This (external) HDD supports USB 2.0 and Firewire

Technology in search of a market?

SimpleTech has developed a portable external hard drive which is compatible with USB 2.0 and Firewire (1394b).

Combining the two connectivity technologies on one drive seems to be a first. The product, called the SimpleDrive Deluxe, comes in 6GB, 10GB, 20GB and 30GB capacities, with the entry-level model priced at $200. The product is shipping in the US and will arrive in the UK in three weeks.

SimpleTech acknowledges that customers can get cheaper USB 2.0 storage, but it thinks there are people out there who are into Firewire as well.

In its press release, the company pushes points of appeal for corporate users and consumers as it's not sure yet where demand will come from.

It says the drive is "the choice for video editing as well as for storing digital photos, music files, games or other data. We believe it is the smartest way to upgrade your hard drive, off-load files or take your data on the road and keep it safe."

SimpleTech also pushes the line that the device offers a lower cost per gigabyte storage than Zip disk alternatives. The 20GB unit will store more than 20,000 digital photos or 6,500 MP3 songs at 128kbps. It weighs less than 16 ounces and is the size of a hand.

The company claims USB 1.1 compatibility for the SimpleDrive Deluxe (which seems a bit redundant as USB 2.0 is supposed to be backwards compatible). ®

Related Link

SimpleTech site - SimpleDrive Deluxe doesn't seem to be on there yet

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