it was almost a good idea.
1st...using win98se definitely you will need a card reader. I think a lot of people use the readers anyway. It's easier to take the CF card to the computer insted of having to drag the whole MR-8
2nd, and the bad news here. the USB port on the 8 is for moving files back and forth between the MR-8 and a computer
now i'm not an egeineer or anything but my bet is the MR-8 only handles request via usb, meaning that the MR-8 actually can not initiate an digital conversation with another unit.
the hard drive is probabaly the same way. it receives the info, but it doesn't go out looking for it.
so, i think if you plugged them in together (let me re-phrase that....if you plug them in together, i KNOW ) nothing will happen.....the above is why i think nothing will happen
using the card reader with wavmanager is no big deal though
good luck in your recording