As for hardware, I'm currently running my prototype as a Teensy 2.0++, modified for 3.3V operation. I have an CF adapter with legs soldered on poked into my breadboard, where I wire it directly up to the SPI port on the Teensy++. It is just straight wired and everything running 3.3V. I've also tried this on my own hardware board of my own design (a sort of derivative of the Teensy++, but my own twist) that has much the same connectivity, but instead has its own MicroSD push-push slot.
Thanks for checking it out.
John