Active Media Products (AMP), manufacturer of netbook SSD upgrades and unique USB drives including the Obama drive, today announced a 3-pack of WWF endangered species USB drives that includes a Panda drive, a Penguin drive and a Polar Bear drive packaged in an elegant gift box. These Windows 7 compatible USB drives are crafted in the likeness of endangered species and benefit WWF.

The panda, penguin and polar bear drives are designed for carrying data on the go. Each drive measures only about 2.2-inches in length and includes a keychain for attaching the drive to a backpack, zipper pull or keys. These lead-free and PVC-free drives are made of soft non-toxic silicone rubber. The WWF Trio is an ideal gift. AMP offers the Trio as a triple pack of 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB USB drives, and contributes five percent of the retail price of this product line to WWF.

A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd., the worldwide leader in DRAM modules and Flash application products, today announced the addition of the industry-leading capacity of 640GB to its 2.5-inch portable hard drive product lineup. Aiming the recent global boom for mobile computers, the new 640GB portable hard drive provides an ideal solution to meet such growing demand for higher storage capacity.

Embedded with the latest technology, the new 640GB high-capacity solution, available for all A-DATA portable hard drive series, offers a tremendous upgrade on the storage size without sacrificing portability of the device, which is perfect for notebook users or business professionals who are constantly on the go. With 640GB of capacity, users can easily access and share photos, music files, high-definition videos or other digital contents without having to worry about insufficient storage space. The use of high-speed USB 2.0 interface provides a much more efficient data transfer across platforms. Coupled with the stylishly-designed external casing, A-DATA's 640GB portable hard drives are the brilliant choice for consumers who look for both performance and sleek looks on their storage device.

Expanding further on its portable storage lineup, Buffalo added the HD-PVU2 family of portable hard drives. The model numbering goes as HD-PVxU2-y, where x can be 320 or 500 denoting capacity in GB, and y can be WH (white) or BK (black) denoting color. Measuring a somewhat pocketable 81 x 16 x 130 mm (W x H x D), these drives tip the scales at 190 g. With USB 2.0 as data/power connectivity, the drives pack eco-Manager software that powers down the drive when idling for a set amount of time, to save power. It comes in white and black, and data capacities of 320 GB and 500 GB, which cost around US $108 (10,000 JPY) and $158 (14,000 JPY), respectively.

Kanguru Solutions, announces the release of the 64GB Kanguru e-Flash, a high capacity, high performance flash drive with both eSATA and USB connectivity. The Kanguru e-Flash is a dual ended flash drive. One end supports high speed eSATA while the other end supports a USB2.0 interface. The eSATA side provides incredible performance, 5 times faster than standard USB drives. The USB2.0 side provides universal connectivity, so data can still be accessed by computers that may not have eSATA ports yet.

"The combination of performance and versatility make the Kanguru e-Flash the perfect product for people who want top tier transfer speeds without sacrificing usability," said Nate Cote, VP of Product Management for Kanguru Solutions.

The Kanguru e-Flash has a built-in powered eSATA connection so you don't have to worry about multiple wires plugging into the drive, and it's packaged with an eSATA + Power bracket and an eSATA + Power cable for easy hookup to the computer you use most.

Following the success of the Supreme U100 ultimate USB disk, Team launches the enhanced version of the Supreme U100 to meet the demands of consumers requiring high capacity, premium design and absolute trend setting flair. The enhanced Supreme U100 has a capacity of 64G for users to store anything they want.

In an aluminum case, the enhanced Supreme U100 delivers a high-quality feeling in its exceptionally smooth leather-like coating marks its unique prestige. Together with the superb 64G capacity and patented swivel cap design, the Supreme U100 is perfect for mature high-level business executives with classy taste. Finally, its lightweight design of only 17 grams makes it the best of breed: with exquisite style and ultra-high capacity combined together.

OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, today introduced the Zee USB 2.0 flash drive, perfect for users seeking a simple and portable way to tote their multi-media files and documents. For the on-the-go student, gamer, or professional, the OCZ Zee is the ideal companion for a busy digital lifestyle at an affordable price point.

"Designed for the consumer on the go, the compact Zee is an economical USB drive that makes it easy to transfer images, multimedia and essential data between multiple computers," commented Alex Mei, CMO of the OCZ Technology Group. "The Zee is designed to be affordable to the complete range of consumers, and is available in large capacities up to 16GB yet is both lightweight and compact so that it highly portable."

