Driving forward: The line that divided solid-state drives (SSDs) from hard disks has always been that the former have speed and toughness, while the traditional disks boast much greater capacity. This distinction is beginning to disappear, and PhotoFast erases more of the barrier with its G-Monster eSATA. This is an SSD that connects via a standard USB and eSATA, or external SATA connection. SATA plugs are the ones inside your computer for connecting such necessities as a hard disk and optical drive to your motherboard. The idea of eSATA is to provide a plug on the outside of your computer to which you can connect external storage devices. In effect, it serves the same function as a USB or FireWire connection but offers faster data-transfer speeds.

The idea of taking what is basically a USB memory key and adding an eSATA plug to it is not new — companies such as Seagate and Lacie have already released such devices — but PhotoFast has grabbed attention through the G-Monster read speed. The device can read 175 MB per second and writes data at 100 MB per second. A typical USB flash drive will max out at around 30 MB per second. The G-Monster comes in 32-gigabyte, 64-gigabyte and 128-gigabyte offerings. The device measures 80×40×15 mm and weighs 25 grams. Unlike most USB keys on offer these days, however, the G-Monster is a rudimentary-looking creation in basic black with the eSATA plug hidden under a cap at one end. Beyond capacity, PhotoFast doesn't skimp on substance, however, with a claim that the G-Monster will last for an average 1.5 million hours.

The device comes with a 1-year warranty and is due to hit the market before the end of April, with its price yet to be announced. Whether the G-Monster finds a place in your pocket really depends on whether your computer has an eSATA connection. If it doesn't, this device is not for you. www.flashmemory-japan.com/photofast