SimpleTech Unveils the SimpleDrive Mini 1-Inch Hard Drive; Small, Featherweight Design Packs a 4GB Punch

Surging Demand for Mobile Personal Storage Prompts Product Addition


SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 31, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- SimpleTech, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions, today announced the addition of the SimpleDrive Mini 1-inch External USB Hard Drive to its line of storage products. With this addition, SimpleTech continues to provide cutting-edge, affordable storage solutions to meet the needs of its customers.

The demand for computer storage is greater than ever. A rise in storage requirements for digital files and consumer demand for mobility has focused the spotlight on high-capacity portable storage devices.

"We are proud of our expanding storage line that extends from portable USB Flash Drives and SD Cards to the stationary mass storage solutions for the desktop and home," said Patrick Wilkison, vice president of marketing and business development at SimpleTech. "The release of the SimpleDrive Mini brings multiple storage technologies together to create a storage solution with ultimate flexibility. We can now say with confidence that we have a storage solution for every consumer storage need."

Initially available as a 4GB model, the new SimpleDrive Mini is a hard drive with the coveted compactness and portability of flash technology. With business card-like dimensions, and no thicker than a pack of gum (2.05in. x 2.56in. x 0.55in.) the SimpleDrive Mini tips the scales at a featherweight 45g, and easily fits into a shirt pocket or briefcase. Important files and digital keepsakes can be safely stowed on one's person as a mere afterthought. As an important feature, the SimpleDrive Mini is powered by, and communicates with the host computer via a built-in retractable USB cord, eliminating the need to carry additional cables.

Designed to meet the needs of mobile users, the SimpleDrive Mini is a durable, shock-resistant external USB hard drive that works seamlessly between both Windows and Mac platforms. The SimpleDrive Mini is a plug-and-play device that doesn't require additional drivers, providing quick and easy transfer between multiple computers. As a result, mobile users can have the confidence of knowing that no matter where they are or what computer is available their files are both safe and easily accessible.

Staying in step with the latest in file transfer technology, hours of digital music and thousands of photos can be backed-up in a matter of minutes, in credit to the speed and convenience of USB 2.0. To mobile users, USB 2.0 represents on-the-fly peace of mind by allowing files to be transferred at speeds up to 480Mbps.

Pricing and Availability

The SimpleDrive Mini 4GB model is currently shipping with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $149.00. The SimpleDrive Mini is scheduled to be available at Amazon.com, Buy.com, Costco, CompUSA, CDW, D & H Distributing, Insight, PC Connection, PC Mall, Tech Data, Tech Depot and SimpleTech's online retail store, SimpleTechDirect.com.

About SimpleTech

SimpleTech, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions based on Flash memory, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and hard disk drive (HDD) technologies. SimpleTech offers a comprehensive line of more than 2,500 products and specializes in developing high-density memory modules, memory cards and storage solutions. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.simpletech.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the performance of the SimpleDrive Mini. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are detailed under "Risk Factors" in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by SimpleTech, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and its current reports on Form 8-K. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include the following risks: SimpleDrive Mini may not perform in the manner anticipated, customer demand for such products may not grow as projected and new technological advancements in the field might produce more competitive products. SimpleTech undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SimpleTech, and SimpleDrive, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SimpleTech, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

Note to editors: Photo is available by contacting Elaine Marshall (emarshall@simpletech.com) or Michael Bingham (mbingham@simpletech.com).

The SimpleTech company logo can be found at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1079



            

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