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    Galleries: | Video Editing Software | DVD Authoring Software | Cameras | Camcorders |
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                        | Portable Storage | Audio Accessories | Power Accessories | Peripherals |

Portable Storage Gallery [Inactive]

Gigabytes in your pocket: Cards, sticks, drives

    by Douglas Dixon


  The 2000s Mobile Digital Revolution:
        Cell Phones to Smartphones, Walkman to Media Players, CD to Flash to Web Services

  Historical perspective on some interesting technology and trends in digital home media.
  They include some sample products illustrating these trends.
  Information and pricing are summarized from public sources as of when they were added,
  and may be incorrect or out of date.

           

Portable Storage Trends - Capacity, performance - HD

Flash Storage
    Flash Memory Cards - MicroSD, SDHC - SanDisk, Kingston, RIDATA, Eye-Fi
        SD Cards - Memory Stick Cards - Compact Flash (CF) Cards
    USB Memory Card Readers - Kingston, SanDisk
    Flash USB Pocket Drives - Sony, Imation, Kingston, Lexar, Memorex, SanDisk
    USB Flash Drive Trends - Accessories, Security (Yoggie), Portable Desktop, Windows acceleration

Hard Disk Storage
    Portable Hard Disk Drives - LaCie, Western Digital
    Portable Hard Disk Drive Trends - Ruggedness and security

Solid State Drives

Data Transfer Devices - USB, IDE/SATA

See also:

    Flash Memory: Technology Summary for more on memory card formats and features
    The Flash Storage Revolution  (Presentation) for more on the development of flash storage

    High-Def / DVD Gallery - Optical disc media - High-def, DVD, CD
    Portable Media Player Gallery -- MP3 / video players, Multifunction devices
    Mobile Communications Gallery -- Mobile media, Phones and PDAs
    Portable Power Accessories Gallery -- Batteries, chargers, adapters


Portable Storage Trends

See also:

Top


Flash Memory Cards


Flash Memory Trends

  • Larger capacity, lower prices
       
    4 GB cards falling under US $100
  • More & smaller formats
        SD (postage stamp) to miniSD (60% smaller) to microSD (fingernail)
        Adaptors
  • Higher Performance
       
    Fast Interface ("Ultra", "Extreme")

Larger Capacity, Lower Prices

SD Memory Card Pricing: SD (SDHC) / miniSD / microSD

Cost per GB from $50 to under $5 in 3 years
(Prices for SanDisk and others - www.jr.com)

  4/09

64 M

128

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

6 GB

8 GB

16 G

32 G

SD/SDHC

 

    $9   $7 $14/39   $34/79 $64 $129

micro SD

 

      $4 $7/19 $14   $29/54 $99  

  11/08

64 M

128

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

6 GB

8 GB

16 G

32 G

SD /
SDHC

 

    $9 $7 $9
$2
4
$14
$19
  $19
$99
$29/69
$149
$149

mini SD

 

    ($5 $5 $9)          

micro SD

 

      $9
$2
4
$19
$44
($9)
$24/44
$39 ($19)
$49/79
$99  

  11/07

64

128

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

6 GB

8 GB

 

 

SD

 

 

 

$14

$14/34

$34/44

$54/129

 

$99/179

   

mini SD

 

$15

$12

$12

$44

$79

 

$89

 

   

micro SD

 

 

 

 

$19/52

$49

 

 

$149

   

  1/07

64

128

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

 

 

 

 

SD

 

 

$12

$19

$19/49

$39/79

$89

 

 

 

 

mini SD

 

$16

$14

$19

$49

$54

$99

 

 

 

 

micro SD

 

 

$17

$21

$34/$59

$59

 

 

 

 

 

  9/06

64

128

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

 

 

 

 

SD

$9

 

$14/
$39

$29

$34/49
$64

$44/79/
$99

$149

 

 

 

 

mini SD

 

$19

$14

$29

$44,59

$64/79

 

 

 

 

 

micro SD

 

$14

$14

$29

$69

 

 

 

 

 

 

  3/06

64

128

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

 

 

 

 

 

SD

 

$14

$19

$39

$59

$99

 

 

 

 

 

mini SD

 

 

 

$39

$59

 

 

 

 

 

 

micro SD

 

$14

$19

$39

$59

$79

 

 

 

 

 

CF Card Pricing

(SanDisk CF card - standard / Ultra / Extreme - www.jr.com)

CF

64 MB

128 MB

256 MB

512 MB

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

8 GB

12 GB

16 
GB

32 
GB

11/08

-

-

-

-

($7)
($15)

$14
$24

$19 
$34/69

$39/59
$129

-

$119
$229

$229

11/07

-

-

-

-

$24
$34

$34
$59

$59 
$99/164

$119
$129/199

$198

$299

-

1/07

-

-

$12

$19
$34

$19
$49

$54
$79

$89
$139

$229
$269

$449

$599

-

9/06

 -

-

$14

$29
$34

$34
$59

$79
$99

$119
$199

$299
$379

($799)

($1049)

-

3/06

-

-

$19

$39

$59

$79

$149

$349

-

-

-

10/05

$9

-

$29

$39

$99

$149

$279

-

-

-

-

6/05

$15

$20

$40

$50

$100

$200

$400

-

-

-

-

Top


More and Smaller Formats

Adding capacity for use in digital cameras and camcorders, and shrinking in size for smaller devices like mobile phones.

Memory Card Formats 

(images not to scale)

  CompactFlash (CF) ? Matchbook

Popular - to 4 GB

  SD Card (Secure Digital) ? Stamp

SD - to 2 GB
SDHC
(SD High-Capacity) - 4 to 32 GB, 2 - 25 MB/sec
SDXC (SD eXtended Capacity ) - to 2 TB, 50, 104 to 300 MB/s

  

  miniSD ? Tiny, 60% smaller, security

miniSDHC
(essentially replaced by microSD)

  

  microSD (TransFlash) ? Fingernail, smallest

microSDHC
(also TrustedFlash DRM with preloaded content)

  PRO
  Duo
  PRO Duo

  Sony Memory Stick ? Chewing gum

PRO (faster), Duo (1/2 size), PRO Duo
PRO-HG - High-speed continuous recording for HD cameras

Memory Stick Micro (M2), MagicGate security

 

  MultiMediaCard (MMC) ? Postage stamp

MMCmobile smaller
also MMCmobile, MMCplus, RS-MMC

  xD-Picture Card ? ultra compact
    SmartMedia ? single chip, to 128 MB

Toshiba

Top


SD Cards

    Secure Digital


SDXC - SD eXtended Capacity - to 2 TB

  • Increases storage capacity to 2 TB (from 32 GB)
  • Increases SD interface read/write speeds up to 104 MB/s in 2009
                road map to 300 MB/s
  • Faster speeds enable pro-level recording in compact consumer camcorders,
        increase number of frames shot in a second with SDXC cameras
  • For SD and microSD form factors (not mini)
  • Uses Microsoft exFAT file system
  • 2 TB card holds 100 HD movies, 480 hours of HD video, 136,000 fine-grade photos
  • Specification release in Q1 2009
  • First products likely to provide 64 GB storage
  • ASSD, CPXM content protection
  • SDXC - www.sdcard.org/developers/tech/sdxc
  • PR 1/09 - Press release (PDF)

