SmartDisk announces FireLite XPress drive with always-on screen

We've seen a number of LCD screens on flashdrives before, but displays on portable hard drives are relatively few and far between (if there is one, it's probably more of a PMP than a hard drive). Well, SmartDisk is attemping to stand out from the pack with its upcoming FireLite XPress portable hard drive featuring, among other things, a 160 x 240 monochrome cholesteric liquid crystal screen. Yeah, we know it sounds a little like some sort of disease, but it's actually a type of display that can always remain on, even without power, giving you a constant readout of drive information whether you want it or not. The unit itself uses 5400 rpm 9.5mm-size drives available either 60GB or 120GB varieties (for $200 and $300 respectively) and is powered via the USB 2.0 connection or an optional 5VDC power adapter. Look for them to hit shops sometime next month.