RoadWired FlashFolio

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

August 08, 2003

Product Requirements:
A collection of SD, MMC, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Compact Flash and even PCMCIA cards that need organizing

If you have a digital camera, a PDA, an MP3 player, and/or a laptop, then chances are that you have a collection of digital media cards that need organizing. If you should ever need to take these cards with you while traveling, then you need protective organization - which is exactly what RoadWired offers in their new FlashFolio.

The FlashFolio is a book style case that measures 10" tall x 8.5" wide. Composed of water repellant-treated nylon, lined with Corrosion Intercept® environmental barrier material, the exterior FlashFolio is rugged enough to withstand harsh daily use while still looking good. For protection from crushing, beneath the folio's outer shell is "a sandwich of padding and rigid support panels that provide impact protection and body to the case. The interior is fully lined with Corrosion Intercept®, a patented aerospace material (developed and licensed by Lucent Technologies Bell Labs) that defends against moisture, vapor, pollutants and other environmental hazards." To keep dust and drops of water out, the case zips closed with a Velcroed flap holding everything in for good measure.. For times when you are more interested in easy access, you can just close the folio with the Velcroed flap.

It is when the FlashFolio is opened that you see a wonder of organization. Inside, there are 18 Compact Flash card sized mesh pockets that each close securely with a tab of Velcro. A nylon ribbon attached to the top of each pocket makes opening effortless.

Just because these pockets are CF sized doesn't mean that is all you can store in them. These pockets will also hold SD, MMC, Smart Media and Memory Stick cards. Here you can see that I have every kind of media loaded into my FlashFolio...

Along the bottom of each side are two long zippered mesh pockets, which are perfect for holding PCMCIA cards or CF->PCMCIA card adapters. You can even store smaller cables or other miscellaneous small items in these pockets.

In the center of the folio is a removable nylon framed Index sheet that attaches with Velcro. This Index allows you to keep a tally of what is stored on each card. In all honestly, this isn't something I would ever use, so I am happy that it is so easily removed.

There is even a clear plastic slot on the spine of the FlashFolio for those of you that will use more than one and would need a way to differentiate folios.

If nylon is not your thing, then you can even get the same case in "exquisite, butter-soft, black Nappa leather."

The FlashFolio is a protective and extremely well made organizational system for those that have multiple cards for multiple gadgets. If you need a way to keep all of your cards organized, protected, and ready to travel, then this is the solution for you.

You can buy the FlashFolio directly from Roadwired.

Price: $29.95 available in black, grey, yellow and red

Their warranty is pretty simple:

1. If you buy a RoadWired case and don't love it, return it.*
2. If your RoadWired bag or case fails due to manufacturing or material defects, we'll fix or replace it.*

*complete warranty details

Pros:
Protective organization for your fragile Flash cards
Extremely well made and implemented design

Cons:
None