SDHC - SD High Capacity - 4 - 32 GB 

  • 4 to 32 GB, to 25 MB/sec
  • Rugged for professional use
  • Faster transfer for higher-res photos, multiple shots, video
  • Larger capacity: FAT 12/16 to FAT 32 file system
  • CPRM content protection

SDHC Cards -- SD 2.0 High Capacity - 4 - 32 GB

   


SanDisk - SD Card Product Line (as of 6/09)

               

  • SanDisk Standard SDHC Card  - Class 2 - Max. not rated - to 8 GB $44
  • SanDisk Ultra II SDHC Card  - Class 4, up to 15 MB/sec. read/write - to 32 GB $166 ($99 street)
  • SanDisk Extreme III SDHC Card  - Class 6, up to 30 MB/sec. read/write - to 16 GB $195 ($92 street)
  • SanDisk Video SDHC Card  - Class 4, Ultra II rates - to 16 GB $97
        Identified by capacity and minutes of recording time: 60-minute (4GB) and 120-minute (8GB) times 
  • www.sandisk.com

Find the SanDisk Ultra II SDHC Card on Amazon.com
Find the SanDisk Extreme III SDHC Card on Amazon.com

Video minutes that can be stored to Video HD memory card (SanDisk, 6/09)

 Movie Format Resolution Bit Rate (Mbps) 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB
HD Super
AVCHD/H.264
1920x1080 17 30 min. 1 hr. 2 hrs.
HD High
AVCHD/H.264
1920x1080 13 40 min. 1 hr. 20 min. 2 hrs. 40 min.
HD Standard
AVCHD/H.264
1920x1080 9 60 min. 2 hr. 4 hrs.
HD Extended
AVCHD/H.264
1440x1080 6 1 hr. 30 min. 3 hrs. 6 hrs.
Standard Definition XP
MPEG 2
720x480 9 50 min. 1 hr. 50 min. 3 hrs. 40 min.
Standard Definition SP
MPEG 2
720x480
 
6 1 hr. 20 min. 2 hrs. 45 min. 5 hrs. 30 min.
Standard Definition LP
MPEG 2
720x480 3 2 hrs. 30 min. 5 hrs. 10 min. 10 hrs. 20 min.

SD Mini / Micro Cards

SanDisk microSD / microSDHC Cards

Kingston microSD Adapter Packs

SanDisk Gruvi / TrustedFlash -- Prerecorded

  • Add hardware encryption and authentication 
  • Support multiple DRM (digital rights management) 
  • Preloaded content (ROM), Preview & unlock additional content
  • Rolling Stones - "A Bigger Bang." album 
  •     sold on 256MB Gruvi Music cards (TrustedFlash) $39.95 (9/05)

SanDisk Write-Once SD WORM Memory Cards  (7/08)

  • Write Once Read Many (WORM) digital memory card
  • data stored permanently, no physical way to alter or delete individual recorded files
  • Applications: tamper-proof recording, especially for legal requirements for genuine and original records,
  •     police photography , court records, cash registers / tax records, medical devices / patient data
  • 100-year archive life
  • Readable in any standard SD slot
  • Requires new firmware for recording to cards
  • Working with SD Card Association for SD WORM as industry standard
  • 7/08 - available in 128-megabyte capacity, higher capacities later in the year
  • PR - www.sandisk.com/Corporate/PressRoom/PressReleases/PressRelease.aspx?ID=4353

SanDisk Ultra II SD Plus USB card -- Built-in USB Interface (OLD)

  • Hinged cover around the bottom half of the card
  • Folds down to reveal USB connector
  • Plug in directly to computer
  •  3/08 - SDHC 8 GB $99
  • 1/06 - 1 GB $134

A-DATA Info-SD -- Display  (OLD - CES 07)

  • SD card with bi-stable display 
  • Available space, 2 characters for name , 4 digits for free capacity
  • www.adata.com.tw

Eye-Fi - Wi-Fi-enabled SD Card for Digital Cameras (07-1/10)

Automatically transfer photos and videos wirelessly, from digital cameras and camcorders to home computers and online

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eye-Fi Home - 2 GB - Home Network

  • Home: 2 GB  - $49 - 6/09, 3/09 - original 5/08 $79
        (2 GB ~ 1,000 photos -- at 7 MP, 1.9 MB/photo)
  • Wireless photo uploads to computer over home Wi-Fi network

Eye-Fi Share Video - 4 GB - Video Files

  • Share Video: 4 GB (SDHC) - $79 - 6/09, introduced 3/09
        (4 GB ~ 1,000 photos + 45 min. of video -- at 5 Mbps)
  • Adds - Video uploads

Eye-Fi Explore Video - 4 GB - Geotagging

  • Explore Video: 4 GB (SDHC) - $99 - 6/09. introduced 3/09
  • Adds - Unlimited geotagging - Adds geographic location tags to photos 
        (Geotagging is $14.99 / year as separate service)
  • Adds - Hot Spot access for 1 year at Wayport and open hotspots 
        (Hotspot Access is $14.99 / year as separate service)
  • [Old Explore: 2 GB (5/08) ~ 3/09 - $99 - was 5/08 $129

Eye-Fi Pro X2 - 8 GB - Class 6, Enless Memory, Ad hoc, RAW

  • Pro: 8 GB (SDHC) - $149 - introduced 1/10
  • Adds - Class 6 read and write performance
  • Adds - Endless Memory mode - Delete files after uploaded
  • Adds - Ad hoc connection to wirelessly upload without needing wireless router
  • Adds - Upload RAW images (in addition to JPEG)

Eye-Fi Share - 2 GB - Web Sharing (OLD)

  • Share: 2 GB - $59 - 6/09, 3/09  - 5/08 $99, original 10/07
  • Adds - Unlimited WebShare to upload photos to online sites over home Wi-Fi network
        (WebShare is $9.99 / year as separate service)
  • [Old 11/08 - Anniversary Edition - 4 GB - $129)  

Eye-Fi Pro - 4 GB - Ad hoc, RAW (OLD)

