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Buffalo ships world's first USB 3.0 hard disk drives this month
It's fine to announce USB 3.0 gear, but it's another thing entirely to actually put it up for retail. Buffalo's making the boast today that its HD-HU3 series of USB 3.0 hard disks will be the "world's first!!" to ship. Since a USB 3.0 device is pointless without a controller to support it, Buffalo will also make NEC's ¥5,300 (about $60) IFC-PCIE2U3 2-port PCI Expressx1 host controller available with its hard drives when they ship late October in Japan, almost a month before Freecom's disks hit the market. The 1TB and 1.5TB drives will cost ¥20,000 (about $225) and ¥25,300 (about $284), respectively, with a ¥46,600 (about $523) 2TB disk coming sometime later. Imagine it, soon you'll be able to take advantage of those USB 3.0 cables you bought back in April. Controller after the break.[Via Engadget Japanese]
Buffalo stuffs 500GB into ultraslim HD-PVU2 portable hard drive
With a few external hard drive outfits pushing out 640GB models this past week, a simple half-terabyte edition now seems mildly inadequate. That said, Buffalo's latest gets brownie points for being almost impossibly thin. The HD-PVU2 lineup is barely thicker than the 2.5-inch HDD within, with 320GB and 500GB versions available. Both black and white flavors will be shipped out to stores, and as expected, they'll get all the juice they need through USB 2.0. Check 'em out soon (assuming you can locate one) in Japan for ¥10,500 ($112) and ¥15,330 ($164), respectively. [Via Impress]
Buffalo intros 4TB TeraStation NAS
It's been a while since we've seen a TeraStation from Buffalo, and in the meantime the company has been really going wild with the lilliputian memory devices, so it's nice to see something substantial in this space for a change. The latest TeraStation NAS integrates with Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 for up to 4TB storage. Of course, this particular Windows release has been available since late 2006, so we're not too terribly impressed -- but the company seems to think that it's important for you to know all about it. In addition, this bad boy has support for Raid 5/0/1 and VSS, and rocks four hot-swappable drive bays. The WS-Q2.0TL/R5 (2TB) is available for ¥158,000 ($1,658), while the WS-Q4.0TL/R5 (4TB) will set you back ¥198,000 ($2,077). And no, it won't fit in your pocket. [Via Akihabara News]
Buffalo adds 16GB microSD card / reader to its line of incredibly small USB memory
We've seen Buffalo shrink USB drives down to preposterous sizes in the recent past, and now the company is throwing a microSD card reader into the mix. Available for ¥15,500.00 (that's $160, give or take) this guy stores 16GB internally, is available in both colors -- black AND white -- and would be right at home in any of your computer's favorite USB 2.0 ports. And just to get you started, this bad boy includes a 16GB card microSD card. How sweet is that?[Via OhGizmo!]
Buffalo HDS-PH500U2 gives you 500GB of rugged, encrypted storage
Buffalo's MiniStation DataVault series of drives is focused on data protection, from hackers and clumsy owners alike, with features like automatic full disk encryption and ruggedized shock-resistant design. The latest model, identified in Japan by the dry alphanumeric title you see above, sticks to the security-centric formula but bumps the storage to a sweet 500GB. ¥23,200 ($244) will be enough to snag the USB-powered 5,400RPM device in mid-August, and a prompt US / European release also seems highly likely. Judging by what's already available in the US, you can expect a three year warranty plus preloaded auto-backup software and mobile versions of Firefox and Thunderbird for avoiding the scourge of IE wherever you may roam.[Via PC Watch]
Buffalo adds Ministation Metro to its external HDD lineup
The Ministation Metro, coming in a variety of tastefully named colors, such as Black Crystal, represents a continuation of Buffalo's recent efforts to beautify its portable hard drive offerings. The drive's design is highlighted by a handily integrated USB cable that sits flush with the Metro's externals when not in use. It's also noteworthy that this latest entry in Buffalo's Ministation series looks remarkably similar (i.e. identical) to the recently announced HD-PXU2 in Japan. We can only surmise that the company believes the term Metro carries more positive connotations with Western consumers than the otherwise catchy jumble of letters and digits. Capacity choices range all the way up to 500GB, and the new drives are expected to reach American and British shores in August, with a US price somewhere in the vicinity of $200 for the most capacious models.
Buffalo's 16GB 5mm USB Thumbkey: It's really small
This isn't the first time Buffalo's blown our minds with its lilliputian tech. The WiFi dongle, you have to admit, was pretty sweet. What can we say about the 5mm Thumbkey drive? For starters, it's really small. And it has a 16GB capacity. And it''ll cost you about $136 when it goes on sale (any day now). Sure, that's a tad pricey for a device that lacks gears and rubies -- but did we mention how small this thing is?[Via OhGizmo!]
