You do need to root to use the usb drive. You also need something like this http://www.amazon.com/Micro-USB-OTG-2-0-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU to adapt your flash drive. Then download "stick mount" from the play store in order to mount the drive. From there I used es file browser to access the drive and play movies/read books from there.

You're going to need an app to edit RAW formats

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tssystems.photomate2&hl=en

You're going to need to root your device.

You're going to need an OTG cable.

http://www.amazon.com/eForCity%C2%AE-Micro-USB-OTG-Adapter/dp/B005QX7KYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408955494&sr=1-1&keywords=otg+cable

You're going to need to install something to automatically mount/dismount your sd/cf card.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.stickmount&hl=en

You're going to need to find a usb->whateveryouusetostoreyourpicturesprobablyanSDcard

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Information-Card-Reader-TS-RDF5K/dp/B009D79VH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408955463&sr=1-1&keywords=sd+card+reader

No it's not impossible.

Total cost<Surface Pro