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Hitachi claims that its SimpleTough drive can take more falls, knocks and spills than an average external drive. It includes a foldaway USB cable, is designed for easy carrying, and uses the company's Travelstar hard drives, which provide shock protection at 400G (operating) and 1000G (non operating). The SimpleTough portable drive is USB-powered and comes in capacities of 320GB and 500GB.

Hitachi's Director for Asia Pacific South Distribution, David Chua, said, "Today's announcement further extends the Hitachi GST brand into the worldwide consumer market with the reliability, confidence and dependability you would expect from global hard drive supplier. Given the global strength of Hitachi, we are well positioned to move our Branded Business and the industry forward."

In addition to the SimpleTough, the company has also launched the SimpleDrive, a portable external drive that comes in two colours. The SimpleDrive Mini drive uses Hitachi's hard drive and is available in blue dusk (320GB) or carbon fibre (500GB).

Both models come pre-loaded with Hitachi Local Backup software that saves all files and folders stored on your Mac or PC. The included software also provides step-by-step wizards for restoring backed up content in case data gets accidentally erased.

The SimpleTough is now available for $139 (320GB) and $199 (500GB), while the SimpleDrive will sell for $119 (320GB) and $169 (500GB).