I-O Data HDPG-SU withstands 220 pounds of pressure

Not everyone needs a hard drive that's certified by Department of Defense standards, but I-O Data has created an external USB hard drive that can withstand fairly heavy scrutiny -- about 220 pounds worth. Although we're unsure whose DoD has given their blessing to the drive, it doesn't nullify the HDPG-SU's ability to be stomped on by Arnold Schwarzenegger without getting its platters bent out of shape. The plainly styled drives, only available in black or silver, have not only been tested to resist serious pressure, but also to withstand relatively small drops from 122cm (about 4 feet), which isn't spectacular considering the plethora of drives that park their heads on tumbles anyway. These rugged beasts will be available in 40GB, 80GB, and 120GB sizes, and while pricing and availability aren't yet known, we're left wondering what kind of secretive branch of government certifies a drive without any form of security built-in, biometric or otherwise, because what good will the DoD have with a military-grade / ruggedized drive that a thief can simply tap right into?

[Via Mobilemag]