  • Pro: 4 GB (SDHC) - $149 - introduced 6/09
  • Adds - Ad hoc connection to wirelessly upload without needing wireless router
  • Adds - Upload RAW images (in addition to JPEG)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Initial configuration: Connect Eye-Fi card to computer, configure network / upload destination
  • Configure for wireless home network
        Wi-Fi Security: Static WEP 40/104/128, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK 
        Range: 90+ feet outdoors and 45+ feet indoors
  • Images stored to card uploaded automatically when in range of network
  • Selective Transfer: Mark selected photos or videos to be uploaded
        Use camera menu "protect" / "lock" feature
  • Upload photos to local computer over home Wi-Fi network
        Eye-Fi Manager software on PC or Mac, in folder, organized/titled by date
  • Upload to online sites over home Wi-Fi network / at Wi-Fi Hot Spots (option)
        via Eye-Fi software, or over Internet to Eye-Fi Service
        More than 25 photo sharing, printing, blogging and social networking sites (as of 6/09)
        Includes Apple MobileMe, Costco, Facebook, Fickr, Kodak Gallery, Nikon My Picturetown, 
            Picasa, PhotoBucket, RitzPix, Shutterfly, SmugMug, Snapfish, Wal-Mart
  • Video upload: YouTube and Flickr
  • Upload at WiFi hotspots (option)
        More than 10,000 Wayport and open hotspots in the U.S. (as of 6/09)
  • Ad hoc connection direct from camera to computer, without router (option)
  • Geotagging - Automatically adds geographic location tags to photos and videos (option)
        Based on nearby Wi-Fi networks using Skyhook global Wi-Fi Positioning System
  • 3/09 - iPhone application for card owners -- free, upload to same computer / Web sites
  • 5/09 - Upload videos directly to Picasa Web Albums, Photobucket or SmugMug
         from digital camera (in addition to YouTube or Flickr)
  • PR - 5/08 - New family - www.eye.fi/news/2008/05/11/eye-fi-unveils-new-family-of-products
  • PR - 9/08 - Add services, 2X faster upload - www.eye.fi/news/2008/09/22/faster
  • PR - 11/08 - Anniversary Edition - www.eye.fi/news/2008/11/12/4gb-eyefi-anniversary-edition
  • PR - 1/09 - Uploading video coming - www.eye.fi/news/2009/01/07/...
  • PR - 3/09 - Video upload launched, 4 GB (SDHC), iPhone app - www.eye.fi/news/2009/03/03/...
  • PR - 6/09 - Pro launched, ad hoc, RAW, Selective Transfer - www.eye.fi/news/2009/06/10/...
  • PR - 1/10 - Pro X2 launched - 8 GB, Class 6, Endless Memory - http://www.eye.fi/press...
  • www.eye.fi

Find the Eye-Fi Home and Eye-Fi Share Video on Amazon.com
Find the Eye-Fi Explore Video and Eye-Fi Pro X2 on Amazon.com

Top


Memory Stick Cards

    Sony and SanDisk


Higher Capacity: to 2 TB

"Memory Stick Format for Extended / Expanded High Capacity"

  • Capacity up to 2 TB - Same card sizes, same data rates
  • 1/2009 - Press release

Memory Stick Formats

  PRO


  Duo


  PRO Duo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memory Stick - original, capacity to 16 GB (stick of chewing gum)
  •  Theoretical access speed 20 MB/s (160Mbps) - also PRO & Micro

Memory Stick Duo -- smaller, 3/5 length of Memory Stick

Memory Stick PRO - 2003 - larger capacity to 32 GB theoretical, High Speed mode

Memory Stick PRO-HG [Duo] - 2006 - High-speed continuous recording

  • For HD still cameras and video camcorders
  • Theoretical transfer rate 60 MB/s, 3X faster than PRO
  • Press release 4/07

Memory Stick Micro (M2) - 2005 - tiny, 1/2 length of Duo, for mobile phones

Memory Stick HG Micro - 2009 - Faster version of Memory Stick Micro (M2)

  • 60 MB/s maximum data transfer speed (480 Mbps theoretical)
  • (3X Memory Stick Micro, serial 4-bit parallel interface and 40 MHz interface)
  •  Enhanced 8-bit parallel interface, increased interface clock frequency of 60 MHz

 "Memory Stick Format for Extended / Expanded High Capacity" - 2009 - to 2 TB

  • Capacity up to 2 TB (vs. 32 GB -- 60X more)
  • Same card size, Expanded versions for:
        Memory Stick PRO / PRO-HG and Memory Stick Micro / HG Micro
  • Continue to support MagicGate copyright protection technology 
        and Access Control Function
  • Same data rate: Max. 20 MB/s (4-bit parallel transfer)
  • Same HG data rate: Max. 60 MB/s (8-bit parallel transfer)

Current Memory Stick Products (08)

  • Memory Stick Duo - 128 MB
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo -- 1,2,4,8,16 GB
  • Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo (HX) - 1,2,4 GB
  • Memory Stick Micro (M2) - 1,2,4,8,16 GB

Top


CompactFlash (CF) Cards

    Access memory cards through USB

    Find SanDisk articles on the Manifest Tech Blog


SanDisk - CompactFlash (CF) Cards (as of 9/09)

SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Memory Cards (9/09)

 

 

 

 

 

  • Professional-grade memory for DSLRs (replaces Extreme IV)
  • Up to 90 MB/s read/ write speed (600x) over UDMA-6 bus, 2X previous performance
  • Fast, reliable, high-capacity memory cards designed for professional photographers
        Faster read and write speeds for sequential burst shooting, quicker offloading
        Large storage capacity for RAW images and high-definition video clips
  • New SanDisk Power Core Controller, advanced memory controller
        - High performance: Dual-lane architecture and software algorithms double performance
        - Increased reliability: Firmware algorithms and 42-bit ECC engine maintain data integrity 
            and extended card endurance through optimized wear leveling
        - Simplified design: Integrated design with fewer individual components on circuit board
  • Durable - Shock protection to withstand accidental drops of up to nine feet
        RTV Silicone coating for protection against moisture and humidity
        Guaranteed at extended temperatures from -13 F (-25 C) to 185 F (85 C),
        Lifetime limited warranty
  • Introduced 9/09 - 16 GB $300, 32 GB $500, 64 GB $800
  • www.sandisk.com/products/dslr/sandisk-extreme-pro-compactflash-card.aspx

 

SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash Memory Cards (9/09)

  • Up to 60 MB/s read/write speed (400x), UDMA 5 enabled (replaces Extreme III)
  • Power Core Controller distributes image data across card more rapidly and efficiently
  • Tested to perform from -25 C to 85 C (-13 F to 185 F)
  • Lifetime limited warranty
  • Introduced 9/09 - 8 GB $130, 16 GB $220, 32 GB $375
  • www.sandisk.com/products/dslr/sandisk-extreme-compactflash-card.aspx

SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard Adapter, $99 (due 10/09)

  • Optimized to take advantage of up to 90MB/s read speed

Top


USB Memory Card Readers

    Access memory cards through USB

    Find Kingston articles on the Manifest Tech Blog
    Find SanDisk articles on the Manifest Tech Blog


Memory Card Formats (Kingston 15-in-1 Reader, 05)

  • SmartMedia (via adapter)
  • MultiMediaCard (MMC) Version 3.
        MMCmicro (via adapter), MCmobile (DV RS-MMC)
        MMCplus (Version 4.0), RS-MMC (Version 3.1)
  • Secure Digital (SD), SDHC (SD High-Capacity)
        miniSD, microSD (via adapter)
  • CompactFlash (CF) I and II
        Microdrive
  • Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, 
        Memory Stick PRO Duo

Kingston USB microSD/SDHC Reader (09)

  • Reader 0.984 x 0..478 x 0.104 in. (24.99 x 12.14 x 2.64 mm)
  • 6/09 - Reader $5; Bundled with microSD card - 2 GB $16, 4 G $21, 8 G $46, 16 G $88
  • 10/11 - 2 GB $25 ($13), 4 GB $28 ($16), 8 GB $35 ($13)
  • www.kingston.com/flash/readers.asp

         Find the Kingston USB microSD Reader on Amazon.com


SanDisk MobileMate Micro Reader (07)

Find the  SanDisk Mobile microSDHC Card on Amazon.com


SanDisk ImageMate Memory Card Readers (2/09)