To offer a greater selection to suit the diverse needs of different customers, Transcend Information, Inc., a global leader in storage and multimedia products, recently released a brand new Anti-Shock USB Flash Drive-the JetFlash V70. The drive is made out of a durable eco-friendly rubber that makes it highly resistant to survive shock, splashes and dust. Created with sporty outdoor adventurers in mind, the JetFlash V70 allows users to express their individuality and unique personal style with attractive bright color schemes.

Unlike USB flash drives that are made of plastic or metal materials, Transcend's JetFlash V70 is made of eco-friendly silicone rubber that provides a pleasant tactile feel and offers excellent protection for stored data while working, exercising, or traveling outdoors. For added piece of mind, the JetFlash V70 fully meets rigorous U.S. military drop-test standards (MIL-STD-810F 516.5-Transit Drop), literally making it one of the most robust USB Flash Drives available. The V70 also has an eye-catching streamlined shape and vivid bright colors that set it apart from the normal USB flash drive crowd. Additionally, the JetFlash V70 is equipped with a unique tethered cap holder that prevents it from getting lost when removed from the drive during file transfer.

Optical drives specialist LiteOn is out with the slim and compact eTAU10 external DVD writer. Best suited for netbooks and ultra-slim notebooks without optical drives, the eTAU10 is slimmer than most external slim optical drives, measuring the same as portable CD players, and weighs 350 g. It comes in piano-black and pearl-white (both glossy). USB 2.0 is the almighty connector here, that provides both power and data connection to the host PC. DVD±R and DVD+RW discs are burnt at 8X, double-layer DVD±R at 6X, DVD-RAM at 5X, and 24X for CDs. Priced at 45 Euro, the LiteOn eTAU10 external DVD writer starts selling next month.

Scythe announces the availability of a new multifunctional panel for 3.5inch bay. Kaze Station 3.5 is available in black (KST01-BK-3.5) and silver (KST01-SL-3.5). This new device combines a 2-channel fan controller with an easy to access front panel connecters including 4x USB2.0, 1 x e-SATA, 1 x MIC and 1 x Headphone. Both Front panel and fan controller knobs are made of brushed aluminum.

By using the integrated fan controller up to two fans can be adjusted with an output voltage of 5 to 12 V. Supported fan speed is specified in the range from 0 up to 9,990 rpm. For convenient purposes, Kaze Station 3.5 comes with the required connection cable such as two fan extensions, one power adapter, one USB cable, one audio cable and one S-ATA cable. Overall dimensions of the unit are 102 x 25 x 93 mm (4.01 x 0.98 x 3.66 in) and it weights 130 g (4.58 oz).

Remember this thumbnail-sized USB drive by Buffalo? The company developed the idea further with the RMUM-H, which, not only packs up to 16 GB of data in its thumbnail-sized package measuring 11 (W) x 15 (H) x 1 (D) mm, but also holds a Micro-SD/Micro-SDHC card reader that expands its capacity. The card reader can be used to port data between compatible phones and cameras, and the PC. The 16 GB variant (RMUM-16GH/BK) is priced at 10,900 JPY (US $112), the 8 GB one (RMUM-8GH/BK) at 5,200 JPY ($53), 4 GB one (RMUM-4GH/BK) at 2,600 JPY ($26.5), and a 2 GB (RMUM-2GH/BK) variant for 1,700 JPY ($17.5). There is provision for a lanyard or keychain, which is very much welcome.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, recently announced its alliance with Trend Micro, Inc., a global leader in Internet content security, to offer advanced Trend Micro USB Security software preloaded on its newest USB flash drive, the JetFlash V15. With this powerful combination of Transcend hardware and industry-leading Trend Micro software, users can now share, store and manage valuable data more safely and securely than ever.

Trend Micro USB Security is a unique software program specially developed to protect against malicious content in files transferred to USB Flash Drives. With its easy-to-use interface and simple one-step activation process, Trend Micro USB Security protects the JetFlash V85 from the first moment it is connected. Upon finding threats, the software will alert the user and move all dangerous files to a hidden quarantine folder. Additionally, when the JetFlash V85 is plugged into a computer with Internet access, Trend Micro USB Security will automatically download and install the latest security updates directly onto the drive. Thanks to its powerful Trend Micro USB Security built-in software, Transcend's JetFlash V85 AntiVirus USB Flash Drive can freely be used in any computer with no danger of malicious data hitching a ride while transferring files.

