I-O Data Device's Mobile External HDD Endures Water up to 1-M Depth

Dec 1, 2006 19:11 Yukiko Kanoh, Nikkei Electronics

In mid December 2006, I-O Data Device, Inc. will release the "HDMC-U series" mobile external HDD lineup, which boasts high resistance against water and shock. With a waterproof rubber material wrapped around the HDD inside the outer body, water is prevented from penetrating into the HDD up until a depth of 1 m. If the HDD gets dirt on it, it is possible to gently rinse it off with pure water. The HDD is also shock-resistant against a fall from height of around a pocket on the chest. The company said it confirmed the HDD's normal performance after a total of 26 times of proving tests, in which the HDD in off mode was dropped from a height of 122 cm against each surface, line and corner (6 surfaces + 12 lines + 8 corners).

The company assumes the HDD will be put in a pocket or such to carry data. The company developed this product in a bit to address the reported cases in which customers accidentally dropped USB memory and other devices used in a similar way as an external HDD into water in a toilet, wash bowl and so on.

The HDD features a USB 2.0/1.0 interface. It measures 52.0(W) x 59.5(D) x 18.0(H) mm.

I-O Data Device will simultaneously launch the 8 GB "HDMC-U8" and 12 GB "HDMC-U12" this time. The company aims to ship an aggregated total of 20,000 units of these two models per year. The "HDMC-U8" is slated for shipment in mid December for ¥15,700 excluding tax, while the "HDMC-U12" in late December for ¥21,000 excluding tax.

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