speed from flash once it is programmed will be no different to speed from the custom section or a preset ie instantaneous.

16MB would be more like it, but then what would the maximum 9 refer to? 96MB ? 9 is not a standard progression - 16, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 256, 512?

the only drawback with my microdrive in the camera is the increased battery drain and tendancy to warm on continuous shooting. I now use 256 MB cards in the camera and the microdrive in the mp3 player. A Giga Byte of mp3s is quite good in a player that fits in your shirt pocket!