Both LaCie and Iomega have introduced pocket-sized USB drives that use the speedy new USB 3.0 standard for transferring data. But why should you go with one manufacturer over the other?
Let's look at Iomega's eGo portable USB 3.0 drive, with 500GB of storage and a form factor of 5.37 inches by 3.5 inches by 0.625 inches. Running at US$130, this will cost you about $0.26/gigabyte, and gives you 42.5 gigabytes per square inch.
LaCie has just introduced two tiny drives, the Rikiki USB 3.0 and aptly-named Minimus USB 3.0. The Rikiki packs 500 GB into a space of 2.9" x 4.6" x 0.52" for $99.99, costing you $0.20/gigabyte at 72 gigabytes per square inch. The slightly larger Minimus (at 4.4" x 1.2" x 6.8") holds 1 TB for $129.99, so space costs $0.13/gigabyte with 28 gigabytes per square inch stuffed into its brushed aluminum case. If you're looking for the tiniest drive with the highest speed and capacity for your money, it looks like LaCie's Rikiki is the best bang for your buck.
When will these drives become available? LaCie and Iomega are selling their tiny portable hard drives through their respective online stores as selling them at their as well as through various resellers. Excited for tiny drives, or are you sticking with larger forms portable storage?
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