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Imation Shows Off Ultra Small USB Drive

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

June 28, 2005, 11:36 AM

Imation showed off its latest hardware at a press event in New York City on Monday night, including a preview of a USB hard drive so small that it could practically fit on top of a quarter. More details on the unit, as well as a public launch are expected in early July.

The Imation Micro Drive uses a USB 2.0 connection to a PC and will be compatible with all three major operating systems: Windows, Mac OS and Linux. Imation says its target audience for the new drive is industry professionals who require the transport of large files in their lines of work, such as advertising or science.

Initially available in a 2-gigabyte capacity, the company plans to have a 4GB version available late this year. The padlock-shaped unit is also extremely light weighing less than one ounce. At less than 1-inch in diameter, the Micro Drive will be the smallest hard drive available on the market.

The unit's padlock design may have been for a reason, as micro drives have come under fire for poor security. Imation will offer the Imation Security Manager as an optional download from its support Web site, which will allow Windows and Macintosh users to encrypt and decode files in 128-bit encryption.

The drive will be made available through retail locations in mid-July at a price of $159 USD. The 4GB version will retail for $189 USD.

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By cngodles

posted Jun 29, 2005 - 10:07 PM

Yeah, it would be cool if they could stuff 4 of those inside a camera. I wish it would come cheap, I mean, look at it, the materials can't cost that much, they must be making a large profit.

Oh well, a 2MB drive cost that much how many years ago? It'll soon be TB.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Jun 29, 2005 - 6:12 PM

Yup, just another way to lose your data (literally)

Score: 0

By asellus

posted Jun 29, 2005 - 11:40 AM

The standard USB connector itself is almost as big as a quarter, or more. So when the final product comes out, it will not be THAT SMALL anymore.

Score: 0

By deadmonkey

posted Jun 28, 2005 - 3:37 PM

god d*** that is small :|

Score: 0

By Marticus

posted Jun 28, 2005 - 2:38 PM

You can't expect the newest and smallest and most cutting edge technology to be cheap.

I guess the key difference is do you want your portable data storage to fit on your keychain, or do you mind having a slightly larger cheaper solution that fits in your back pocket.

Honestly I choose the larger, cheaper and higher capacity hard drive.

But there are people who just want a small device, and don't mind the price or lack of storage capacity.

Score: 0

By Paul Lush

posted Jun 29, 2005 - 10:24 AM

Like for digital cameras or phones.

Score: 0

By nate

posted Jun 28, 2005 - 1:12 PM

That isn't the size of a quarter. That's a full hard drive - completely different.

Score: 0

By Kramy

posted Jun 29, 2005 - 3:47 AM

They said it can "practically fit on top of a quarter." Slight difference. :P

But man, that is TINY!

Score: 0

By xjumper84

edited Jul 6, 2005 - 3:45 PM

I've already got one, plus more pictures and my own little review at my site

http://ethereallan.org/elg/content/view/29/39/

if you look through the article, i hinted at this on June 9th, but with respect to the kind folks at imation I kept it under raps till i read about it in the paper this morning. Its well worth the money, i use it ALL the time. I love it!

Score: 0

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