Buffalo Japan is selling a transparent hard disk drive for its 50th anniversary
Blast from the past? In 1998, Buffalo Japan introduced the “skeleton hard disk,” a drive designed to showcase its inner workings. To mark its 50th anniversary, the company is releasing an updated version of the original HDD. Priced at 100,000 yen (approximately $696), the new Skeleton Hard Disk offers a 4TB capacity – but getting your hands on one will be a challenge.
Buffalo designed the Skeleton Hard Disk as an external USB drive with a premium package and design, though its technical specifications aren’t groundbreaking. Using a standard USB 3.2 (Gen 1) interface, the drive lets users see the spinning magnetic surface and moving read/write heads during I/O operations. Forget state of the art. We want novelty.
Unfortunately, Buffalo didn’t release specific internal specifications, so it’s unclear whether Buffalo chose CMR or SMR recording technology for this celebratory product. While Buffalo designed the USB HDD as a desk centerpiece, the company reassures customers that it still serves as a standard external USB storage device.
Buffalo offers a dedicated application called SeekWizard, a Windows-only utility that runs the HDD in various “demo” modes. The tool lets users choose from different head movement patterns, including “random seek,” “sequential seek,” and “second hand step.”
Buffalo says the new Skeleton Hard Disk builds on a modernized version of the original concept design, retaining the essence of its innovative predecessor while offering a more refined, contemporary look. The hefty chassis provides a “unique” desk presence and reinforces the product’s premium feel, making it stand out as an exclusive collector’s item. The elegant packaging adds an unexpected touch of sophistication – something rarely seen with standard USB hard disk drives, enhancing the overall luxury appeal.
The company designed the Skeleton Hard Disk to appeal to Buffalo’s most devoted magnetic recording storage technology fans. Only 50 units are available, so the company will hold a Japan-exclusive lottery to determine which lucky customers will receive one of these extremely limited edition HDDs. Winners should expect their shipments sometime in June.
