Verbatim launches affordable 16MB Re-writeable FlashDisc
Posted on 22/03/06 00:09 by Dan Bell                             
Verbatim launches affordable 16MB Re-writeable FlashDisc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Verbatim Launches New Concept in Storage Innovation with 16MB Rewriteable FlashDisc  Delivers New Media Category for Cost-effective Storage and Exchange of Digital Files.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 21, 2006) '“ Verbatim® Corporation, the worldwide leader in CD and DVD media, announced today an exciting new storage solution, the Verbatim16MB FlashDisc™. The innovative FlashDisc is not only a brand new product, it forms the basis for an entirely new flash-based media category. Developed by M-Systems, the Verbatim FlashDisc will be available in April. With an MSRP of only $19.99 for a 3-pack, the new media is set to revolutionize the way consumers, students and office workers exchange photos, music and other digital data files.

Available in rich, vibrant colors, Verbatim FlashDiscs can be used for cost-effectively exchanging data or as an alternative to leaving behind hardcopy business presentations. Depending upon the file size, each 16MB FlashDisc can hold hundreds of documents, dozens of presentations or photos or a handful of MP3 files.

Verbatim's FlashDisc is ideal for users who simply want a low-cost way to transport modest-capacity digital files from one computer to another or to share files on a disc that doesn't necessarily have to be returned. Students can keep multiple FlashDiscs for each class subject and can access the information any time, anywhere. People of all ages can use FlashDiscs to distribute photos or favorite songs to friends and family. Businesses can share data and presentations with colleagues.

Sporting a traditional media-like disc design, the circular device features a tough, plastic exterior; a recessed area with a write'“on user label and a snap on protective cap. FCC/CE-certified and RoHS (lead free) compliant, the environmentally friendly FlashDisc comes with a ubiquitous USB 2.0 compatible interface for simple, plug and play operation.

Based on the same technology as the USB Flash Drive, the FlashDisc doesn't require any application software. To store data, users simply plug the FlashDisc into any computer with a USB port, select the files they want to share, drag & drop, and they're ready to go. The device is rewriteable so files can be erased and the FlashDisc can be used again and again.

"We're really excited about bringing a whole new product category for sharing digital files to market," said Mark Rogers, Verbatim Business Development Manager. "Despite the popularity of 512MB, 1GB and larger USB drives, our market research suggests a significant demand exists for low-capacity storage media at an attractive price point. USB drives have become very popular "personal" storage devices, but they typically remain under the owner's direct control. With FlashDisc, we're providing an entirely new flash-based media solution that can be freely exchanged for the typical, everyday tasks of storing and sharing electronic data."

Weighing approximately 0.3 oz., the Verbatim FlashDisc measures 2.35 inches in diameter and is 0.35 inches high. The drive is fully compatible with Windows® 98SE*/2000SP2/ME and XP systems as well as Mac® OS 9.x, 10.x and Linux® kernel 2.6.x and higher systems. (*Windows 98SE requires Internet access for driver installation)

Availability, Pricing
Available for April delivery through authorized Verbatim resellers, the MSRP for Verbatim's new FlashDisc is $19.99 for a multi-color 3-pack.

About Verbatim
Verbatim® Corporation, a Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Company, is an international organization that develops and markets innovative, high-quality products for storing, moving and using digital content. Known for its leadership in the removable storage media and related accessories markets, the company provides reliable, unique technologies and products that are highly sought after and broadly distributed worldwide. For more information, visit the company's web site at
www.verbatim.com.

Source: Verbatim

Reactions
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By crustyteacup, Wednesday 22 March 2006 01:45
crustyteacupi'm i wrong.....or is this just a usb drive in costume?
By shuma02, Wednesday 22 March 2006 02:25
ok, i see the market for this, use this as you would with a floppy disk i guess. it's small capacity, cheap, you won't miss it if you give it away. but 16mb is way small, 128mb flash drives are like $10-$15 bucks, make this at least 64mb. i don't see this going anywhere, good idea, just not a great one.
By JimPBish, Wednesday 22 March 2006 02:49
Looks like it. And an ugly costume at that.
By kool_man, Wednesday 22 March 2006 03:25
"Available in rich, vibrant colors, Verbatim FlashDiscs can be used for cost-effectively exchanging data or as an alternative to leaving behind hardcopy business presentations." point 1 : Vibrant colours may be, but they look awful. point 2: cost effective my foot!. This costs 19$ = Rs 900( Indian Rupees) roughly, where as u can get 256 mb thumbdrives in india for around Rs 1000 i.e $ 22. This is like re-inventing the wheel , i dont know what evrbatim are thinking. They must surely be in the early 90's if they think this concept is innovative and cost effective in the current scenario.
[edited by kool_man on 22.03.2006 03:26]
By cynicalbastard, Wednesday 22 March 2006 03:41
No mention of NOVELTY or RELATIVELY EXPENSIVE in the wording of the press release. The only advantage to bulky, overpackaged, overpriced products like this: you have some space to write what's on the your 'floppy'. This is strictly for the market that must buy something different and/or mistakenly thinks they're new high-capacity floppies biggrin
By Kenshin, Wednesday 22 March 2006 08:48
It's Verbatim. Verbatim press release prices are always expensive. For 3-pack 16MB USB sticks, US$20 may attract quite a significant marketshare even stealing a lot from CD and DVD market.
By Zzyzxroad, Wednesday 22 March 2006 10:55
looks sort of big, compared to other usb drives on the market. Very expensive also, and not enough storage capacity. The past weekend my girfriend bought a usb stick, that can hold most any kind of memory card of any capacits. So she just slapped in her SD128 from her camera. Cost $6.50 Stored files for her Work: approx. 33mb. sorry Verbatim, too costly, too big, not enough storage capacity. And ugly to boot.
By Hypnosis4U2NV, Wednesday 22 March 2006 15:10
Hypnosis4U2NVLooks like a fishing rig to me..
By iss, Wednesday 22 March 2006 20:27
"YAWN"........wake me up when they release a flash disk that is at least 500mb.
By DeadMan, Wednesday 22 March 2006 22:03
DeadManI had an email through the other day for 1GB SD cards for ÂŁ18. Prices are falling all the time. This is just not worth it.
By lui_gough, Thursday 23 March 2006 14:15
Yes, flash is almost 150x more expensive than magnetic ... i've got 80Gb portable 2.5" laptop bus powered and that's not enough! They've already invented 512MB/1024MB/2048MB/4096MB flash sticks - just not verbatim and just expensive!
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