Active Media Products (AMP), manufacturer of SSDs and WWF series USB drives, today announced immediate availability of a bootable Linux USB (BLU) drive that is compatible with Windows 7 and benefits WWF. These new penguin BLU drives are preloaded with the full installation of Ubuntu Linux 9.0.4.

BLU drives allow booting into Ubuntu Linux from the USB drive regardless of what operating system is installed on the hard drive. Because the hard drive will still be fully accessible when booting from the BLU drive, it's an excellent disaster recovery solution in the event of problems with the operating system on the primary hard drive, because important data files on the hard drive can be backed up onto the BLU drive or another USB storage device.

Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, has succeeded in squeezing 32GB of NAND Flash storage into a thumbnail sized USB drive that is water resistant and supports data transfer speeds up to 200X (30MB/sec). Six new models of 32GB Pico drives will begin shipping this week.

Just 15 months after launching the 8GB Pico drive, then hailed as the world's smallest 8GB USB drive, Super Talent is now able to pack an astounding 32GB of NAND flash into the same small dimensions. "Our customers have an insatiable need for higher capacity flash drives, but they don't want a big and bulky drive", Super Talent Director of Marketing, Joe James said in a statement. The Pico C drive measures only 31 x 12 x 3 mm and weighs less than an American nickel (~5g). Super Talent uses a COB manufacturing process for its Pico series to achieve the smallest possible size.

LucidPort Technology commenced shipping of the industry's first USB 3.0 to SATA bridge chip, the LucidPort USB300. The chip connects a SATA II hard drive, or solid state drive to a USB Full-speed 1.1, Hi-speed 2.0, and Super-speed 3.0 port. It supports native command queuing (NCQ), AES 128/256-bit encryption, and transfer-rates as high as 210 MB/s when used with Windows Mass Storage driver. It offers even higher transfer-rates when used with the new USB-attached SCSI (UAS) driver. The most prominent applications of this chip includes external hard-drives, and external drive enclosures. Competitors such as PLX, Fujitsu, and Faraday Electronics, etc., are expected to release similar chips later this year.

Akasa expanded its portfolio of hard drive enclosures with the DuoDock. This highly portable desktop dock measuring 140 x 108 x 71 mm, uses a top-loader to mount 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch HDDs or SSDs using the standard SATA II interface. The loader allows you to insert and eject the drives like SNES cartridges. The device draws power from an external DC power plugin, and connects the drive to the system using eSATA or USB 2.0 interface. With an AHCI-aware operating system, the dock provides hot-plug capability it is available in matte-black and piano-white colours. It will be priced around US $40.

Kingston Technology today announced its new high-capacity USB flash drive, the DataTraveller 300 (model: DT300/256GB), which packs a massive 256 GB of data in a pocketable package measuring 70.68 x 16.90 x 22.99 mm (as big as a typical flash drive, nearly twice as thick). The package design is cap-less, with the USB connector popping-out at the push of a slider. The drive offers read speeds of 20 MB/s, and writes data at 10 MB/s. The company packs its own data-encryption software to protect data. The drive supports Windows ReadyBoost technology on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. Backed by a 5-year company warranty, Kingston is selling the DT300/256GB for 775 Euro.

Data storage specialist Verbatim today introduced its SureFire line of portable hard-drives. These palm-sized, portable HDDs come with storage capacities of 250, 320, and 500 GB, and boast of two interfaces: USB 2.0 and FireWire 800, making it out of the box compatible with PCs and Macs. It measures 81 x 128 x 15 mm, and weighs in at 186 g. Enclosed in it, is a 2.5 inch hard drive with 5400 rpm spindle-speed and an 8 MB cache. It draws its power from an AC adaptor, though when used with USB 2.0, it can rely on the port for all its power. The Verbatim SureFire is compatible with Mac OS X Leopard's Time Machine backup application. Backed by a 3-year warranty, these drives go for US $109.99, $139.99, and $179.99 for the 250 GB, 320 GB, and 500 GB models, respectively.

Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today began shipping a 128 GB USB 2.0 flash drive that includes AES-256 hardware encryption as a standard feature.

The new 128GB Luxio drive is smaller in size than most competing 64GB USB drives, measuring approximately 77 x 21 x 10 mm (3.0 x 0.81 x 0.37 inches). The pocket-sized drive stores up to 40,000 six megapixel photos or up to 32,000 MP3 songs. The 128 GB Luxio is offered in three colors: black, silver and wood grain, and is packaged in an elegant gift box. Each drive comes with a custom black leather carrying case. Luxio drives are now available in capacities from 16 GB to 128 GB.

