X

IoSafe Thunderbolt demo (photos)

IoSafe used a 1-million-watt Tesla coil to unveil its Rugged Portable Thunderbolt external hard drive. But that's just for show. Make sure you check the blog for the real demo.

Dong Ngo
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
Dong Ngo
0.4.JPG
1 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
In order to witness the demo, all spectators were required to read and sign a release.
0.5.JPG
2 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
They were also required to put their laptops and other electronics into a large antistatic bag for "safety purposes." This later turned out just to be part of a trick; read the blog on the demo to find out more.
0.7.JPG
3 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
The setup includes two large cages made of conducting material. The first cage is half-open and houses a 1-million-watt Tesla coil.
0.6.JPG
4 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
The second case is for spectators to stay inside during the demo to be shielded from lightning bolts and EMP.
1_98.JPG
5 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
The new Rugged Portable Thunderbolt that IoSafe announced at the end of CES 2012 was used for the demo. This drive is the same as the Rugged Portable released a year ago, but now it comes with two Thunderbolt ports, instead of USB or FireWire.
6.JPG
6 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
The Tesla coil operator, named Dr. Megavolt, explained how the Tesla coil works.
7.JPG
7 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
2_1112.JPG
8 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
The drive is loaded with a few data files, including a Word document with random messages picked by the audience.
10.JPG
9 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
And the zapping begins. The Tesla coil emitted really loud noises and lightning bolts that ignited two wooden sticks.
11.JPG
10 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
And then it's the Rugged Portable Thunderbolt's turn.
12.JPG
11 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
The drive was left to be struck by the electrical discharge for few moments.
13.JPG
12 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
14.JPG
13 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
After that, the drive was hooked back up to the MacBook. Note the green light that shows it's working.
15.JPG
14 of 14 Dong Ngo/CNET
And the messages and other data files were still there. Check out the blog post to read more.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos