Credit Card-Sized USB HDD is Already Too Big
Freecom's USB HDD is the size of a credit card.
Freecom is offering a USB storage device that's roughly the size of a credit card (8.2 x 5.8 cm). Granted the device is no where near as thin as a MasterCard or Visa, owners can slip it into a pocket or possibly a big fat wallet without looking too geeky (*cough* Tuan *cough*). Still, the 160 GB drive is rather pricey despite its size: $155 USD; the company also offers a 120 GB version. But it sure beats hanging a low-storage USB stick around your neck like a nerdy necklace.
Based on the device specs, the drive doesn't need a cooling fan, and even leeches power right off the USB port (rather than requiring a separate AC adapter). The drive also features a form-fitting injection-molded rubber shell for an easy grip, and will work on most systems including PCs, TVs with a USB port, and hi-fi car systems. The specs also say that the drive offers transfer specs up to 480 Mbit/s via USB 2.0.
"Simply plug the USB Memory, with its conveniently small and light USB cable, into any computer’s USB port and take your spreadsheets, documents, movies, photos or music anywhere you go," said the company. "The Freecom USB Memory is the latest development in Freecom’s ongoing pursuit of making storage more accessible, useable and convenient."
The 120 GB and 160 GB drives are available on the website.
Recently though, there have been new 128 GB USB sticks released, which makes something like this seem well, big.
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- Credit ,
- Card
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omg maybe 10 mb/s read and 5mb/s write
$155 for 160GB is better deal than a Kingston USB Flash drive (256GB) for $900. For some with spare cash $155 is not a bad price.
Um, is this a news item, or just advertising?
Well a little of both (news and ad lol). YES $155 buck (USD) is way to much. OK maybe I don't want to carry around that heavy HHD in its bulky plastic box, but hey both don't cost $150. NO!!! not rushing out for that one.
As mentioned, the "nerdy" USB around your neck like a necklace will definitely call you out as an IT nerd... but you can get a 64gb stick for about $30 at our local MicroCenter. They have a 128gb model, but it's a bit pricey still. Wait a few weeks and it will drop in half.
The problem with THIS creditcard drive is that you still need to lug around that (small) USB cable as well. I suppose this form-factor doesn't lend itself to a pop-out USB dongle...
And I though it was an SSD... phhh... it just a normal drive found in any ipod.
I like to see Tom's bench test this device. If it is a HDD instead of flash it should do very well. I think they should have added e-sata, and or firewire as well USB has never lived up to the hype.
Interested in the performance of this baby myself, however eSata 128GB flash drives seem more appealing to me... for now.
Nice but why the need for the size. I would rather put this tough 500Gb 2.5 external drive together for $135. Not much bigger, except storage that is.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136314
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817374016
erm... haven't ipods been at 120gigs for a while and just slightly larger then this, also capable of playing video and sound? not quite that cheap I suppose.
I would rather put this tough 500Gb 2.5 external drive together for $135
I like that combo but do you know how long it would take to copy 500gb over USB2? Grab an eSATA enclosure as anamaniac suggested to make this feasable... now if only more laptops had eSATA connectors; you can add them to older desktops really cheap.
Interested in the performance of this baby myself, however eSata 128GB flash drives seem more appealing to me... for now.
I agree... USB is too damn slow now.
USB 3.0 - Need it today!
USB 3.0 - Need it today!
USB 3.0 - Need it today!
Please