iVDR is another storage format unlikely to get outside of Japan, which reminds me of Iomega's Jaz series. But the capacities are much better -- we go up to 80GB this time. Though there are three possible sizes of iVDR, these discs are 80 x 110 x 12.7mm, or about 3" wide and 4.3" tall.

IO Data Device Corporation will release 40GB and 80GB iVDR standard media, as well as a USB 2.0 iVDR adapter, in late January. The price of the 40GB "iVDR-H40" media is 20,790 yen, the 80GB "iVDR-H80" media 31,290 yen, and the "USB2-iVDR" supporting adapter 10,290 yen.

Supported operating systems are Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, as well as Mac OS 9.0.4 ~ 9.2.2, and Mac OS X 10.1 ~ 10.3.6.

The equipment complies with standards set forth by the iVDR Hard Drive Consortium, and is usable as a removable disc by the PC. The media body uses reinforced plastic, and is rated for up to 900G of shock impact when not operating.

Furthermore, the equipment retains compatibility with the 20GB media and adapters released by IO Data in April of 2004. The "USB2-iVDR" adapter is the same as was previously o­nly sold as a set with previous media included.

The adapter itself connects to a PC with USB 2.0. When using either a 40GB or 80GB media, it needs the included AC adapter. Included with the adapter are software such as the "DiskRefresher LE" data removal software, "e-Warifu V2" encryption software, and a tool to change the drive icon.

The body size of the adapter is about 95 x 135 x 21mm (W x D x H), and it weighs roughly 120g. The media are both 80 x 110 x 12.7mm (same), and weigh about 140g.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2005/0113/iodata2.htm

Press Release (Media):
http://www.iodata.jp/news/2005/01/ivdr-h.htm

Press Release (Adapter):
http://www.iodata.jp/news/2005/01/usb2-ivdr.htm

Product Information (Media):
http://www.iodata.jp/prod/storage/hdd/2005/ivdr-h/

Product Information (Adapter):
http://www.iodata.jp/prod/storage/hdd/2004/usb2-ivdr/

"What is iVDR?" (TechJapan):
http://www.techjapan.com/Article227.html