Patriot Memory, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash and computer technology, today announced the release of their Xporter Mini II USB.

Designed around today's advancing computer technology, the Mini II provides a lightweight, cap-less slider architecture that makes it portable and convenient. With its sleek design, the Mini II allows for easy plug and play across multiple platforms.

"Our Xporter Mini II is a novelty of ingenious design," says Eric Akerson, Patriot's Director of Marketing. "The Xporter Mini II, now available up to 16 GB, is an affordable portable storage solution allowing users to be on the go and have the convenience of large data storage."

Japan-based Logitec (not to be confused with the more popular peripheral company with a similar name), is out with yet another compact external DVD writer. The LDR-PME8U2L is a little over a slim DVD writer enclosed in a fancy casing that comes in complete back or topped with red. It measures 136.5 x 143 x 19.2 mm, and weighs in at around 300 g.

The drive offers write speeds of 8X for DVD±R and 6X for DVD±RW, and 5X for DVD-RAM. It writes and rewrites CDs at 24X. It uses the USB 2.0 interface. ArcSoft's TotalMedia Backup & Record comes bundled. The LDR-PME8U2L drive is backed by a one-year company warranty and is priced at US $92.

Buffalo Japan announced a series of secure USB flash drives with capacities ranging between 16 and 32 GB. Products include RUF2-HSCxxGUW, RUF2-HSC32GW, and RUF2-HSCL-U16G (where "xx" is 16 or 32, indicating capacity in GB; pictured in the same order below). Selling points include the security features: SecureLock, which makes it a key for the computer, data encryption, and a native anti-virus solution from TrendMicro that scans files when its being copied, and quarantines infected files into a separate folder. The drive also lets you maintain a usage log of the drive, which tracks every file moved in or accessed. The RUF2-HSC32GUW will sell for 39800 JPY (US $420), the 16 GB variant at 29800 JPY ($320), RUF2-HSC32GW for 38800 JPY ($415), and RUF2-HSCL-U16G at 22800 JPY ($250). The drive will hit stores in Japan by mid-July

Strengthening its line up of portable 1.8-inch hard drives for external use, Samsung today announced its 250 Gigabyte (GB) 1.8-inch hard disk drive, the Spinpoint N3U which incorporates a native USB 2.0 controller on its printed circuit board. Most external hard drives require the addition of a bridge circuit board to convert the hard drive's current interface into a USB interface. Samsung's N3U drive, however, uses a native USB interface and as such does not require this bridge board. This optimized design results in a smaller foot print, less power consumption and optimized performance, which is ideal for portable external storage devices. The N3U 1.8-inch drive consumes about 40 percent less power than a normal 2.5-inch hard drive of an equivalent capacity. It has two 125 GB platters for a total of 250 GB data storage capacity. The Spinpoint N3U also comes in 120 GB, 160 GB, and 200 GB capacities, the disk rotation speed is 3600 rpm. The drives are equipped with an 8 MB of cache memory. Initial shipments to OEMs are scheduled from mid-July with a MSRP of $199.00.

Buffalo Japan rolled out a tiny, pocketable Ethernet switch in the LSW-TX-3EP/C. With three 10/100 Mbps ports to spare, the switch draws power from a USB port, or any other 5V DC source. The USB power input adds portability, letting you build a small LAN anywhere at higher and more reliable speeds than ad-hoc wireless networks. You can grab one for JPY 2280 (US $24.50) when it starts selling later this month.

Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today introduced their new line of colorful and trendy Pico Mini USB drives, available this week in capacities from 2 GB to 16 GB. Like their siblings, the Pico drives, Pico Mini drives are built using COB technology which enables squeezing impressive Flash capacities into extremely small packages. At 32 x 15 x 3 mm (1.3 x 0.6 x 0.1 inches), Pico Mini drives are surprisingly tiny. Even more impressive, they tip the scales at merely 1.5 grams.

Verbatim EMEA released a colourful new line of portable hard drives. Inside its shell is a 2.5 inch hard drive with an unformatted capacity of 500 GB. The drive has a spindle speed of 5400 rpm. The unit weighs in at a mere 161 g (5.68 oz) and uses the standard USB 2.0 interface for power and data transfer. It comes in shell colours labeled "Sun kissed Yellow", "Eucalyptus Green", "Hot Pink", "Caribbean Blue" and "Volcanic Orange". The bundle includes a copy of Nero BackItUp 4 Essentials. Verbatim will ask €109 for this.