SanDisk ImageMate Multi-Card USB Reader/Writer - Single slot

  • Single slot, small - SD, MMC, MS, xD (not micro, CF)
  • Detachable metal tripod stand, magnetic
  • Transfer button to launch favorite application or website
  • Up to 30 MB/s read and 27 MB/s write with Extreme III 30 MB/sec. SDHC card
  • Memory Card formats:
        SD, SDHC
        MultiMediaCard, MMCplus, MMCmobile, RS-MMC, RS-MMC DV
        Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO
        xD, xD Type M/ M+, H
  • 60.55 x 38.21 x 10.55 mm
  • 2/09 - $21.99 ($16 street)

Find the SanDisk ImageMate Multi-Card on Amazon.com

SanDisk ImageMate All-In-One USB Reader/Writer - micro SD, SD / MMC, MS / Duo, CF

  • 4 slots - micro SD, SD / MMC, MS / Duo, CF
  • Detachable metal tripod stand
  • Transfer button to launch favorite application or website
  • Up to 34 MB/s when using a SanDisk Extreme IV 45MB/s CompactFlash card
  • Memory Card formats:
        (in addition to SD, MMC, MS, xD above)
        miniSD, miniSDHC, microSD, microSDHC
        Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
        CompactFlash
  • 119.97 x 38.21 x 10.88 (double height)
  • 2/09 - $32.99 ($28 street)
  • 10/11 - $19 ($14)

Find the SanDisk ImageMate All-In-One on Amazon.com


Flash USB Pocket /Thumb Drives

    "Thumb" drives / keys - Add USB connector


USB Pocket Drives: Features & Trends

  • Capacity: multiple GBs
  • Transfer rate: USB 2.0
       15 MB/sec read,
       18 MB/sec write (140x), 24 MB/sec read (160x)
  • Protection: Caps and covers, Retractable connector
  • Rugged housing

USB Drive Pricing

Price per GB from $70 to under $3 -- in 4 years
(Prices for SanDisk, Kingston, Lexar, and others - www.jr.com)

USB

256

512

1 GB

2 GB

4 GB

8 GB

16 G

32 G

64 G

 4/09

 -

 -

 $10  $7  $19/24  $34 $59/64  $109 $149/199

11/08

 -

 -

- - - - - $116 $177

10/08

 -

 -

$9

$14 $19/24/34 $34/49 $79 $139 -

11/07

 -

 -

 -

$29/79

$49/134

$132/149

-

-

-

  1/07

$14

$19

$29/34

$49

$84/$129

 

 

 

 

  3/06

$19

$34

$54

$79

$149

 

 

 

 

  9/06

$19

$24/34

$39/49

$39/79

$129

 

 

 

 

10/05

$24

$39

$69

$159

 

 

 

 

 

Top


USB Flash Drives - LaCie

  • Includes USB "keys" with sturdy metal thin and flat designs; fit on keyring
  • www.lacie.com

LaCie MosKeyto USB Key (9/10)

Find the LaCie MosKeyto on Amazon.com


LaCie WriteCard Flash Drive with Pen and Notepad (~ 9/10)

 

  • Credit card-sized case with USB flash key, pen, notepad
  • Record both high- and low-tech data
  • Soft touch surface
  • Slide out USB flash key, 1 1/8 x 1/2 in., half thick USB connector
  • Scratch- and water-resistant
  • Slide out pen (3 in.) and notepad (1 1/2 x 2 in.)
  • Includes 4 GB of Wuala Secure Online Storage
  • 3.3 x 2.1 x .14 in. (85 x 55 x 3.8 mm), 0.4 oz. (12 g)
  • Introduced 9/10 - 4 GB $22, 8 GB $34, 16 GB $59
  • 10/11 - 4 GB $14, 8 GB $24, 16 GB $34
  • www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11540

Find the LaCie WriteCard on Amazon.com


LaCie XtremKey  - All-Terrain USB Flash Drive (8/10)

  • Rugged - Thick metal pipe casing protects data from the elements
    • Full metal casing, tapered cylinder, unscrew cover for USB stick
    • Memory modules shielded inside of 2 mm casing
    • Sealed with wear-resistant screw threads and rubber O-ring
    • Made from zamac metal alloy - zinc, aluminum, magnesium, copper
  • Outstanding transfer speeds up to 40 MB/s (read) and 30 MB/s (write)
  • Heat-, cold-, water-, pressure- and drop-resistant
    • Drop tested to 5 meters / 16 feet
    • Watertight up to 100 meters / 333 feet
    • Withstands the pressure of a 10-ton truck
    • Resistant to fierce heat and bitter cold (+200 to -50 degrees C)
  • 2.9 x 0.9 in.
  • Includes 4 GB online storage for 2 years
  • 8/10 - 8 GB $49, 16 $79, 32 $139, 64 $249
  • 10/11 - 8 GB $39, 16 $64, 32 $89, 64 $199
  • PR 7/10 - http://www.lacie.com/us/company/news/news.htm?id=10574
  • http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11514

Find the LaCie XtremKey on Amazon.com


LaCie CooKey and WhizKey - USB Key Flash Drives (1/10)

Find the LaCie CoolKey and WhizKey on Amazon.com


LaCie iamaKey - USB flash drive - Thin and durable (3/09)

  • Sturdy metal design, fits on key ring, thin and durable
  • Gold SIP connector with protective edges; water and scratch resistant
  • Fast transfer rates: Read up to 30 MB/s, write up to 10 MB/s
  • 2.24 x 0.94 x 0.12 in.
  • Product - www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11226
  • 3/09 - 4 GB $17, 8 GB $27 (street $24 & $32)
  • 1/10 - 4 GB $19, 8 GB $29, 16 GB $53, 32 GB $99
  • 10/11 - 4 GB $19, 8 GB $29, 16 GB $44

Find the  LaCie imaKey on Amazon.com


LaCie itsaKey - USB Flash Drive  (3/09)


Find the  LaCie itsaKey on Amazon.com


LaCie CurrenKey - USB Flash Drive  (3/09)


  • Durable metal dice-cast construction, shock-proof
  • Coinage design, twist to reveal USB connector
  • 1.42 x 0.35 in.
  • Product - www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11186
  • 3/09 - 4 GB $19 bronze, 8 GB $29 silver
  • 3/09 - 4 GB $19 bronze, 8 GB $29 silver, 16 GB $49 gold

Find the  LaCie CurrenKey on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drives: Verbatim


Verbatim Store 'n' Go Micro / Tuff-'N'-Tiny - 8 GB in Half a SD Card (1/09)



  • Ultra portable, ultra rugged USB drive
  • Half the size of SD Card - 1.22" long, 0.5" wide, 0.08" thick, 0.05 ounce, 
  • Enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost
  • V-Safe 100 Windows security software
        password protect user defined private zone, plus public zone
  • New System in Package (SIP) technology, small and reliable
        Integrates all electronic components into miniaturized single sealed unit
        Resistant to everyday handling, dust, moisture and static discharges
        Small enough and tough enough to take everywhere
  • Includes cell phone lanyard for attachment to cell phone or key ring
  • Half width of USB port - Insert contacts facing USB logo, or to center of port
  • 1/09 - 2 GB $19 (orange), 4 GB $29 / $22 (green), 8 GB $49 / $32 (purple)
  • 10/11 - 2 - 32 GB, $5 - $97
  • www.verbatim.com
  • Product - www.verbatim.com/products/subcategory.cfm?...
  • PR 1/09 - www.verbatim.com/news/news_detail.cfm?...

