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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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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Shadow703793 $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.Reply -
leafman420 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.Reply -
TwoDigital 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. :)Reply
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... -
ebattleon 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.Reply -
anamaniac Interested in the performance of this baby myself, however eSata 128GB flash drives seem more appealing to me... for now.Reply -
Regulas 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.Reply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817374016 -
sceen311 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.Reply