Right On The Screen
The heart of these devices is the full-color LCD screen that serves not only as the means to review images, but also to navigate various built-in functions. These functions include playback modes for the production of slideshows viewable either on screen, on a television or via a projector.

Depending on the model you’re using, the size and resolution of a screen will vary. The Epson P-2000 features a 3.8-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. It delivers the brilliance and saturation of slide film, but is a little dark. The Transcend Digital Album includes a 2.5-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 294 x 228 pixels. A more affordable model, this unit offers good brightness, but less resolution than the Epson.

Rather than handing off your camera to share your images, a portable hard drive with a screen provides an easy way for several people to simultaneously enjoy the images you’ve captured.

JPEG And RAW
JPEG files provide full functionality with all of these drives. In addition to playing back images on the screen, you can create slideshows, too. With a USB 2.0 interface and a compatible printer, prints can be made directly from the device. Simple adjustments such as rotation and resizing also may be available.

If you prefer shooting in the RAW file format, it’s important to determine whether your camera’s RAW file format is fully supported by the device. The Epson P-2000 supports most Canon and Nikon digital cameras, along with its own digital camera. The Transcend Digital Album plays back only JPEG files, although RAW files are downloadable for storage.

You’ll find that all of these devices work well with files produced by 8-megapixel cameras and those of lower resolution. If you’re shooting with the latest 12- and 16-megapixel models, however, contact the manufacturer to determine whether the device will support your particular camera. See if the company can confirm compatibility or expand support through a firmware upgrade.