Sony Japan today announced their new portable storage device aimed squarely at 'high megapixel digital still camera'. The HDD Photo Storage HDPS-M1 has a 40 GB hard disk built-in, Memory Stick and Compact Flash slots, a Lithium-Ion battery, a one-button Copy function and USB 2.0 (high speed) connectivity. Clearly designed to be very easy to use the HDPS-M1 has no LCD display or video output capability, instead it is purely intended to be used as a backup / mass storage device for digital photographers. The compact HDPS-M1 measures just 135 x 92 mm (5.3 x 3.5 in) and is 30 mm (1.1 in) thick, it weighs just 300 g (10.6 oz) ready to use. It's expected to go on sale in Japan on 18th June at a price of 29,800 YEN (approx. $270).

Phil: No word yet on whether this will make it's way to the rest of the world but I for one wouldn't mind one in my back pack.

Sony HDPS-M1 specifications

Sony HDPS-M1 more pictures