14 DAY TRIAL // USB 2.0 is already getting the old fashioned epithet, even though USB 3.0 isn't actually, truly mainstream yet, not really.
In fact, Buffalo decided to try and dispel that notion, or at least stave it off for a month longer, or a week, or at least a day, with its latest product.
The company updated the MiniStation series of hard disk drive units (HDDs).
People familiar with the product collection will remember that, as the name implies, its members strive to be more compact than regular HDDs.
The same people will also realize that the MiniStation series is made up of external models, not 3.5-inch platter-spinners like the 10,000 RPM Hitachi Ultrastar C10K900.
The new MiniStation HDD from Buffalo is called HD-PCT1TU2-BWJ and has a capacity of 1 TB.
It measures 77 x 17 x 114 mm (which is 3.03 x 0.66 x 4.48 inches) and weighs 210 grams.
The physical attributes aren't what make the thing a worthwhile buy, especially when its price is of about 16,800 yen, or about $215, or 164.83 Euro.
Of course, users will have to actually decide if the thing is worthy paying that much, even if the capacity of 1 TB is nothing to scoff at.
Whether or not it is hinges on how much patience prospective buyers possess.
If USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) had been supported, performance would have been no issue and, thus, neither would have been copying large files, like films.
Since only USB 2.0 is present, however, the data transfer rate is limited to 480 Mbps, meaning that it will take ages to copy such things, in comparison.
Nevertheless, what the item lacks in performance it makes up for in power efficiency: through a power saving mode, energy use is reduced by up to 20%.
Sales will start next month (January, 2012), but only in Japan (at least at first).