Cool (looking) new products from Imation

Imation - the removable data storage maker that started out as a division of 3M, and recently acquired Memorex - introduced a couple cool-looking products this past month that fall just a tad short in their execution. It's a case study in the difference between really good product design, and really great product design.

Consider the clever (if unapologetically LiveStrong-esque) rubber Imation Flash Wristband... which is a great idea and a cool design, but would be an even cooler product if it was available in capacities larger than a puny 256MB (like their existing Swivel Flash Drives, that go up to 2GB). However, it does get points for being cheap (its MSRP is an impulse buy-worthy $34.99), and sold through Target (soon if not already).

Similarly, behold the inspired padlock-esque Imation Micro Hard Drive... which gives you up to 4GB (at an MSRP of $189), but would be even cooler if it could actually be locked like a real padlock (with a physical combination dial on the bottom, for instance). Sure, it can be "digitally" locked via 128-bit encryption, but that's just not as cool!