Logitec's uber-secure, rugged Precious LHD-PHAU2 external HDD

We admit, we do get a tad creeped out when a manufacturer dubs a hardcore, tough looking product "precious," but considering how dear the data that's on your Precious LHD-PHAU2 hard drive is likely to be to you, we guess the name fits the bill. This stainless steel clad drive comes in 80GB, 120GB, and 160GB sizes, spins at 5400RPMs, and can reportedly withstand drops from around one meter. Moreover, this darling of a storage device rocks a security switch that automatically encrypts the data and locks out intruders, and can only be re-accessed by logging in through the Logitec Secure Projects software. The firm also claims that this device is light on the power usage, RoHS-compliant, and while it can play nice with both OS X and Windows, the security application will only load on the Wintel side. All three flavors are slated to hit shelves next month, and you get your very own precious for ¥16,485 ($140), ¥25,410 ($216), or ¥33,285 ($282), depending on capacity.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Ken @ Dec 22nd 2006 7:42AM]

"Precious HDD puts on the lotion or else it gets the hose..."

[Jason @ Dec 22nd 2006 9:06AM]

Why rate something for a drop distance, then make it look like it could easily slip out of your hand? I hope the blue band is a grip (though it look shiny).

[Norock @ Dec 22nd 2006 12:47PM]

It's probably so you'll feel like it was worth the extra cash you paid for a fancy housing and security switch...

I mean, seriously. $140 for an 80Gb drive? :\

[Patiwat @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:48PM]

It's for 2.5" laptop drives. These are more expensive and more sensitive than 3.5" desktop drives. I destroyed several of them over the past 12 months - they are so light that they tend to flop around easily.

That being said, the larger drives are a ripoff. I can get a 2.5" 160GB OEM drive for $140, a 120GB drive for $85, and a 80GB drive for $55. The "Precious Premium" for the larger drives is much much more than the premium for a smaller drive. Knowing Logitec (Japan), you wont be able to remove the drive from the enclosure.