The SentrySafe Data and Document Security line of products are in fact external enclosures that provide protection to their contents from fire and water. The enclosures include both external and internal USB ports; thus a USB powered device--such as a 2.5 inch USB-connected hard drive, a USB Flash drive, or perhaps a small digital camera--can be powered and accessed directly while within the enclosure. The provided USB Y-cable includes dual USB plugs for plugging into the host computer; the second plug can be used to draw additional power for those devices that require it (but only one USB device within the enclosure can be directly accessed via the computer).

The enclosures themselves provide fire and water protection to their contained devices; they are ETL-verified for fire protection for up to 30 minutes at 1,550 Degrees Farenheight, and are additionally ETL-verified to be fully submersible in water for up to 24 hours (exception: The Water-Resistant safes are verified only for water resistance in up to 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours).

Various products are currently available in the product line:

- The FIRE-SAFE Waterproof Hard Drives are desktop enclosures that already include a USB powered hard drive (i.e., these enclosures cannot be opened by the end user), and are now offered in 80, 160, and 250 GB flavors. The hard drives are themselves Maxtor OneTouch Minis, and the package includes Maxtor's SafetyDrill software, which provides for bare-metal restores.

- The FIRE-SAFE Waterproof Data Storage Chest is a small, lockable USB connected chest (about 10 x 9 x 11 inches) that can house a USB device (as described above) and/or up to 60 CDs and DVDs in 30 double-sided sleeves (10 such sleeves are included with the unit). The CDs/DVDs are for storage only (there is no CD/DVD reader and therefore no direct access to the CDs/DVDs stored). Two tubular keys are provided facilitating the locking of the chest. The USB device is itself plugged into an internal USB port within the enclosure, with an external port providing the connection to the host computer.

- The FIRE-SAFE Water-Resistant Safes are offered in 1.2 and 2 cubic foot sizes, with the ability to connect an internal USB device (like the Storage Chest above) and the ability to store up to 72 CDs/DVDs in jewel cases. These safes open via a battery operated code keypad, and additionally can be bolted to the floor (mounting hardware is included).

Also available from the vendor is the key-lockable FIRE-SAFE Waterproof CD/DVD File, which provides the ability to store up to 100 CDs/DVDs (in hanging sleeves, 10 sleeves included), but with no USB connectivity.

The SentrySafe Data and Document Security product line is available now; pricing ranges from about $100 (FIRE-SAFE Waterproof CD/DVD File) to about $520 (2 cubic foot Water-Resistant Safe). The new 250 GB FIRE-SAFE Waterproof Hard Drive is priced at about $400.

Contact Sentry Group for further information.