation.

great viewer . real easy to use . let my wife and daughter use it they did fine with out reading the manual . so easy

I have had this viewer for almost three years and have always had problems with the software between my PC with Windows XP and the viewer. I recently returned from a two month trip to China with several hundred pictures in the viewer. I have always followed their instructions to the letter and somehow this time both the computer and the viewer locked up. I was forced to reset both and in the process ALL MY PICTURES WERE LOST. Epson should have a foolproof way that won't let you lose your files without manually deleting them. Generally that is the way it is on computers unless you have an outright crash.

And, everything on your camera card downloads everytime, a very bad feature. If I continue to use this piece of crap I will carry several cheap multi gig cards and back up from the viewer to the cards daily.

It is exactly what it says it is. It downloads my SD cards and gives me added security when you have to bring home that shot. It is also a great tool for showing your shots off and getting people interested in what you do.
This has become my digital portfolio. In a matter of seconds I can be showing shots and making a sale. My laptop takes several minutes to boot up and by then you have lost the moment. My Epson P-3000 is ready in seconds.