Seagate announces hard drive for portable devices

**Graham Best** · 01-30-07, 07:20 PM

Seagate has announced a hard drive for portable devices that includes 10GB to 20GB capacity to serve files over Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB. The device includes a microprocessor and a ten hour battery. Seagate will license the device to OEM manufacturers; the device should be available in May or early June for around $200.

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rlarson_mn · 01-30-07, 07:31 PM

I carry my needed files around in my iPod (60gb hard drive) and my 8gb CF micro drive.

01-30-07, 07:42 PM

This thing looks very interesting and is already getting lots of coverage. Will be interesting to see all the different ways people will end up using these ...

01-30-07, 08:06 PM

I was wondering when someone would do this. The projected price and capacities are pretty disappointing though. I still like this:
http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showp...8&postcount=30

mm

rBoLt168 · 01-30-07, 08:18 PM

the price isnt that wise for a 20gb storage.. i could but a 120gb for just $120

ricjaywhit · 01-30-07, 08:43 PM

I already have something like this. I have a 20gb imagebank otg battery operated hdd that has about 3 hours battery time. It connects to my x51v thru a ratoc usb hub. I've got over 1000 songs and about 31 movies on it, and still have room for more. It's excelllent, I recommend this kinda setup for everybody.

**Graham Best** · 01-31-07, 02:31 AM

$200 for 20GB is comparable to the MediaGear ImageBank. The MediaGear only has a 3 hour battery without wireless, so I'm interested to see how Seagate can pull off 10 hours with wireless.

Toshiba had a 5GB Bluetooth hard drive a few years back called the HOPBIT. That product didn't last that long; I hope this one is more of a technical / business success. Toshiba does plan to produce 100GB hard drives in the same 1.8 inch form factor later this year. I'm hoping it will be possible to open the Seagate case and increase the storage.

Mike Walker · 01-31-07, 07:53 AM

Wait a minute! Here I was thinking I had seen everything...that no new doo-dad could impress me. And whaddya' know? Along comes...well THIS! I gotta' get me one o' those! :love:

Car_Guy · 01-31-07, 01:28 PM

Eventually these are going to repalce usb drives, just start building wifi into all computers, and make sure you keep your hd with you (or better yet build it into your wallet or soemthign similar that you carry all the time)

When you use a computer, it will just ask you if you want to access your storage, type in your password and your good to go. ALthough i'm sure thats all a few steps down the road.

saminegm · 02-01-07, 01:29 PM

There are 4 GB SDHC mini SD Cards out now and 12 GB Cards will follow soon. They will consume less power, will be much smaller and - in my opinion - will be much cheaper and they will be faster. 10 to 20 GB is not enough and its too expensive...

frebitz · 02-01-07, 09:23 PM

saminegm -- I was going to say the same thing. Who needs to schlep heavy storage that needs batteries? SD and CF cards are fine.

ZonK · 02-02-07, 02:38 AM

oh well
i dont think that it is so comfortable to use a hdd via bluetooth
speed sucks and the browsing is somewhat limited on certain bluetooth stacks...
wifi serves as a problem battery wise on most pdas...
so the usb option remains
especially on pdas with usb host (i switched my pda for one with usb host functionatily becaus i love this feature)

and for usb we already have bus powered usb flash drives for arund 200$ like the
Corsair Flash Voyager 16384MB

so yeah i think this seagate gadget is a nice try but it has a too togh competition
it will remain a solution for special interests

Lodis · 02-02-07, 10:24 PM

This is way too expensive and I definately won't be buying one of these. I am fine with my 8GB CF and 4GB SD and as mentioned earlier on in the thread we have 12GB CF soon and the price for 8GB and 12GB will drop. There are much cheaper and higher capacity options availiable than this so good luck.

Pocketbrain · 02-20-07, 06:27 PM

It's cute, but I'll keep my WL-HDD.

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