Need to cart files from computer to computer without burning a CD or using the network? Need to keep an eye on the time too? Dutch telecom hardware maker Allied Data Technology’s Tornado retail division aims to kill two birds with one stone with its new Tornado USB Memory Watch (UMW).
Flash-based USB memory storage has increased in popularity dramatically over the past few years with the proliferation of “keychain” storage devices — tiny dongles that provide storage capacity for users who need to transfer files from computer to computer without depending on optical drives or other removable disc media. Such devices easily slip onto a keyring or in a pants or shirt pocket, offering users a few dozen or sometimes a couple of hundred megabytes of capacity — enough space to store a few high-res digital images, some database files, or other assorted data.
The Tornado UMW works exactly the same way — it connects to Macs, PCs and Linux boxen using a USB 1.1 interface, but difference is that it’s a stylish-looking analog wristwatch. And just like other flash-based memory storage, the Tornado UMW comes in different capacities — 64, 128 and 256MB. Documents and files transferred onto the watch can be stored in “public” or “secure” data sectors that protect information with password protection, according to the company.
The Tornado UMW is shock-proof and anti-static, and water resistant to 30M. A built-in LED indicator light shows you the status of the device, and a USB interface cord is included. Retail prices range from €69.90 for the 64MB version, €99.90 for the 128MB version, and €199.90 for the 256MB version.