Performance: 30 out of 40.
The Silicon Power PC60 960GB is not fast by modern standards. It however does beg the question on what is fast enough? For most, the couple seconds difference between this device and the ‘best’ SATA external storage is really not going to be all that noticeable. If you care about seconds… this is the wrong device for you.
Technological Innovation: 10 out of 20
If only they had gone with the (inferred) original prototype alloy casing. That would have been innovative (as it would have been both compact and robust while still being fairly light). As it stands the two of three major ‘innovations’ is the use of 59XT instead of 58XT controller and using a single multi, multi die pack NAND IC. This is not good innovation. It just reduces SP’s build cost by a few dollars. On the positive side it is innovative in its form-factor… and it does make for a fun to use device.
Build Quality & Warranty: 13 out of 20
Once again metal vs plastic means the final plastic version loses and loses badly. As it stands the build quality is best described as ‘good enough for its asking price’. Thankfully the above average 3 instead of typical 2 year warranty does help balance the scales a bit. Not enough to be impressive, but it does help.
Value: 17 out of 20
The value of the PC60 series comes from two salient points. One it is fun to use and carry. The odd-ball formfactor works and works well. Secondly, and to some more importantly, is this drive costs less than most of its competition. Low cost, plus high fun factor is a darn good argument in its favor. If only it had better protection and better performance… and it would have been a great value. Such a wasted opportunity.
Final Score: 70 out of 100
If you want an external storage device that will not cost an arm and a leg and comes in funky (but fun) form-factor the PC60 is a decent choice. Just understand that its performance is about as good as its robustness. That is to say… mediocre by modern standards.
