Fujitsu has launched what it claims is the world's highest capacity 2.5in external hard disk drive packing up to 300GB of storage. 

The new drives are aimed at mobile workers and include an integrated USB 2.0 cable to allow for easy connectivity. No separate AC adaptor is required as the product is USB bus-powered.

The casing protects the drive with a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting design which helps to reduce the effect of an impact.

"We are proud to launch the world's highest capacity 2.5in external hard disk drive at a time when consumers are demanding more storage, compact designs and features that advance the level of data security," said Lorne Wilson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Fujitsu.

The drives are bundled with back-up and security software, including Apricorn's EZ Gig II for Windows which enables a system to be backed up as an image or an exact clone. 

The Cypherix Cryptainer encryption program helps to guarantee privacy, while the AES 256 or Blowfish 448-bit encryption and Second Copy 2000 from Centered Systems synchronises file sharing and back-up between multiple computers. 

The 300GB/4200rpm Fujitsu drive will sell for $229, and the 120GB/5400rpm version for $129. Both products will be available in the third quarter of 2007 in the US.