14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that the USB 3.0 interface has just scored another point on the popularity boards, as it has now been combined with a sophisticated shock-dampening system and implemented in the latest model from Transcend's well-known, fast and capacious StoreJet portable hard disk drive family. Known as the StoreJet 25D3, the drive is, most likely, the fastest portable HDD Transcend has made to date, makes use of the compact 2.5-inch form factor and merges performance and reliability with presentability and significant endurance.
One would think that the gloss piano black finish, the bandwidth of 4.8Gbps, the tenfold increase in transfer rates and the maximum speed of 90 MB/s would be the main and foremost noteworthy features of this newcomer. Granted, for end-users that are especially careful with whatever they carry and put more emphasis on performance, these specs may very well be the determining factor in the device's appeal. However, those that are just as, or more, concerned with reliability and sturdiness, will be especially impressed in its shock-dampening system, which boasts an internal suspension technology that will let the storage unit survive repeated impacts.
Of course, in order to enable a maximum compatibility, the StoreJet 25D3 is backwards compatible with the USB 2.0 connection, although, obviously, its performance will be limited by the maximum bandwidth of 480Mbps. Other elements included in the feature set are eco-friendliness (it automatically goes into power-saving mode after 10 minutes of inactivity) and a multicolor LED status indicator, which will turn blue and orange when operating on USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 ports, respectively. Finally, the drive boasts its maker's StoreJet Elite software, which provides backup scheduling, 256-bit AES encryption and Internet tools.
The Transcend StoreJet 25D3 will only be available in a capacity of 500GB. For those that want less, or more, the company will also be unveiling StoreJet 25D2 models of 250GB, 320GB, 500 GB and 640GB, although they will only be compatible with USB 2.0 ports. All units in the line are certified for Windows 7.