Imation's Hard Drives Renounce Their Bonds, Wireless HDD Pro WX

Based on Imation's Apollo external hard drive platform, the newest release by Imation in the line of 3.5 inch external hard drives not only offers the huge data-storage capacity of 1.5TB but is built with a USB interface that allows it to function properly via a one-to-one wireless connection with a desktop PC, notebook or Mac.

“With the launch of the Pro WX, Imation delivers a differentiated approach to address the specific needs of those users who desire or need to connect, store and protect data using a plug-n-play wireless USB drive that provides a capable and secure alternative to cabled solutions,” Liz Conner, research analyst, IDC, said.

As opposed to the Apple-developed Time Capsule connectivity solution, the Pro WX operates at regular USB 2.0 level, but at the somewhat low speed of 15MB/s. This is not all that low compared with the Time Capsule's transfer rates. Even more, the latter's transfer speeds even drop with distance. However, Apple's solution uses 802.11n Wi-Fi and 802.11a, b, and g, not USB wireless. This makes it substantially more versatile, being usable as a network device, allowing multiple hosts to share files. This is obviously superior to Imation's one-on-one link.

One plus of the WX is the fact that the physical termination of the link between the two machines will no longer jeopardize the integrity of the data on the storage drive (which may occur in the case of wired USB-connected drives). Instead, the device is automatically detected as soon as it comes within 30 feet of the receiver, a point at which the backup procedures are initiated. For reliability, the product is equipped with the Memeo Instant Backup software. Through it, Windows hosts can automatically back up the drive data and sync it, and there is a possibility that the drive will support Apple's time Machine backup facility.

“Imation continues to be a world leader in delivering innovative storage products designed for our increasingly wireless world,” James Depuydt, director of technology, Imation, said. “We are now the first to provide users with a Wireless USB hard drive to continuously back up their most critical data in a unique product design. We will continue to expand our wireless storage capabilities to enable our customers to easily create, store, manage and share digital information.”

There is a single downside to the device, in the way that the lack of physical USB connection removes the system's ability to fuel the drive with power. As such, the Imation Pro WX wireless hard drive needs its own power cable.

Windows and Mac users alike may purchase an Imation Wireless 1.5TB Pro WX external hard drive for $499. Unfortunately for the company, Mac users will probably choose Apple's product over the Pro WX, seeing how there are Mac wirelessly connected Time Capsules that provide 2TB of storage space for the same $499 price.