I’m thinking of buying a refurb first gen iPod for my wife to use as an entertainment centre while traveling on the road.

In addition to games & Google maps, my wife would like to watch videos, and I have a growing collection of recorded TV programs, now imported into iTunes.

My problem is storage. How do I store and import the videos into the iPad?

I know there is the WiFi option, but that would not be too effective while driving
down the highway.

I might be able to access WiFi when we stop for the night & maybe download files
from iTunes, but I would prefer having a collection on some form of storage device.

Anyone here tackled this problem?

You can't move content between an iPod and iPad directly. Both need to plug into your computer where our iTunes library is, to get any content on either device, unless you're renting/buying directly from iTunes on the device itself.

Thanks Lars

Would it be possible to use the Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable to connect to a USB stick and import movies?

I understand the iPad has a built-in small card reader (SD card?). Could that be used to import files?

If I need to bring along a computer to download a movie, then I don't see much need for an iPad.

Seems to me that transferring files wirelessly is fine, as long as you have a consistent wireless connection to what you want to download.

I've created a DCIM folder on an ipod and connected it to the ipad via the camera/usb connection kit. I've also got a lot of SD cards which have movies on them, again in a DCIM folder, which can go directly into the camera connect adaptor.
The trick is that the DCIM folder must contain files which have exactly eight characters in their name.

How to use SD cards for extra iPad video storage | How To - CNET (http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20043530-285/how-to-use-sd-cards-for-extra-ipad-video-storage/)

This is also another option but more pricy:

HyperDrive (http://www.hypershop.com/HyperDrive-s/119.htm)

I'm looking at getting just the case and throwing in my own drive. I thought there would be more of this kind of product by now.

Hope this helps.
Robert

PS: USB sticks don't work as they need power for the ipad to read from them. I've tried various sizes with no luck.

There's the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Wireless, although it seems that just less than half of the owners hate it (unstable, runs hot, videos stutter).

GoFlex Satellite Wireless | Seagate (http://www.seagate.com/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/goflex-satellite/)

I would get a 64GB iPad, you can fit 42 full length movies and over 125 TV episodes on one, assuming average of 1.5GB and 500MB per file. Better yet, get an old MacBook for about the same price and slap in a large hard drive, it's easy to do.

@ Robert
Thanks for the great link, seems the SD card idea should work, less expensive than the Hyperdrive (read some negative comments)

@ dona83
Thanks for the tip, I checked on the GoFlex - there are a lot of very negative comments, I think I'll pass on it.

I was thinking of a refurb first gen iPad, did'nt see any 64GB versions available.

I'm also reconsidering using our old white iBook, runs fine, but my Dear Lady says she has problems seeing the screen clearly when in the car in bright sunlight. May have the same problem with an iPad.

They have one right now for $469.

Refurbished iPad with Wi-Fi 64GB - Black (first generation) - Apple Store (Canada) (http://store.apple.com/ca/product/FB294C/A)

If you have WiFi at various locations on the road you could use iTunes Match for adding songs etc and DropBox for video