Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has rolled out SimpleDrive desktop external hard drive with capacities of up to two terabytes (2TB). In addition, the company has also announced that its 3.5-inch retail drives are now available in 2TB capacities, featuring the Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000.
The new upgraded offerings include the Hitachi Simpletech Pro Drive; the two-drive, RAID 0/1 Duo Pro Drive; and the Hitachi internal hard drive kit for the do-it-yourself (DIY) computer-upgrade market.
According to Hitachi, the SimpleDrive, with up to 2TB capacity and a plug-and-play design, gives both Mac and PC users enough capacity to store 4,000 hours of standard video. It features an anodised aluminum enclosure to keep the hard drive cool. It comes in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities, with a MSRP of $99.99, $129.99 and $249.99, respectively.
With four interface options (USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and 3Gb/sec eSATA) and two levels of backup protection, the Pro Drive’s allows users to stack multiple units or stand them upright to optimise desk space. Capacities and MSRPs include 500GB ($119.99), 1TB ($169.99) and 2TB ($299.99), the company said.
The company said that the Duo Pro Drive offers two ways to save data RAID 0 (speed) or RAID 1 (mirroring). It also offers an internal hard drive kit that features high performance drive, easy installation instructions, a SATA cable and mounting screws.
The company claims that all SimpleTech desktop external hard drives ship with two levels of data backup to better protect and manage personal or professional content. It offers simple wizards to guide users in setting up automatic backups on specific days.
Azmat Ali, vice president of marketing for branded business at Hitachi GST, said: “Hitachi continues to build its channel presence with an expanded portfolio of 2TB storage solutions for business users, consumers or virtually anyone who needs additional capacity to manage the growing number and size of their digital files.
“Even though people are inundated with digital content daily, many are not taking the necessary precautions to safeguard their content. Our external drives, together with consistent backup practices, will help people keep their digital memories, entertainment and business documents safe.”
