Edwin and all, I think one of the main reasons that Iomega recommends that the Clik! disk not be left in the Clik! drive during transport is to keep dust from entering the Clik! disk as its shutter is completely withdrawn during its insertion into the drive. Dust could well ruin the media and the longer the shutter is open the more likely it is that dust could be deposited on its surface, affecting the media and the read/write heads of the drive. It only takes a moment to remove the disk and place into its plastic clamshell (dust-proof) container. In that all of the currently available drives are external, they would be more likely to be open to dust and other possible contaminants. Even my new Sony Hi-8 camcorder does not recommend leaving the video cassette inside the camcorder if it is not going to be used for a while. I did this with another camcorder in the past and the cassette became lodged in the camera and required a technician to remove it at considerable cost and the video shot on that cassette was lost due to the damage caused by removing it.
There are many warnings given for most photographic equipment regarding storing under high heat, exposure to moisture, etc. So, I think that the warnings about the Clik! are not that unusual and restrictive if you give it some thought.
I would imagine that there will be similar warnings when cameras with built-in Clik! drives become available. However, we will have to wait and see. There should be no restriction in normal moving about taking pictures, but it would be recommended that the Clik! disk be removed before putting the camera back into it carry-bag or the camera case for the same reasons given above... DUST.
One other concern, as I see the Clik! pictured, the disk extends out a few millimeters from the drive when it is in place. Any physical contact might cause the disk to be pushed further into the drive causing damage to either the disk, the drive or both. This is another very good reason that the disk be removed before storing the device.
One other possible reason to take the disk out of the drive, and I'm not sure about this, but when the disk in inserted into the Clik! drive it must actuate an electrical switch or connection which if left in place would drain the batteries in a shorter period of time. Will have to defer to Frank Drumond or Phillip Davis on this one, but it seems likely to be of some concern regarding increased battery usage.
Just my reasoned opinions. Mel |
