With the new LifeStudio family, launched today by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST), the company combines reliable storage, data protection with content organization, management, socialization and navigation for both local and online content. The LifeStudio family, offered in both portable and desktop models, organizes and protects consumers' digital content and unifies them with online digital content from social networks such as Facebook and photo sites such as Flickr and Picasa Web Albums. These important digital memories are laid out on 3D visual wall, instead of in random and hard-to-find files and folders. Redefining backup, consumers receive the benefits of both local and cloud backup within one single application, making it easy to view, download, and share protected cloud content from any web browser, anywhere.

After a quick install of the software, the drive's technology instantly kicks in. Your content stored on your computer, any connected USB storage device or online sites such as Facebook, Flickr and Picasa Web Albums - automatically begins to appear in chronological order on your 3D wall. Music is organized by artist or album.



The Hitachi LifeStudio drive is also the first to provide local and online cloud backup integrated into one single solution, within one install process. The LifeStudio application gives users multiple ways to protect their digital content on site or in the cloud. Every user receives 3GB of online storage for free and for more storage there is an option to upgrade to a quarter of a terabyte (250GB) for only $49 per year, which includes multiple computer protection.

Hitachi Backup is simple with default options that cover virtually every Mac or PC users' backup needs. When using Hitachi's cloud service, all content is stored in its natural format (no proprietary formatting), so files are protected and easy to view, download and share from any web browser, even from an iPhone and iPad. Backup runs every 30 minutes or can be scheduled at one's convenience.

The patent-pending design of the LifeStudio Plus family provides flexibility with an integrated 4GB USB key, which provides a quick way to sync important files and folders for grab n' go ease.

With the LifeStudio Plus family, the drive's content management software allows you to select specific files or folders to sync to the USB key. As a result, users can simply remove the key and take what they need, while leaving the rest of their content safely stored at home. On return, the key docks on the drive to automatically sync everything back together.

Designed for both Mac and PC users, the LifeStudio USB 2.0 external drive family comes in both mobile and desktop solutions. Each comes preloaded with the Hitachi LifeStudio content management app and Hitachi Backup software. Hitachi LifeStudio external drives will be available at retail and online stores in mid-July.

LifeStudio Mobile
250GB - $79.99
320GB - $99.99
500GB - $119.99

Interface: USB 2.0 compliant, USB 1.1 compatible
Connector: SB 2.0, 5-pin Mini-B socket
Data Transfer Rate: USB 2.0: up to 480Mbit/sec; USB 1.1: up to 12Mbit/sec
Power: USB bus-powered or 5VDC
Operating Temp: 41° - 95°F (5° - 35°C)
Relative Humidity: 20 - 80% non-condensing
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS X (10.5 or newer)
Web Browsers: Internet Explorer (7 or newer), Mac Safari (4 or newer)
Dimensions: 5.29in (13.43cm) x 3.32in (8.44cm) x 2.74in (6.95cm)
Weight: 0.53lbs (0.24kg)

System Requirements:
Computer system running with XP, Vista, or 7 and an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port
Mac computer running System 10.5 or newer with an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port

LifeStudio Mobile Plus
320GB - $119.99
500GB - $139.99

Interface: USB 2.0 compliant, USB 1.1 compatible
Connector: USB 2.0, 5-pin Mini-B socket
Data Transfer Rate: USB 2.0: up to 480Mbit/sec; USB 1.1: up to 12Mbit/sec
Power: USB bus-powered or 5VDC
Operating Temp: 41° - 95°F (5° - 35°C)
Relative Humidity: 20-80% non-condensing
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS X (10.5 or newer)
Web Browsers: Internet Explorer (7 or newer), Mac Safari (4 or newer)
Dimensions: 5.35in (13.60cm) x 3.35in (8.50cm) x 3.17in (8.05cm)
Weight: 0.86lbs (0.39kg)

System Requirements:
Computer system running with XP, Vista, or 7 and an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port
Mac computer running System 10.5 or newer with an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port

LifeStudio Desk
500GB - $99.99
1TB - $129.99
2TB - $199.99

Interface: USB 2.0 compliant, USB 1.1 compatible
Connector: USB 2.0, 5-pin Mini-B socket
Data Transfer Rate: USB 2.0: up to 480Mbit/sec; USB 1.1: up to 12Mbit/sec
Power: 12 VDC, 1.5A
Operating Temp: 41° - 95°F (5° - 35°C)
Relative Humidity: 20 - 80% non-condensing
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS X (10.5 or newer)
Web Browsers: Internet Explorer (7 or newer), Mac Safari (4 or newer)
Dimensions: 7.12in (18.09cm) x 4.85in (12.33cm) x 3.26in (8.27cm)
Weight: 2.14lbs (0.97kg)
System Requirements:
Computer system running with XP, Vista, or 7 and an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port
Mac computer running System 10.5 or newer with an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port

LifeStudio Desk Plus
1TB - $149.99
2TB - $219.99

Interface: USB 2.0 compliant, USB 1.1 compatible
Connector: USB 2.0, 5-pin Mini-B socket
Data Transfer Rate: USB 2.0: up to 480Mbit/sec; USB 1.1: up to 12Mbit/sec
Power: 12 VDC, 1.5A
Operating Temp: 41° - 95°F (5° - 35°C)
Relative Humidity: 20 - 80% non-condensing
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS X (10.5 or newer)
Web Browsers:Internet Explorer (7 or newer), Mac Safari (4 or newer)
Dimensions:7.12in (18.09cm) x 4.85in (12.33cm) x 3.26in (8.27cm)
Weight: 2.29lbs (1.04kg)

System Requirements:
Computer system running with XP, Vista, or 7 and an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port
Mac computer running System 10.5 or newer with an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port