F20 Hard drive upgrade

[Viewtiful_Jon]

Hey everybody,

a Gigabeat F20 popped up on my local craigslist recently. I've read a thread concerning upgrading the F40 here:

http://anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36766

where roebeet squeezes a 120GB hard drive into an F40, using an F20 case back (which, as a I understand, is built for 5mm drives instead of 8). However, I've read some conflicting stories about the F20 being too small to fit 8mm drives.

So what I'd like to know is, would either of these:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...28476(ME).aspx
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...25426(ME).aspx

Toshiba hard drives fit inside? I understand I'll need an adaptor, and I understand the 160GB might not work even with RockBox, but will it fit?

[CrowdAds]

[roebeet]

I still get Gigabeat F daily reminders in my email.

This probably don't work, due to the connector - you'd need to find a PATA to SATA converter, which may not exist. Also, if this is dual platter then it might be too large (5mm vs 8mm).

[Viewtiful_Jon]

Thanks for the input, roebeet.

I have managed to find a PATA/SATA adapter actually:

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=34244&...cture=Addonics

and both the stores I've cited so far have local brick and mortar versions in my home town, making it easier to get the parts I need.

Also, how much would you pay for a F20 that was used for one year and then kept in "cold storage"?

[roebeet]

That's a lot of $ for an adapter, and the way it's shaped might be an issue.

Honestly, the big issue you'll have with these devices now will be the battery. They are over 5 years old, in general. Also, if I was going to buy one of these, I'd be considering a CF addon and not a HDD. Better battery life, and less risk if dropped. And faster speeds - I know this because I still have an F8 (Gigabeat with an 8GB CF card) that my daughter uses.

[Viewtiful_Jon]

Hmm...I guess I'll abandon this then. I heard such good things about using this player for Rock Box, but I guess it's not worth it.

Thanks for the help, roebeet.