Have you always dreamed of physically sliding a folder from your computer into your bag? Hagibis has made it happen. You may have seen their creation on Instagram: the Chinese accessory manufacturer offers cases for M.2 NVMe SSDs that faithfully replicate the appearance of icons we have known for decades: the folder and the floppy disk.
From virtual to physical
The concept is reminiscent of designer David Delahunty’s FolderDrive, a 128 GB USB drive shaped like a macOS folder. But Hagibis goes further with a more versatile product: it’s not a USB-C drive, but a case that allows you to install your own NVMe M.2 SSD.
A “folder” version accepts formats 2230 to 2280 and is available in yellow (Windows) or blue (macOS), as well as in two sizes (one for format 2230, the other for formats 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280).
The more compact 3.5-inch floppy disk version (6.1 mm thick) is limited to internal SSDs in the 2230 and 2242 formats and is available in gray, orange, or green.
Both models share the same Realtek 9210CN controller and promise transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps with USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (1000/1200 MB/s according to the manufacturer).
Reverse skeuomorphism
These boxes illustrate an amusing phenomenon: reverse skeuomorphism. Historically, digital interfaces imitated physical objects (the floppy disk icon for “save,” the paper folder for organizing files).
Here, it’s the opposite: physical objects embody virtual icons. A unique and decorative SSD enclosure that will appeal to nostalgic tech enthusiasts.
Price and availability
Hagibis cases are available on Amazon for around $25 depending on the version (floppy disk/folder), without SSD included. An internal 1TB SSD then costs around $140.
Our initial opinion
Technically, there’s nothing revolutionary here. The appeal lies elsewhere: in the originality of these cases, which will appeal to creative types looking for an accessory that stands out from the crowd, collectors of unusual gadgets, or simply those who want to raise a smile in meetings when they take out their “file.” It remains to be seen whether the case’s performance will live up to expectations.
