X-bit labs

Imation Micro Hard Drive: Lock Your Data

Category: Storage

by Andrey Kuznetcov

[ 04/04/2006 | 01:41 PM ]

Looking for a portable storage device at an affordable price? The new funky-looking lock-shaped Imation Micro Hard Drive might be a way to go. With 4GB or 2GB storage capacity and a miniature 0.85-inch hard disk drive inside it may be an attractive purchase. Find out more from our article!

Table of contents:

• Closer Look
  
• Testbed and Methods
  
• Performance in FC-Test
  
• Performance in AIDA32
  
• Conclusion
  

The rapid expansion of the flash-memory based storage devices is being constantly opposed by the solutions built with miniature hard disk drives. While the flash-memory based storage products boast high data transfer speeds, the HDD based solutions offer a much more attractive price-point to the users. Who will be the winner in this eternal cut-throat battle? Time will show.

On our end, we decided to continue introducing to you new solutions of both types, so that you could make up your mind easily.

Today we are going to offer you a detailed story about a new Imation compact storage device built with a miniature hard disk drive.

Closer Look

Lock your data with the new Imation lock. These are the words that come to your mind when you first see the new Imation Micro hard Drive. It is true, the exterior design of the solutions looks exactly like a traditional lock. It is hard to say what were Imation engineers guided by when they shaped up their product like that, but I have to admit that this product boasts a very remarkable and memorable image and is very functionally smart, too.

The lock bow is none other but a flexible USB cable. Its connector is fixed in the drive with a special clip during transportation. The data is safe and secure when stored on this hard drive thanks to two major factors. The devices can withstand up to 100Gs of active physical shock thanks to the specially designed shock-resistant case. The software data protection is ensured thanks to the 128-bit encryption and File Synchronization utility that automatically performs reserve data copy.

The hard drive is 4GB big, however Imation also offers a 2GB model. Inside the case there is a 0.85” Toshiba hard drive. The drive supports USB 2.0 interface and doesn’t require any additional power supply during work.

The hard drive is supplied with a quick installation guide.

It is fairly small: 41x16x84 mm and weighs 52g. It is currently selling for around $190.