Well we knew a color display with a higher, multi-function resolution was coming to the iPod. Here it is (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/) just in time for Christmas!

Can a video-capable version be far behind?

Or you could just go out and pick up the Archos AV480 that sports a 80GB hard drive for video recording/playback and even has a Compact Flash slot to transfer pics from your camera to the hard drive.

http://www.archos.com/products/overview/av400_series.html

I was wondering whether this was like an "imagetank", but I
guess the iPod Photo ain't? (ie, it doesn't read memory cards)

Nope. The iPod is strictly a hard disk device.

You need a separate adaptor (made by Belkin) to read the memory cards (it reads the 6 major types if memory serves).

I saw the memory reader by Belkin but its external, requires batteries, slow, and is $100!

I finally got to spend some time with super small Archos AV480 and I think its what I'll buy for backing up photos on the go.

If I were looking for a card reader/portable storage device, I'd give serious consideration to this. (http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.422/it.A/id.549/.f) I've heard nothing but positive feedback from other users. The best part is it uses 4 x AA batteries and can transfer 35GB of data on a single charge. The transfer rate (depending on the drive used) is very fast, at up to 4MB/s.

Take care in looking at the prices. It looks like a really nice unit but some of the prices are for the unit without the hard drive. So, the unit with the hard drive starts getting pretty expensive (though cheaper than an iPod photo).

Has anyone tried the standalone CDR units? Plug in the card and burn a CD?

As for a video iPod. I'd much rather see someone write the code that would let me use the iPod to capture video straight from the camera ala a Firestore.

It's not a matter of different code for the iPod. It needs a controller to be a "smart device." Apple will need to make a new model and I doubt that is the direction Jobs sees for the device.

They aren't that expensive when when you compare the speed and size drives compared to other devices. Burning CD's from my 4 GB microdrives would be a real inconvenience.

If I were looking for a card reader/portable storage device, I'd give serious consideration to this.

Oddly enough I have a spare 60GB 5400RPM 2.5" notebook hard drive just wasting away on my desk. $99 for 60GB would be most excellent!

That sounds right up your alley Tommy. I'm interested in hearing your impressions.

i have a 20 gig x's drive II and it works just great!

As soon as iPod is video-capable, audio record-capable (without the external attachment), and satellite radio-ready... I'll make the plunge and buy one.