         Find the Verbatim Store'n' Go Micro on Amazon.com


Verbatim Store'n' Go Pro -- Performance (06)

Verbatim 95019 Store'n'Go Pro 512 MB USB 2.0 Drive 90x

  • On-board processor manages data access, provided error detection and correction
        and wear-leveling to improve reliability to over one million write/erase cycles
  • Maximum write speed 14 MB/sec. (over 90 X vs CD speed rating of 150 KB/sec.)
        maximum read speed of 23 MB/sec. (over 150 X)
        100 MB file in less than 7 seconds
  • 2-color LED identifies port speed
  • 10/11 - 4 - 64 GB, $17 - $152
  • 3/09 - 4,, 8, 16 GB $74 - $86
  • ~ 2/08 - 4 GB $114
  • 06 - 256 MB $65,  to 2 GB $329
  • www.verbatim.com

         Find the Verbatim Store'n' Go Pro on Amazon.com


Verbatim TUFF-CLIP USB Drive - Rugged (8/09)

  • Durable, clip-and-go convenience with industrial strength toughness
        Rugged ABS plastic enclosure, Integrated carabineer clip
        Retractable slider protects USB connector
  • Pre-loaded Windows password security software
        User-defined private zone, plus public zone for open sharing
  • 2.90" x .45" x 0.90", < 2 ounces
  • 8/09 - 4 GB $29 (turquoise) , 8 GB $49 (black)
  • 10/11 - 4 - 8 GB, - $22
  • PR 8/09 - www.verbatim.com/news/news_detail.cfm?...
  • www.verbatim.com/products/detail.cfm?....

        Find the Verbatim TUFF-CLIP USB Drive on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drives - Sony

    Find Sony articles on the Manifest Tech Blog


OLD - Sony Micro Vault Tiny -- to 4 GB   (1/07)

          

  • 0.5 x 1 inch, 1.5 grams
  • Thickness of a US quarter
  • 11/06 - 256 MB to 2 GB, color-coded, Spring 07 - 4G
  • 11/09 - 2 GB $19; 3/09 - 1 GB $14, 2 GB $19, 4 GB $29
  • ~ 2/08 - 1 GB $17, 2 GB $32, 4 GB $60
  • Virtual Expander automatically compress and decompress data
  • www.mediabysony.com

         Find the Sony Micro Vault Tiny on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drives - Imation

    www.imation.com/flash


Imation Defender F200 Biometric Flash Drive - Fingerprint sensor (6/10)

  • Imation Defender line of flash drives, FIPS 140-2 Validated
    • Federal Information Processing Standardization (FIPS)
  • Hardware protection with AES 256-bit encryption, authentication, manageability, biometrics
  • FIPS 140-2, Level 3 Validated
    • Level 3 adds physical tamper resistance and identity-based authentication
    • Physical security mechanisms and encryption implementation
  • Metal enclosure: Tamper-evident, tamper-resistant, waterproof, dustproof
    • Enclosing cap with rubber sealing ring
  • Access Standard and Enterprise software (Windows and Mac)
    • Personalize authentication, private partition; Central management
  • Two-factor Authentication - Password and Fingerprint Identification
    • Multiple Users: Admin. controls manage to 10 users, 10 fingerprints
    • Password Authentication: Policies - length, special chars, expiration
    • Fingerprint Authentication: Ergonomic swipe biometric sensor with hardware-based matching
  • AES 256-bit Hardware Encryption
    • Impl. in Cipher Block Chain (CBC) mode, activated when drive in use
  • 0.51 x 1.02 x 3.35 in. (13 x 26 x 85 mm) - cap on
  • 6/10 - 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 GB / $99 - $349
  • 10/11 - 1 GB $89 ...
  • PR 3/10 - Launch - www.imation.com/en-us/About-Imation/News/...
  • www.imation.com/en-us/Imation-Products/Defender-Collection/F-200-Bio/

       Find the  Imation Defender Biometric Drive on Amazon.com


Imation Clip Flash Drive - Rugged (06)

  • Tough rubberized casings and reinforced rings
  • Water-resistant drive slides out from colorful soft rubber case
  • Snap onto backpacks, shoulder bags or belt loops
  • Security software with 128-bit AES encryption and password protection
  • 10/11 - 4 GB $19, 8 GB $26
  • 3/09, 11/09 - 1, 2, 4, 8 GB
  • ~ 2/08 - 2 GB $22, 4 GB $68
  • 1/07 - 256 MB $24, 512 MB $37, 1 GB $49, 2 GB $79
  • 3/06 - 256 MB $29, to 2 GB $119
  • www.imation.com/products/flash_devices/usb_flash_clip.html

         Find the  Imation Clip on Amazon.com


Imation Pivot / Pivot Plus Flash Drives

  • Small, light and easy to use, pivot design for compact length
  • Tough, durable materials, withstand shock and large variations in temperature
  • Integrated, no-lose pivot cap to protect from loss and the elements
  • Easy-to-use software encryption software and drive partitioning 
  • 1/08 - re-designed, up to 8GB of capacity
        newly enhanced for Windows Vista ReadyBoost compatibility
  • Physical security from tamper-resistant designs, extra-sturdy key ring connector 
  • 3/09, 11/09 - 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 GB
  • 1Q 08 - 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB - $29 to $199
  • www.imation.com/products/flash_devices/usb_flash_pivot.html

         Find the Imation Pivot on Amazon.com

Imation Pivot Plus Flash Drive - Hardware security (1/08)

         Find the Imation Pivot Plus on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drives - Kingston Technology - DataTraveler 

    Find Kingston articles on the Manifest Tech Blog


Kingston - Data Traveler HyperX 3.0 - USB 3.0 (11/11)

  • High-speed 8-channel architecture
       for USB 3.0 data transfer speeds
    , capacities to 256GB
  • 256 GB ~= 10 Blu-ray Discs (25GB each), 54 DVDs (4.7GB each),
       48,640 MP3s (4MB each), 13M Microsoft Word files pages
  • Durable metal and rubberized casing, reinforced lanyard loop
  • USB 3.0, Backwards compatible with USB 2.0
  • ReadyBoost support; Five-year warranty
  • USB 3.0 transfer: 225 MB/s read, 135 MB/s write
  • USB 2.0 transfer: 30 MB/s read/write
  • 3 x 0.9 x 0.6 in.
  • 11/11 Released - 64 GB $193 ($142 street),
       128 GB $377 ($279 street), 256 GB $870?
  • PR 11/11 Released - www.kingston.com/press/2011/flash/11b.asp
  • www.kingston.com/flash/dthx30.asp
Find the Kingston Data Traveler HyperX 3.0
on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drives: Lexar Media - JumpDrive

    Lexar Media (www.lexar.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Micron Technology (www.micron.com),
        and also supplies consumer memory upgrades under the Crucial (www.crucial.com) brand
    Kodak memory card line

    www.lexar.com/jumpdrive


Lexar JumpDrive Mercury -- Meter  (OLD - 1/06)

