I-O Data’s new portable hard drive has the standard specs for its class, maxing out at USB 2.0 and 500GB of storage, but it’s the HDPN-U500/V’s video functionality that intrigues: just plug it into a Sanyo Xacti, JVC Everio or Sony Handcam camcorder and it’ll suck in all the video with no bridge computer required.
The big advantage here is to video bugs who find themselves filling up their camcorder’s storage out in the field. If they buy I-O Data’s drive, they can leave the MacBook at home and if they fill up their camera, easily slurp out the footage and keep shooting within seconds.
It’s hard to say, but since it hooks up to your camera via USB, it could theoretically be used with an iPhone too. I’d be interested to know if the drive can offload iPhone 4 videos if you connect it with an Apple Connector Cable.
The seems to be Japan only right now, so if you want one, you’ll need to find an import shop and lay down ¥14,600 (or about $170) for the drive. That’s actually very expensive for a 500GB drive, but if you’re constantly running out of drive space on your camcorder, it may very well be worth it.
[via Gadget Lab]
