A Must Have if you own CDs or DVDs!
Written: May 07 '06 (Updated May 07 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great price, easy to use, expandable to 50,000 CD/DVDs
Cons: None that I can see
The Bottom Line: I highly recommend this unit. It is an inexpensive way to catalog and store thousands of disks.
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| sophiesdad's Full Review: Imation Disc Stakka CD & DVD Manager |
I am an educator in the public school system and serve as the Technology Facilitator for my school site. One of my colleagues showed me the literature on Imation's new product for cataloging CD/DVD Media - the Disk Stakka. I was intrigued since I have hundreds of CDs and DVDs with applications, data, photos and video lying around my office at home. In order to save space, I converted from slim jewel cases to paper sleeves which was convenient, but when I am working on a major media project, I have to sift through 20-30 CDs to find the right clipart or photos. It is most annoying. This product got me interested, especially seeing the $99 price ticket.
I wanted to purchase it locally and TigerDirect was the only retailer that carries this item so far. When I got to the store and picked up the box, I was amazed at how light the unit actually is.
The box contained 4 items: the unit itself, a user's manual, USB cable and driver/software CD. The first step in setup is to install the OpdiTracker software. This is basically a database which allows you to catalog your CDs. This can be accomplished by one of two ways: 1) When a CD or DVD is inserted into the Disk Stakka unit, a window pops up to allow you to give it a name and label the contents or 2)(preferred method) place the CD in one of your computer's drives and allow the software to catalog all of the files/folders on the CD, give it a name and THEN place it into the Disk Stakka. The second method takes a little longer, but when you are searching for just the right file, you can do it in a snap.
After installing the software, you can then connect the unit to your PC via USB. This is another great feature of the Disk Stakka - it doesn't require external power - it uses the current from the USB port.
I have WinXP professional and the unit was instantly recognized and the drivers were installed via the CD that came with it.
A green light on the front of the Disk Stakka indicates that it is powered on and running correctly. If the light blinks or does not illuminate, there is diagnostic software that comes with the product. It allows you to have the unit self-check each of the 100 slots, check the servo motor, and scan the accuracy of rotation forward and backward. This is really a great time-saving feature should you have any problems.
I was able to catalog 100 CD/DVDs within about an hour allowing time for my computer's drive to read each one and catalog the folder and file contents of each disk. As soon as I popped the disk into the Disk Stakka's slot, it was grabbed and taken inside the unit. The popup window appeared and verified that all of my information was correct on the disk.
After cataloging the disks, I tested the OpdiTracker software. I opened the main panel, found a CD that I wanted. The interface is in Windows Explorer style. The initial icons show the Disk Stakka unit (or more if you have multiple units) indicating if it is active or inactive (disconnected from your PC) and a second icon showing ejected disks (helpful feature if you want to keep track of your software).
Double-clicking on a CD will show its contents by folder and by file just as it would appear in windows explorer. If you choose to eject, the unit quietly rotates to the correct slot and ejects the CD for you to take out of the intake slot. The software also allows you to export the database should you wish to connect the Disk Stakka to other PCs.
Now, for the really great feature of this unit: if you have more than 100 disks, the units are stackable up to 5 high and 10 allowing you to catalog and control up to 50,000 disks! There are power prongs on the bottom of each unit under the intake slot that sit on contacts which are located on the top of each unit. The only caution that Imation makes is that if you are controlling multiple units that you consider a powered USB hub since multiple units may place a drain on your computer.
Should the unit ever require servicing or malfunction, it is easily opened and serviced by removing a couple of screws. It is remarkably simple in design inside.
If I were to make any recommendation to Imation for improvement, I would have like to see the unit have a drive capable of reading the disks without having to put them in a computer first. However, there are two reasons that there is an advantage to NOT having this: 1) not having a drive that "reads" keeps the cost down (where could you get anything like this for under $100) and 2) should technology change (and we know how quickly that happens), the unit is NOT dependent on having drives that read media that is different. For example, if the unit only had a single layer DVD reader, and you started using Dual-Layer media, then you would have no other choice but to upgrade. In requiring the computer to read the media first to catalog, you are always assured that you will have the latest equipment to read the disks and the Disk Stakka's only purpose is to store and catalog for future use.
I would highly recommend this product. It is a time and space saver. The unit takes up the footprint of an average B&W laser printer. Since it uses the power from a USB cable, there is no hassle and mess of additional power sources. The fact that it is stackable and is capable of controlling thousands of CD/DVDs, makes it an attractive alternative to sifting through piles of media when you need to find something.
I give Imation a two thumbs-up on creating an affordable and innovative product for the consumer. You won't be disappointed if you decide to buy one. I hope that eventually stores such as Best Buy and CompUSA will start to carry this unit. However, if you don't have a TigerDirect near to your home, you can still buy the unit online from them or at a number of retailers listed on Imation's website.
For further information and to see an online demonstration, go to: http://www.imation.com/products/disc_stakka/index.html
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sophiesdad
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Location: Florida
Reviews written: 94
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Public school Media Specialist, Musician, Technogeek
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