  • Capacity display meter, 10 bars, still works when disconnected from a computer
  • Secure II advanced security software
  • 1/07 - add PowerToGo software to bring the Windows environment on your drive
        (www.lexar.com/powertogo)
  • Windows Vista compatible / enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost
  • Minimum sustained speeds 15 MB/s read and 10 MB/s write
  • ~ 2/08 - 1 GB $34/22, 2 GB $59/39
  • 1/07 - 1 GB, 2 GB $59
  • www.lexar.com/jumpdrive/jd_mercury.html

         Find the Lexar JumpDrive Mercury on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drives: Memorex

    Find Memorex articles on the Manifest Tech Blog


Memorex TravelDrive ID -- LCD  (OLD - 10/05)

   

  • Surface Stabilized Cholesterin (SSC) LCD, 80 x 24 dot matrix, up to 11 characters
  • 28.0 mm x 8.5 mm, 0.045 lbs 
  • Bar Chart shows used / available memory
  • Blue LED activity indicator lamp
  • Up to 10.0 MB Read / 3.0 MB Write
  • 1/07 - 512 MB, 1 GB $79
  • www.memorex.com

Top


USB Flash Drives: SanDisk

    Find SanDisk articles on the Manifest Tech Blog
    SanDisk USB - www.sandisk.com/USB


SanDisk - Ultra Backup - Backup Button (4/09)

         Find the SanDisk Ultra Backup on Amazon.com


SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive - 20 MB/sec (OLD - 8/07)

  • Same glossy red chassis and black trim as the Ducati Corse team motorcycles
  • Ducati Corse logo on top of drive, red tail light illuminates when drive is connected
  • Drive slides out from chassis to extend connector
  • Read and write 20 MBps, fastest of SanDisk consumer USB drives
  • Includes custom lanyard
        SanDisk RescuePRO Deluxe software for recovering accidentally deleted data
  • ~ 2/08 - 4 GB $89
  • 8/07 - 4 GB $124
  • www.sandisk.com/Ducati

Top


USB Flash Drives: Corsair Memory


Corsair Flash Voyager - Durable (12/06)

  • Rugged, stylish, compact, and reliable
  • Enclosed in proprietary all-rubber housing boasting durable properties
  • Has been laundered, baked, frozen, boiled, dropped, run over by a SUV in third party reviews
  • Also GT models (faster), USB 3.0
  • 10/11 - 8 GB, 16 GB $24, 32 GB $54
  • 3/09, 11/09 - 8, 16, 32 GB, 64 GB
  • ~ 2/08 - 2 GB $21, 4 GB $24, 8 GB $52, 16 GB $106
  • 1/08 - Introduced 32 GB $229
  • 12/06 - Introduced 16 GB $299
  • www.corsair.com/products/voyager.aspx

    Find the Corsair Flash Voyager on Amazon.com


Corsair Flash Survivor - Rugged (4/07)

  • Durable, water resistant, drop-tested flash USB memory drive
  • Encased in extremely strong CNC-milled, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Water resistant to 200M through EPDM waterproof seal
  • Protected from vibration or impact damage through the use of a molded shock dampening collar
  • Includes True Crypt security application (Windows) for a virtual encrypted drive using AES-256 encryption
  • USB extension cable and Dog Tags included
  • Also GT models (faster), USB 3.0
  • 10/11 - 8 GB $29
  • 3/09, 11/09 - 8, 16, 32 GB
  • ~ 2/08 - 4 GB $20, 8 GB $69, 16 GB $106
  • 1/08 - Introduced 32 GB $249
  • Introduced 4/07 - 4 GB $59, 8 GB $129 (16 GB)
  • www.corsair.com/products/survivor.aspx

Find the  Corsair Flash Survivor on Amazon.com

Top


USB Flash Drive Trends: Accessories - Size & Style


RIDATA Yego USB Hub Drive (OLD - 1/07)

  • Ritek / Advanced Media
  • USB drive plus 2 extra USB ports, chain for additional storage
  • Powered via USB port, power-saving mode
  • Partition and security functions
  • 3/09 - 1, 2, 4, 8 GB
  • ~ 2/08 -1 GB $25, 2 GB $35,  4 GB $46 - 8 GB soon
  • www.ritekusa.com

         Find the RIDATA Yego USB Hub on Amazon.com


Imation Flash Wristband  (OLD - 1/06)

Find the  Imation Flash Wristband on Amazon.com


Verbatim / Memorex FlashDisc  (OLD - 3/06)

  • Small and inexpensive flash drive designed for exchanging data
  • Storage to share -- like  floppy discs for inexpensive give-away file sharing
  • Easier than CDs and networking
  • Circular design like a disc, write-on label area
  • 16 MB FlashDisc from Verbatim and Memorex 
  • 2.35 inches diameter, 0.35 inches high, 0.3 oz
  • 3/06 - $19 / 3-pack
  • 1/07, 2/08 - $14 / 3-pack 
  • www.verbatim.com
  • www.memorex.com

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife USB Drives

  • SwissFlash Flight (no knife)
        Removable USB flash drive 
        LED mini white light, retractable ball point pen
        58 mm, 2 1/4 inch
  • SwissFlash - plus Blade,  Scissors, 
        Nail file with screwdriver 
  • SwissFlash [Flight] with Laser Pointer  
        (instead of LED light)
  • Presentation Pro / Flight (May 09)
        Bluetooth remote control; 8, 16, 32 GB
  • 1/09 - SwissFlash 1 GB $57, 2 GB $69, 
        4 GB $80, 8GB $132
  • www.swissarmy.com
  • www.swissarmy.com/multitools/...

Find the  SwissFlash and SwissFlash Flight  on Amazon.com

Top


USB Drive Trends: Security


  • Partition: public and private
  • Encrypt, shred
  • Security manager software -- password
  • Hardware: Fingerprint reader

SanDisk Cruzer Profile USB -- Fingerprint  (OLD - 3/05)

  • Biometric security, swipe finger < 3 sec.
  • 1/07 - 512 MB $49, 1GB $74
  • www.sandisk.com

         Find the SanDisk Cruzer Profile on Amazon.com


Sony Micro Vault Fingerprint Access  (OLD - Spring 06)

  • Finger swipe sensor protect sencrypted files 
  • Auto Login software to store and automatically enter Web site IDs and passwords
  • 1/07 - 512 MB $74
  • www.sonystyle.com

Find the  Sony Micro Vault Fingerprint on Amazon.com

Top


USB Drive Trends: Portable Desktop


Beyond data storage to desktop environment

  • Virtual environment
  • Carry desktop applications with documents

NTI Ninja -- Security Software  (1/07)

NTI NinjaT<br>For Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP

  • User-adjustable partitioning
  • Creates a public partition and private hidden partition on any USB storage device
  • Encrypts and password-protects private partition
  • Automatically prompts for password when insert USB device
  • 128-bit encryption (3DES)
  • No software install required, access from any Windows PC
  • NewTech Infosystems
  • 3/09 $19; 1/07, 2/08 - $24
  • www.ntius.com/ninja.asp

         Find NTI Ninja on Amazon.com


U3 "Smart Drive" (OLD -> StartKey 07?)

