CES: Memorex Launches Portable USB HDDs

Memorex, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp introduces its ruggedly designed Ultra TravelDrive line of USB hard drives. The compact, high-capacity Ultra TravelDrive, based on 2.5-inch hard drive technology, delivers up to 160GB of capacity for consumers' computer storage and backup needs. Featuring a rubberized grip area, the Ultra TravelDrive can be personalized with interchangeable, nature-inspired color faceplates, a unique twist for portable hard drives.

The Ultra TravelDrive is available in three capacities including 80 GB, 120 GB and 160 GB — offering consumers storage and back-up capacity in a device that fits easily into the palm of a hand and weighs approximately half a pound. The USB interface ensures that the Ultra TravelDrive is compatible with virtually any desktop or laptop, whether Mac or PC. A USB connection also is the only power source required for the Ultra TravelDrive, with no additional power supply needed.

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The ergonomic design of the Ultra TravelDrive is easy to carry, and the double-injected black rubberized grip area helps ensure that the drive does not slip out of your hand and will not slide out of a travel bag. Although the drive is offered in a sleek charcoal metallic finish, each Ultra TravelDrive ships with two interchangeable face plates that let you customize your drive for style, or color-code multiple back-up devices. The drives ship with either Sagebrush Green and Desert Orange metallic faceplates; Ocean Blue and Fire Red metallic faceplates; or Steel metallic and Arctic White glossy faceplates, depending upon the capacity of the drive.

A blue LED light illuminates when the Ultra TravelDrive is plugged into any computer's USB port and flashes during data transfer, so you always know when the drive is in use. In addition, a tiny LED light indicates whether the drive is transferring data at USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 speeds, since older USB 1.1 ports are not always immediately identifiable. The drive also includes backup and synchronization software, and a USB cable.

Pricing and Availability

The Memorex Ultra TravelDrive portable hard drive will be available at major consumer electronics retailers and on eMemorex.com this quarter, in capacities of 80 GB, 120 GB and 160 GB for suggested retail prices of $129.99, $149.99 and $199.99, respectively.