First Impressions: TREZOR Hardware Wallet (Part I)

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This is Part I of a two-part series looking into the debut of the TREZOR hardware wallet. This first part will cover the delivery, packaging, and hardware aspects of the device. Part II will cover the software aspects, just as soon as I have a better opportunity to work with the device.

Like many other people around the world, I managed to receive a very special package in the mail this week. Addressed to NEWSBTC, it originated in the Czech Republic, and it’s come a far way to the Eastern coast of the United States.

Right off the bat, the first thing I noticed was how small the envelope I received it in was. When I took a look at the packaging, I understood why.

The folks over at Satoshi Labs have done an interesting job packaging the TREZOR. The product packaging itself measures roughly 8.25 cm x 8.25 cm x 1.3 cm, and comes shrink wrapped.

On the packaging itself, a hologram sticker, which ensures that the device has not been tampered with prior to arrival at your doorstep.

The box itself is also quite difficult to open, which security-wise, is a pretty decent thing. If you couldn’t already tell from the image above, I had a bit of a struggle getting it open.

Inside, you’ll find all you’ll need. A quick-start guide, a USB-to-micro-USB measuring almost 5 inches, and a handy “recovery seed” paper that allows you to write in the supplied recovery seed.

It’s interesting, actually, because when I first handled the packaging, it felt almost too light. In fact, I thought they may have forgotten to put the TREZOR in the box, but it turns out it’s as light as air (it’s about as light as a basic pen, it seems).

It’s also a lot smaller than I expected, which is great if you’re going to be touting it around town.

One complaint I do have is that they put one of those layers of plastic over the face of the device to protect it (kind of like the ones your find on your cell phone’s display when you first buy it), but it left a sticky residue on mine, just below the two buttons.

It wasn’t difficult to remove, however.

The device also feels very plasticky, if you know what I mean. Some people like that, others like something that feels firmer and more secure. Personally speaking, though, it doesn’t bother me.

The device gets its power from your standard USB port, and once you’ve plugged it in, you’ll be able to start putting the devices through its paces. That’s something I won’t address in this article, because I haven’t had the time to really evaluate how the wallet works.

In the next part of the series, I’ll be looking at the software side of the TREZOR, if you haven’t already guessed. The initial setup, and the works. Stay tuned.