  • Store copies of desktop applications, along with associated preferences,
  • Launch applications, with data, preferences
  • Requires special versions of the software applications, (Windows only)
  • Backed by SanDisk and M-Systems
  • www.u3.com

Ceedo Technologies

  • Portable virtual desktop with many of your favorite Windows applications
  • Verbatim - Mobile Launchpad
  • Lexar - PowerToGo JumpDrive
  • www.ceedo.com

Migo Mobile Computing Software (OLD)

  • Clone entire desktop environment 
  • Run on main system to sync desktop environment to a flash drive
  • Plug flash drive in on a guest machine, and Mingo replicates the environment
  • Complete with desktop wallpaper and icons, Internet settings, e-mail, personal documents
  • Store multiple environments on single flash drive, and add security protection.
  • www.migomobile.com
  • www.migosoftware.com

Top


USB Drive Trends: Windows Acceleration


Windows Vista ReadyBoost  (07)

   

Top


Portable Hard Disk Drives

    10's GBs - 2.5" Hard Disk, Bus Powered


Premium for small hard drive sizes

  • Get 10 times capacity at same price
  • Heavier, slightly larger size
  • Larger cache (up from 2 to 8 MB or greater)
  • Faster rotation speeds
  • Better data rates (up from 20 to 30 MB/sec)

    (Western Digital - Passport Essential -- www.jr.com)

80 GB

120 GB

160 GB

250 GB

320 GB

400 GB 500 GB 750 GB 1 TB
10/10       $59   $149 $79 $99 $119
10/08     $74 $89 $119 $149 $189     
4/08     $119 $149 $179        
11/07 $79     $110   $159            
6/07 $99 $119  $149            


Seagate GoFlex Storage System (Intro 5/10)

  • Seagate GoFlex drives introduced 5/2010
  • Plug-and-play portable and desktop drives
  • with interchangeable cables and desktop adapters:
    • USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Powered eSATA, FireWire 800
  • Share files by paring with GoFlex Net media-sharing device
  • View movies and photos on TV with GoFlex TV HD media player
  • SATA Universal Storage Module (USM) specification
    • Accept a complete, powered external storage device into consumer electronic devices
  • Advanced features (some drives)
    • For PC & Mac (pre-loaded NTFS driver)
    • USB 3.0 interface (USB 2.0 compatible) - up to 10x faster data transfer rates than USB 2.0
    • 7200 RPM drive - up to 40% faster file transfers than standard 5400 RPM drive
    • Automated backup software with encryption technology
    • Seagate Dashboard management tool - manage backups and file encryption, at-a-glance available drive capacity
  • 10/11 -
  • FreeAgent GoFlex Desk Desktop Adapters - FireWire 800/USB 2.0 $49, USB 3.0 $39
  • FreeAgent GoFlex Net Media Sharing Device - $99
  • FreeAgent GoFlex Upgrade Cable / Adaptor - FireWire 800 $24, Powered eSATA $14, USB 3.0 $19, USB 2.0 $14
  • Seagate Wi-Fi Adapter $39
  • PR 5/10 - http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=goflex-freeagent-seagate-introduces...
  • GoFlex System - http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/external-hard-drive/
  • GoFlex Accessories - http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/accessories

Seagate GoFlex Portable Drive - to 1.5 TB (5/10)

         Find the Seagate GoFlex Portable Drive on Amazon


Seagate GoFlex Turbo Portable Drive - Performance (8/11)

         Find the Seagate GoFlex Portable Drive on Amazon


 Seagate GoFlex Slim Drive - USB 3 (4/11)

  • Ultra-fast, ultra-portable on-the-go storage - Roughly width of a pencil
  • Sleek, ultra-thin anodized design, damage resistant
  • PC & Mac, USB 3.0, 7200 RPM - 9mm, 2.5–inch external drive
  • Includes backup software with encryption technology
    • Sync files between computer and GoFlex Slim drive
    • Seagate Dashboard management tool
  • 320 GB = 100K high-res photos, 5K hrs music, 320 hrs SD video / 80 hrs HD
  • 4.91 x 3.07 x 0.354 in. (124 x 78 x 9 mm), 0.356 lb (0.16 kg)
  • PR 4/11 - www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US...
  • seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/external-hard-drive/slim-hard-drive
  • 10/11 - $89 (street $71), 4/11 - 320 GB - $99

         Find the Seagate GoFlex Slim Drive on Amazon.com


Seagate GoFlex Satellite Drive - Mobile Wireless Storage

  • Wireless mobile storage - connect to computer or portable device
    • Stream 3 different media clips to 3 Wi-Fi devices at same time
  • Wi-Fi network hub - connect to "GoFlex Satellite" - Up to 150 feet
  • Access using web browser or free apps for portable devices
    • GoFlex Media app for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch,
      • Android tablets and smartphones
    • Browse media library, stream, download to local device
  • Sync media and documents with Media Sync software on PC or Mac
    • USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 connection
  • 500 GB stores over 300 HD movies (1.5GB MP4 H.264),
    125,000 songs, 100,000 photos
  • Seagate G-Force Protection Freefall sensor technology from drops
  • Power level and Wi-Fi connectivity LEDs
  • Rechargeable battery with AC adapter
  • Up to 5 hours continuous streaming, 25 hours standby
  • 4.72 x 3.54 x 0.87 in. (120 x 90 x 22 mm), 0.588 lb (0.267 kg)
  • PR 5/11 - http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US...
  • www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/external-hard-drive/goflex-satellite
  • 5/11 - 500 GB $199 (10/11 - $179 street)

         Find the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Drive on Amazon.com


Seagate GoFlex Desk External Drive - to 4 TB

         Find the Seagate GoFlex Desk Drive on Amazon.com

Top


Western Digital - My Passport - Portable Hard Drive ~ 3.7 oz (7/07+)

       

My Passport Essential

  • 10/10 - Essential 250 - 640 GB $110; Essential SE - 750 GB, 1 TB $169
  • 0.590 x 4.967 x 3.130 In., 0.40 lbs.
  • 3/09 - 250, 320, 400, 500 GB
  • 10/08 - 160 GB $74, 250 GB $89, 320 GB $119, 400 GB $149, 500 GB $189
  • ~ 4/08 - 120 GB, 160 GB $119, 250 GB $149, 320 GB $179
  • www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=875

My Passport Elite

  • 10/10 - 250, 320, 400, 50, 640 GB $118
  • Adds soft-touch finish, backup and remote access software, capacity guage
  • 0.590 x 4.967 x 3.130 In., 0.40 lbs.
  • 3/09 - 250, 320, 400, 500 GB
  • 4/08 -  250 GB $169, 320 GB $199
  • www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=740

         Find the Western Digital My Passport on Amazon.com

Top


Portable Hard Disk Drive Trends

    Ruggedness and Security


LaCie Rugged USB 3.0 Portable Hard Disk (4/10)

  • Fast interface: up to 110 MB/s
  • 2.5" hard drive, bus-powered cable
  • Rugged design: Drop resistant up to 2.2 meters
    • Scratch-resistant aluminum shell, internal anti–shock absorbers, shock–resistant rubber bumper
  • Includes software for formatting and backup
  • 10 GB Wuala secure online storage included for one year
  • Backward compatible with USB 2.0 - cable included
  • Add USB 3.0 connection with LaCie USB 3.0 PCIe card or USB 3.0 PCIe Express card
  • 3.5 x 1 x 5.7 in. (90 x 28 x 145 mm), 8.5 oz. (241 g)
  • 10/11 - Triple USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 / FireWire 800 - 500 GB $129, 500 GB (7200 rpm) $139, 1 TB $199
  • 10/10 - 500 GB (7200 rpm)  $134, 500 GB (5400 rpm) $114,
       750 GB $164, 1 TB $179
  • 4/10 - 500 GB $149
  • PR 4/10 - www.lacie.com/us/company/news/news.htm?id=10562
  • www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11495

