Buffalo Launches 500 GB MiniStation Drive

The latest version of Buffalo's MiniStation TurboUSB offers 500 GB off storage on a 5,400 rpm drive, consumes just 2.5 Watts, and is just 0.8 inches thick.

Buffalo has brought its 500 MB MiniStation TurboUSB to U.S. shores, offering 500 GB of portable storage on an external 5,400 rpm drive. The unit supports USB 1.1 and 2.0, and consumes a maximum of 2.5 Watts of power. Perhaps best of all is the drive’s diminutive stature: it measures just 3.3 inches by 5 inches by 0.8 inches thick.

“In today’s mobile society, consumers and professionals alike need to be able to take their digital content with them anywhere, said Buffalo CEO Takayuki Nishioka, in a statement. “The new forward-looking MiniStation can suit your data storage needs now and into the future, which underscores our dedication to developing high performance, reliable products that satisfy the growing needs of our customers.”

Buffalo has engineered some shock resistance into the plastic chassis, and offers the MiniStation USB with its SecureLock encryption technology to make sure data can’t be accessed in the event the drive is lost or stolen. (SecureLock is Windows-only.) The unit also comes with Memeo’s AutoBackup software for Windows, although the drive will work with Mac OS X and Linux systems as a standard external drive. The drive features a wrap-around USB cable for better portability.

The 500 GB MiniStation USB will be available this month at an estimated price of $329; Buffalo will also offer version of the unit in 120, 160, 250, 320, and 500 GB capacities.