INTRODUCTION

   Although USB Flash Drive prices have hit an all-time low the really large capacity models (128GB and above) are still not really cheap and thus not easy to for everyone to acquire. Luckily hard disk drive prices have also dropped quite a bit lately (always compared to the prices we had due to the floods in TW) and so right now the most cost-effective way for someone to carry large data backups around are 2.5" portable HDDs and as always there are countless models out there for someone to choose from with capacities of up to 2TB. However the enclosures of most 2.5" models are quite standard in design so we rarely see something different which could blend in better with our desks. Well it seems that our friends over at Silicon Power also believe that all portable HDDs shouldn't look the same and their latest Diamond D05 Limited Edition 500GB USB 3.0 HDD is a statement to that since it's guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit.

   Silicon Power Computer & Communications Inc., founded in 2003 by a group of enthusiastic specialists in International Business, Global Marketing, and Technical Engineering of flash data storage industry. Well dedicated in brand image and product quality, Silicon Power has been recognized and well accepted by millions of end-users in more than 100 countries, becomes the world's leading manufacturer of flash memory cards, USB flash drives, card readers, DRAM modules, solid state disks, and portable hard drives in less than a decade. Headquartered in Taipei, we continuously established various branches throughout the world including Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Mainland China and other emerging market to reach the worldwide market. Silicon Power's overall performance has gradually drawn great attention worldwide. In 2006, we received Taiwan Rising Star Award for our foreign business achievement. In 2008, we won 17th National Outstanding Small & Medium Enterprise Award for our outstanding progress. Moreover, with superior quality and innovative design, our products stood out in several competitions and awarded Taiwan Excellence and COMPUTEX Design & Innovation Award in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Winning trust of global consumers, Silicon Power holds a record of successive double-digit revenue growth for last seven years. According to the Common Wealth Magazine's 2010 Survey of Taiwan Top 1000 Manufacturers, our 2009 revenue growth rate was ranked No.11 among Taiwan's top 1000 manufacturers, and even ranked No.1 in semiconductor industry. Positioned as Passionate, Creative and Hungry for Success, Silicon Power introduces products for users who are seeking individualized, unique and personal digital storage devices. With the mission of creating unprecedented experience for users, Silicon Power will endeavor to deliver a full range of high quality products that have innovative designs, distinctly unique features and comprehensive after sales services to create and fulfill your personal memory.

   So far Silicon Power has only released two models in the Diamond D05 Limited Edition line, one with a capacity of 750GB one and one with 500GB which is also the one we have here with us today. Unfortunately it seems that at least for the time being only Western Digital has a 2TB portable 2.5" model available in their HDD line (something which i hope changes soon). Now compared to the regular Diamond D05 portable HDD models (again by SP) the Limited Edition sports the same scratch resistant enclosure (hard plastic) and the same USB 3.0 connectivity however this time over on the enclosure we see a nice Christmas theme with a reindeer and several snowflakes. True this is not something that most mature men would choose to carry around with them (personally i prefer leather or rubber rugged enclosures) but it's certainly something that most women and children will love especially since we are roughly just 2 months away from Christmas.