ICT Review - iStorage diskGenie Product Review

May 2010

Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

diskGenie - Portable Encrypted Hard Drive with Secure PIN code access

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The diskGenie from iStorage offers powerful hardware encryption in a compact, portable device with a totally unique difference. With an easy-to-use keypad design and software free setup, the iStorage diskGenie is only accessible using a PIN code similar to using an ATM.

With its automatic AES 256 bit real time hardware encryption, it protects the data on the drive keeping it safe even if the hard drive is removed from its enclosure. Quite simply, the iStorage diskGenie is the ultimate portable hard drive and secure storage system.

With no software to install, easy setup and real-time encryption, the diskGenie is the best way to protect your data, customers and your business. The conveniently integrated USB cable eliminates the need to carry around cables, so is perfect for using with notebooks and taking your data on the road.

Its low powered, compact, robust design features a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting system, protecting the drive from drops and knocks. With storage capacities of now up to 640GB it is perfect for safely transporting data between office and home as well as storing photos, music and video files.

The iStorage diskGenie is the only hardware encrypted drive, whether USB stick kind or other, that i have so far encountered and been able to review that works with all versions of Linux straight out of the box, needing no command line or anything of that nature.

This is due to the fact, that unlike the USB drives that we encounter most of the time, and other hard drives, that are hardware encrypted the iStorage diskGenie does not use any software that has to be installed on the computer, thus working with all operating systems. A definite plus.

Its use is easy and straightforward and I did not even need to consult the guide or manual with the exception of the change of the PIN code. That too, following the instructions, is a doddle and the code can be from a minimum of 6 numbers to 16, thus making it very secure. The drive is a total plug and play that works with any system of Windows XP and above, Mac OS 10.2 or greater and all Linux distributions, as far as I can tell.

Key benefits of the iStorage diskGenie drive are:

Complete security with Real Time 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption and PIN Code Access

Easy to install and set up as no software needed and thus working with all operating systems

Convenience via integrated USB2 so no extra cables or AC power needed

Robust, portable compact design with shock mounting to protect from knocks

Administration feature allowing up to 10 passkeys and passkey management

Compatibility with any operating system incl. Windows, Mac, Linux

Guaranteed with 3 years warranty

The iStorage diskGenie drive is available in capacities of 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 640GB, as real hard drives. SDD are also becoming available, so I understand.

As far as I am concerned this drive must get at least a 9 out of 10 if not even 10 out of 10. The reason I am sold on this drive is that it works, unlike so many others that claim it, with Linux straight out of the box without the need for any command line and all that jazz.

A great little drive and one that also looks good and feels good.