Computer memory maker Kingston has introduced a Mac OS X-compatible version of its DataTraveler Vault — Privacy Edition (DTVP) USB flash drive on Monday. The drive is labeled ultra-secure thanks to 256-Bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware encrypted, and will lock down after 10 unsuccessful logins, requiring a reformat to be usable again. All DTVP drives are made of aluminum and waterproof in depths of up to 4 feet. The drives can read data at up to 24MBps and write it at 10MBps. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and later, the DTVP flash storage is available in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities, with respective pricing set at $110, $177, $308, $502 and $910.

Hynix today revealed that it has produced the first 1-gigabit (256MB) mobile DDR2 memory based on a 54 nanometer manufacturing process. Shrinking the chip design has let the company simultaneously raise its maximum clock speed up to 1,066MHz — the same as desktop memory — but also to drastically reduce the power versus earlier mobile RAM. The denser memory consumes about half as much power as earlier mobile DDR2 and just 30 percent that of full-fledged desktop memory. The firm pitches the technology as particularly useful for high-end smartphones but also for those mobile Internet devices and netbooks that need a high amount of bandwidth (up to 8.5GB per second with dual memory channels) but still need to keep energy use in check.

Hynix doesn’t name its clients but does say it expects to start shipping memory in the second half of the year.

Toshiba on Monday revealed that it has started shipping its 32 nanometer NAND flash memory ahead of schedule. Originally planned for the fall, the higher-density storage is already being sampled today and should be in mass production by July. The process allows a single, thin 32-gigabit (4GB) chip and, with eight stacked chips, will allow 32GB of memory in a single package.

The company anticipates boosting the capacity of 32nm memory in the future and also notes that it will ship half-density, 16-gigabit (2GB) chips on the same process in the fall.

Which customers will use the higher-capacity flash haven’t been specified, though Toshiba is believed one of the 2009 iPhone suppliers and can potentially give the iPhone 32GB of storage. The Apple handset has so far been limited to 16GB of memory as it can only use a single memory package for its storage. The iPod touch allows more and could theoretically keep 64GB of memory.

Toshiba claims that removable cards and USB storage will get the memory first, but that embedded uses like in mobile phones will come soon afterwards.

Many card readers may already be available out there. But only a few can say that they are quite unique in a sense. Just consider this 2 in 1 SD(HC) Card Reader Cable. This cable not only will read a number of today’s popular memory cards, but also charge another USB device at the same time.

The 2 in 1 SD(HC) Card Reader Cable consists of a card reader compatible with most of the more widely used flash memory cards today. This card reader is compatible for use with Compatible with SDHC, SD, MMC II, RS MMC, Ultra II SD, Extreme SD and Extreme III SD memory cards. It is also compatible for reading MiniSD, T-Flash, MicroSD and MicroSDHC memory cards as long as the appropriate adapter is used.

This card reader has an integrated USB cable that can be used to charge other devices such as mobile phones, PDA’s and digital cameras at the same time while using the card reader. This can help free up some USB slots on your PC for other uses. The 2 in 1 SD(HC) Card Reader Cable is available at Brando Workshop for US$12.

One can never be too careful with one’s private data so one might want to try out Fujitsu’s Secure USB Memory Device which is supposed to protect all that data.

Besides the regular USB memory the device has a built-in battery and a chip which are needed to automatically delete the data after a certain period of time or if someone steals and tries to use it on an unauthorized computer. Not bad for an USB drive. I know I could have used that a number of times. We don’t have all the pricing and availability dates but we’ll keep you in the loop.

via Akihabara News

The storage robot Drobo has been released in different versions before coming to a halt in 2008.  This year, the makers of Drobo are formally introducing a bigger, stronger, and more spacious DroboPro.  This 8-bay giant is aimed towards small business and creative professionals, but the average consumer would love it as well.

The DroboPro generally looks like the second-generation Drobos, using the same BeyondRAID intelligent data storage technology and is not created to be used on networks.  It can hold up to 16TB of data, has an integrated power supply, and can fully support dual-drive redundancy.  Users can switch between single- and dual-drive redundancies with a single press within the Drobo dashboard. Read the rest of this entry »

Nova Media has launched the iCON 225 (not as pictured), its newest 3G USB modem for Macs. The device provides HSDPA connections with up to 7.2Mbps download and 2Mbps upload speeds, as well as EDGE and GPRS connections providing a maximum of 80kbps upload and 220kbps download speeds. iCON 225 is not SIM locked or bound to a specific network, and allows users to insert SIM cards from most service providers.

The iCON 225 comes with an Internet connection wizard, launch2net, to streamline connections and includes connection settings for most mobile network providers as well as up to 8GB of storage through a microSDHC slot. A lanyard and USB extension cord also come packaged with the modem. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher, the iCON 225 is available for purchase and priced at $160.

Sierra Wireless has announced that its USB 598 modem is now available for use on the Verizon Wireless network, as it has passed through the provider’s open development program. The 598 is said to be the smallest available modem that taps into Verizon’s EVDO Rev. A network, for download speeds up to 3.1Mbps, and upload speeds as fast as 1.8Mbps. Incorporated TRU-Install software takes users through the initial installation process, and does not require a separate CD or driver. Sierra Wireless Watcher installs from the modem as well, giving users a display of status, performance and network information. The stick moreover has a built-in microSD slot, allowing it to be used as a USB flash drive. A bundled clip and extension cable let users attach the device to a notebook display, for better signal reception.

The USB 598 is going on sale for $199.