         Find the LaCie Rugged USB 3.0 Drive on Amazon.com


LaCie Rugged All-Terrain Hard Disk (06+)

  • Tough metal casing and shock-resistant rubber bumper
  • 10/11 - 500 GB $129, 500 GB (7200 rpm) $139, 1 TB $199
  • 10/10 - Firewire 400 & 800 + USB 2.0 - 320 GB $129 / 500 GB $154 (7200 rpm)
         750 GB $179, 1 TB $249
  • 3/09, 11/09- USB 2.0 - 250, 320, 500 GB
  • Firewire 400 & 800 + USB 2.0 - 250, 320, 500 GB; 320 & 500 GB (7200 rpm)
  • 1/07 - 80 GB $119, 120 GB $149, 160 GB $199
  •    06 - 80 GB $169, 120 GB $329
  • www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11030

         Find the LaCie Rugged Hard Drive on Amazon.com


LaCie SAFE Mobile Hard Drive - 8.1 oz (OLD - 06)

  • Encrypted
  • Fingerprint Access: 5 profiles, 10 prints
  • 5.43 x 3.15 x 0.98 in., 8.1 oz.
  • USB 2.0 (480 Mbps/60 MB), Max 25 MB/s
  • 8 MB cache, 5400 RPM
  • 06    - 40 GB $99, 80 GB $189, 120 GB $229
  • 1/07 - 40 GB $99, 80 GB $139, 120 GB $169
  • 3/09 - 160 GB $109
  • www.lacie.com

         Find the LaCie SAFE Hard Drive on Amazon.com

Top


Solid State Drives (SSD)

     Faster boot & application launch, Rugged, Lower power


Imation Solid State Drives: M- and S-Series (~ 4/09)


SanDisk Solid State Drives - G3 SSD - to 240 GB (mid-09)

  • Superior durability and higher performance, particularly for OS boot and application load
  • Drop-in replacement for hard disk drive, thin and light notebooks
  • SanDisk G3 SSD Family - 3rd gen - 60, 120, 240 GB, 2.5" and 1.8" (09)
        Over 100 years of typical user usage, 6X more reliable than HDDs
        More than 5X faster than fastest 7,200 RPM HDDs
        2X faster '08 SSDs, 40,000 vRPM, sequential read 200MB/s , write140MB/s 
        1/09 - 60 GB $149, 120 GB $249, 240 GB $499rft
  • SSD SATA 5000 2.5", up to 64 GB (07)
  • old 07 - SSD SATA 5000 1.8", 5 mm height, lighter and power efficient, to 72 GB
  • G3 PR 1/09 - www.sandisk.com/Corporate/PressRoom/PressReleases/PressRelease.aspx?ID=4478
  • www.sandisk.com/OEM/ProductCatalog(1274)-SanDisk_SSD_Solid_State_Drives.aspx

 

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Data Transfer Devices

     USB, IDE / SATA, Direct transfer without a computer


  • Portable gadgets are storage devices: cameras and phones, memory cards, and flash drives, portable hard drives
  • Don't need to bring computer to manage your data
  • Off-load photos from your mobile phone or camera to a portable hard drive

External Interface

Mbps

MBps

 

USB 1.0

1.5

0.187

1998 - Low-cost and relatively low-speed devices

USB 1.1

12

1.5

 

USB 2.0 / Hi-Speed

480

60

(40X) - 2000 - Mass storage devices (thumb drives to portable hard drives), portable consumer electronics devices including photo cameras and video camcorders

USB 3.0 / SuperSpeed

5 Gbps

640

(10 X) 2010 - High-speed data storage (RAID/SSD), higher-resolution digital cameras, high-definition video camcorders

Firewire 400 / 1394

400

50

 

Firewire 800 / 1394b

800

100

 

eSATA 1.5 Gb/s

1200

150

 

eSATA 3 Gb/s

2400

300

 


SATA -- Serial ATA / eSATA -- External SATA  (07) 

       

  • ATA drives low cost, high capacity 
  • Internal data rates reaching up to 75 MB/sec, USB and 1394 interface rates are bottleneck
  • Internal: SATA 1.5 Gb/sec (150 MB/sec) or SATA 3 Gb/sec (300 MB/sec)
  • External: eSATA with more robust cables and connections (multiple insertion , shielded)
        Electrical Static Discharge (ESD) , Electro Magnetic Interference
  • SATA-IO -  www.SATA-IO.org

NewerTech USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 Universal Drive Adapter  (1/08)

   

  • Universal to USB 2.0 / 3.0 adapter for disk drives (also USB 1.1)
  • Adds connection status LEDs for accurate device connection and disk activity (USB, IDE/ATA, SATA)
  • Works with: 2.5" Laptop drives, 3.5" Desktop drives,
        5.25" drives - IDE/ATAPI devices such as CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drives
        Removable media drives such as Iomega Zip
  • Formats: ATA / IDE / SATA / ATAPI
        Compatible with any 2.5", 3.5", 5.25" IDE or SATA device
        Supports IDE & enhanced IDE 3.5" internal IDE hard disk
        Supports ATA/ATAPI-6 specification 1.0
        Supports SATA I and SATA II
  • Includes: USB 2.0 to ATA connection (2 sided, for 2.5" and 3.5" drives), and SATA connection
        USB UDA adapter, ATA extension cable, SATA 2.5" Power Adapter Cable
        USB 2.0 Connecting Cable, SATA-SATA Connecting Cable
  • Heavy Duty, UL listed, 2.0A external AC adapter provides drive power
  • Compatible with Mac OS 9.2 or higher (including Mac OS X),
        Linux 2.4.X, and Microsoft Windows 2000/XP (no driver required)
  • www.newertech.com/products/usb3_universaldriveadap.php
  • 3/09 - $34; Introduced 1/08 - $29.95
  • 10/11 - USB 3.0 - $39

Data Drive Thru - The Tornado / iTornado - File Transfer (3/08)

   

  • Tornado for Windows; iTornado - Windows and Mac 
  • Automated, self-contained computer file transfer device
  • Pocket-sized (4.8 oz), two retractable USB cables extend to 4 feet
  • Networks two PCs in seconds by plugging into the USB port of each computer
  • Built-in software displays the contents of both PCs -- on both computers
  • Drag and drop to move files or entire folders, bi-directional -- copy or move (delete)
  • USB 2.0 transfer speeds up to 25 Mb/sec
  • Use for old PC to new PC migration or data back-up
  • Tornado - Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, and Vista
  • iTornado: 11/09 - $59; 3/08 $79 - Windows and Mac
  • Tornado: ~ 2/08, 11/09, 10/11 - $59/$49
  • Available bundled with PC Eraser software ($29)
        Wipe files from hard drives using U.S. Dept. of Defense standards
  • www.thetornado.com

         Find the Data Drive Thru - The Tornado on Amazon.com

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