HyperDrive iPad Hard Drive Announced

HyperShop has announced the HyperDrive iPad hard drive in capacities up to 1TB. The HyperDrive connects via the USB port provided by the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit and shows up as a storage volume. How it manages this exactly is patent pending and users will have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for shipping, but if you want access to a hard drive or SSD on the iPad the HyperDrive claims to be your best and only option.

HyperShop has announced the HyperDrive iPad hard drive in capacities up to 1TB. The HyperDrive connects via the USB port provided by the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit and shows up as a storage volume. How it manages this exactly is patent pending and users will have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for shipping, but if you want access to a hard drive or SSD on the iPad the HyperDrive claims to be your best and only option.

While getting access to external storage on the iPad doesn’t sound conceptually hard, Apple has managed to keep the screws pretty tight on access to mass storage to this point. Thus far, the best ways around the fence include either jailbreaking your device or using an installed app to access storage sources.

To solve the problem of powering the drive, HyperDrive includes a battery within the enclosure. When connected to the iPad, users can expect transfer rates of 6.2MB/s. Not exactly speedy, but perhaps better than nothing for the right audience.

Aside from the slow speeds, buyers are going to have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for delivery which may mitigate its need some, with Apple’s iPad 2 rumored to be launched soon with a USB port. Of course it’s anyone’s guess whether or not Apple will make it capable of accessing mass storage.

Pricing and Availability

The best option for buyers is the case only, which runs $99.95 and accepts any 2.5″ SATA drive in 7mm, 9.5mm or 12mm height. HyperShop offers the enclosure with hard drive installed in capacities from 120GB to 1TB, ranging in price from $199.95 to $399.95 respectively.

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