14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to external storage devices, the issue of power can get iffy, because some are small enough to work on just USB power, while others need to be plugged into an AC port. The new I-O Data HDJA-UT HDD series uses a sort of in-between solution.
Which is to say, the new external HDD doesn't use an AC power input, but doesn't really work on USB power either. Not exactly.
Instead, it has an internal power supply, though it's not clear if it needs periodic recharging and if it can be used to replenish the energy of other things, like smartphones.
Maybe when the company ships the thing to countries other than its home market, we'll know for sure. As it is, shipments are only underway in Japan.
Anyway, the new product, or product series, is an external desktop hard disk drive, meaning that it's pretty large. Definitely too large to be taken all over the place in a pocket.
It's why I-O Data didn't bother naming it a portable hard drive unit, though it is still smaller and lighter than, say, a laptop.
The HDJA-UT Series desktop drives have capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB, with respective prices of 14,500 yen, 19,900 yen and 24,300 yen.
According to exchange rates, as they were at the time of this article's writing, that's about the same as $142 / €104, $195 / €142 and $238 / €172.
Not exactly the smallest prices you'll ever run into, but at least I-O Data doesn't expect you to pay so much just for the storage space.
Which is to say, the HDJA-UT Series desktop drives benefit from a Kensington security slot, active cooling technology (an internal fan keeps heat manageable) and a frame that allows the storage device to lay flat or upright.
All in all, the I-O Data HDJA-UT Series desktop hard disk drive measures 216 x 155 x 45 mm / 8.50 x 6.10 x 1.77 inches.
In case you're wondering, there is a status indicator included in the deal. It's the small, blue thing in the picture up there (no, that's not the USB 3.0 port, that connector is on the rear side).
At the end of the day, the new device from I-O Data is a pretty tame invention, with nothing overly uncanny about the performance or design. The edges of the rectangular case aren't even fully rounded, only beveled enough to ensure a modicum of comfort when gripped.