CF Reader internal/external // Hot-swappable // MPC 3000 OS

Hello folks,

I recently acquired an MPC3000 and I'm definitely new to this world. So far I used the user manual and this forum to answer all my questions but now I need you advices.

So I bought a MPC3000 with OS 3.11 in it and a ZIP drive which is apparently not working (as the seller told me, but I don't have any zip disk so I couldn't try).
I would like to install a CF reader.

So first question:

What's the major difference between internal and external CF reader ?
Is there a recommended shop/ebayer where I should buy it ? (by the way, I live in Europe, so I'd like to be able to use a european power supply). I checked out the links but it seems they are down or they don't sell this kind of devices.

What OS do I need for this configuration ? I read that with OS 3.11, you can only access 800MB. Is there a way to go over this ?

I also read I would need specific CF Card, all of them are not compatible.
Does it depend on the CF Drive, or the OS, or the MPC itself ?

Is it possible to have a hot swappable cf reader with my system?

Thanks a lot for your answers, maybe some of my questions have been answered before. I really tried to look before I post this message, but I couldn't really find out. I don't have the basic knowledge required to follow the existing discussions that already exist on this forum.

Best,

Nate

Honestly, all of the questions you have asked have been covered in great detail in this forum. just search compact flash, cf kit, or cf drive once you are in the 3000/60 forum.

1. Internal vs external is a matter of preference I guess. Why would you want to have to deal with a drive hanging around the machine when you can just have it internally? Unless for some reason you absolutely want to keep a floppy drive.

2. the fastest and easiest way to get a card reader is to click the banner that says jazzcat on the main page. He has card readers in stock that he can sell to you. They are hot swappable. He is in the UK so he should be convenient to deal with being that you are in Europe.

There are also forum members who build kits and sell them. Seed78 used to have some and complactflashman has some. I dont know his name on the forums though. They are both in the UK as well. I have one I can sell to you but Im in the US and dont prefer to deal with shipping costs to Europe.

3. You can use os 3.11

4. This thread talks about the drive, cables, acard, and what cf card works
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=164560&hilit=compact+flash+kit

Hope that helps

Thank you a lot for your time.