14 DAY TRIAL // Buffalo Technologies has just announced the launch of two brand new versions of its MiniStation and DriveStation families of external storage hard disk drives. The DriveStation features an integrated SATA hard disk drive that connects externally over an USB port for maximum compatibility with all existing computing platforms. As the DriveStation unit is both light and compact, while featuring generous storage space, it is the perfect solution for data storage, back up and transportation.
According to the Bufallo's product page, it uses the "Plug and Play" standard, so no additional software or drivers are required in order to use it over different hardware platforms like Microsoft's Windows 2000 or XP or OS-X running machines. Because of the lack of an active cooling solution, the external disk drive runs quiet, while the cooling is assured by using the entire chassis of the unit.
The additional support for the older USB 1.1 standard make it compatible even with older computer systems, while the Auto Power feature lets users to shut down or start their computer without having to repeat the operation with the external storage unit. Coming in several sizes of 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 750GB, the DriveStation features a fast SATA hard disk drive with a high rotational speed of 7500rpm. Together with the unit comes a software suite named Turbo USB that increases the transfer rate at the controller level between 30 and 60 percent.
Another new external storage product from Buffalo Technologies is the MiniStation series that comes in several disk sizes too. Available storage capacities are 80GB, 120GB, 160GB and 250GB. The unit also features a shock resistant technology that protects the data from mechanical shocks and damage. According to Buffalo the MiniStation is "a compact lightweight storage solution which fits in your pocket" combining a tough "armored case and a shock absorbent inner floating structure" with a high speed 5400rpm hard disk drive that uses the PATA interface. Just like the DriveStation series, the MiniStation supports both the high-speed USB 2.0 standard and the slower and older USB 1.1. Two software products come bundled with the unit: the SecureLockWare for data protection and encryption and the Memeo AutoBackup for fast and easy back ups.