I’m not sure I’m reading this exactly right. The Transformer cord lets you back up your computer’s files to an iPod, and also lets you pull your photos and music off the iPod. I’m guessing what it boils down to is something like Yamipod or Senuti, built into the cord. Sounds good to me; carry it around and you can always donate a few tracks to a friend when they hear something they like. Whether it works with actual iTunes tracks isn’t spelled out, but I’d guess no.
The weird thing is this. I’m not sure if I’m reading it right, so let me quote:
Simply connect your iPhone or iPod to the Clickfree Transformer, then connect it to your computer and backup will automatically begin. There is no software to install or setup and no manual to read.
Uhh, don’t we get to choose what we want to back up? I’ve got a couple terabytes scattered around and I don’t want it just picking willy nilly. A small front-end would be wise. Maybe they just left it out of the press release.
The plain white version will set you back $50, which I think is pretty expensive for something that can be done with software. The black “SE” version will work with regular USB drives as well as iPods, and costs $90. Either I’m missing something here, or these things are charging a lot of money for almost nothing.
So you plug it into your ipod… then you plug that into your computer and it makes a backup? I’m confused. Doesn’t plugging an iPod into a computer do that anyways? So just copy your backups onto ANYTHING and boom, done? I must be missing something here. Whats the point of this product?
If it acts like a mini-hard drive I can understand the price.
iPods don’t act like backup drives, you have to use third party software or hack them.
Knowing Apple it most likely won’t work with itunes.
Uhm, didn’t old iPods (classic, whatever) do this without any extra hardware (disk mode)? Nothing like newer and better.
Hello – I work for Clickfree. Mr. Coldewey has asked some good questions, so please allow me to comment and better explain the product…
The basic premise of the Clickfree Transformer for iPod / iPhone is that it will allow you to use the excess storage capacity in order to backup content from your PC/Mac. Mr. Coldewey is correct in his expectation about being able to select what you want backed up, and there is a simple interface that will allow you determine which content you want (and don’t want.) We take great pride in the ease-of-use of our products, and I am sure all of you will find the backup and restore processes surprisingly easy.
This backup functionality allows all of the users of iPods and iPhones to have a very simple way to protect their PC/Mac content and have it handy with them at all times, without the cost of buying another storage device. Also, as there is no software to install on the PC/Mac, the backed up content can be viewed or restored to any PC/Mac that the users wishes.
In addition to the PC/Mac backup functionality, the Transformer for iPod/iPhone also allows users to copy music off of a device onto their PC/Mac. This includes playlists as well as the music itself. (So if your friend has a great playlist that you like, now you can have it in your iTunes or iPod.) It will work with actual iTunes tracks as well, subject to the protection that may exist. Additional information and FAQs can be found at http://www.clickfree.com/products_transformeripod.php (you can watch a short video demonstration) and http://www.clickfree.com/clickfreesupportlist.php?listname=cen_ipod.
… and of course my shameless plug: information on all our products and purchases can be made at http://www.clickfree.com
I hope this helps better explain this product and my thanks for Mr. Coldewey for bringing these questions up.
Regards,
Patrick Heffron
Chief Operating Officer
Storage Appliance Corp (”Clickfree”)
Thanks for the additional information, Patrick. It always nice to see a company that is responsive and forthcoming with product information. Best of luck with your product!