Bitcoin storage is often a much debated topic amongst crypto coin enthusiasts. Of course, bitcoins can be stored either locally, e.g. on your own personal computer, or in the Cloud . The main benefit of keeping bitcoins on your PC is that you are in total control of your bitcoins and you are totally responsible for their protection, whereas the main benefit of storing them on the cloud via an online wallet is the ease of access, e.g. when on the move via a smartphone app.
So how about being able to combine both of the above benefits into a single entity? I.e. locally stored bitcoins, with the ease of access of an online wallet.
Well now that possibility exists; step forward the Hardbit Hardware Wallet (model HB01) - and it's exactly as it sounds, a physical hardware device, barely the size of a small traditional wallet (more like a credit card), in which you can store your bitcoins. Bitcoins are now truly portable.
It went on sale in China yesterday, and Hardbit says it will launch worldwide tomorrow, citing the following specifications:
- 48x88x12.8mm
- Password-protected, fully insulated operating system
- Two-way authentication
- Automatic backups
The device doesn't have the ability to connect to the internet, meaning another device, e.g. a smartphone will be needed to complete the transaction. I have to say it does looked pretty rugged, but it remains to be seen whether it's waterproof; I would imagine it would be however.
Hardbit have priced their physical wallet at 0.288 BTC. And if you can't wait to start carrying your bitcoins in your pocket where ever you go, you can order the wallet here right now.
