hi
it charges both via supplied power plug + usb.
In the documentation it says that it automatically charges when plugged in to an usb - but it didn't complain when I plugged it into the n800 (via otg cable).

The version I have takes pata hd's. I have added an 160gb disk which I formattet as fat32.

There are "newer" versions out there that use sata + sdhc reader - loads on ebay - called digimate III


I will get back to you on how long it runs.