Buffalo BSH4A02 USB hub loves switches, hates vampires
Vampires don't just inhabit the night and your AC power strips. They come in USB flavors, too, and so far only Buffalo seems to be doing anything about them and their wasteful ways, introducing the charmingly-named BSH4A02 four-port USB hub. It sports one switch per plug, making it easy for you to put a stake in your smartphone's battery maintenance cycle, comes in three colors, hits Japan this October for ¥3,885 (about $40), and includes an AC adapter to power itself -- making us wonder if this thing doesn't have a bit of the undead in it as well. Perhaps Buffalo will call it "Blade" and give it some cool sunglasses before a US release. [Via GadgetReview]
Troubleshooting Roundup: Mac OS X 10.5.7 Update
While Jason D. O'Grady considers anything more than ordinatrix inflagrante to be success when he's installing a new operating system, he and others are still reporting on the various and sundry issues that have cropped up since Tuesday's 10.5.7 update: I can't find my brain: Some users are reporting that their Buffalo (among other) external disks aren't mounting after installing the update. Solution: Nothing concrete, though many people are suggesting installing the combo update you can download from Apple's site, rather than using Software Update. You can participate in Apple's Support Discussion on the topic if you share this problem. [via MacNN.] Blue screen of death: No joke: since the update restarts your computer up to three times, some users are getting hung up on the first blue screen that appears after the gray Apple logo screen. Solution: Wait until disk activity stops, then shut down the computer hard by holding down the power button. [via PowerPage.] I was blind, but now I see: The update is causing some video cards to output non-native display resolutions. Instead of outputting 1920 x 1200, instead Mac OS X will try and output 1920 x 1080 (which works fine for HDMI, but not many widescreen displays). Solution: An oldie-but-goodie: Zap the PRAM by holding down command + option + P + R at startup until the computer restarts a few times, then letting go. [also via PowerPage.] Cold fusion: VMWare is suggesting people hold off on updating if their configuration includes an ATI graphics card and they use Fusion to run 3D Windows apps. (2D apps are just fine.) Slow and poor rendering and general crashiness are symptoms of the problem. Solution: None yet. Apple and ATI are working on an update. [via MacNN.] Got problems of your own? Let us know by leaving a comment.
CSIRO's patent lawsuits conclude with the final 13 companies settling
Looks like CSIRO's legal days are over -- for the moment, at least. Having already reached an agreement with HP, the Australian government-funded research firm announced this week that it's settled with the remaining 13 companies it sued for patent infringement, claiming it owned the rights to 802.11a/g. For those who haven't been keeping track at home, that includes Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Nintendo, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Netgear, Buffalo, D-Link, Belkin, SMC, Accton, and 3Com. The details of any of the settlements are undisclosed, but as iTnews reports, it's expected CSIRO ended up with some substantial monies now that the dust has settled. Chief Executive Dr. Megan Clark noted that it'll continue to "defend its intellectual property," so if you're a high profile tech company who creates WiFi-equipped gadgets and hasn't been served a lawsuit yet, we don't blame you for being a little nervous right now.
Dice speakers sure to be a fashion gamble
Buffalo's just unleashed some portable little iPod speakers that you might want to try to get your hands on. With an output of one hot watt, the Dice speaker series is sure to turn your morning commute into a tiny, slightly louder micro-party in an instant -- or, at the very least, it'll cool up your look a few notches. They'd make a perfect gift for the gambling addict in your life, too, but sadly, they're going to be a Japan-only release when they come out sometime next month for ¥ 2,814 (about $33). Check out another shot after the break.
Buffalo's external 32GB and 64GB SSDs can swap insides with your Eee PC's original drive
Sure, you could look at it as crass commercialism, but we choose to see the softer, gentler side of Buffalo in this act of kindness: buy a new SSD upgrade for your ASUS Eee PC 901-16G and Buffalo will toss in a free chassis to hold your existing 16GB drive. The 32GB and 64GB drives will run you $129 and $228, respectively, and actually ship inside the external drive -- you don't have to swap SSDs if you don't want to, but we like the option. We would, anyways, if we lived in Japan.[Via PortableMonkey]
Crapgadget: "Wow... just, wow" edition
A buffalo USB speaker? Really? Someone thought this was a good idea? How's about a completely unlicensed Mickey Multifunction Webcam? You know, for doing lots of random crap, just not very well. Or what about an MP3 pen that helps you learn Mandarin? Yeah, 'cause that's totally beneficial in more than three locations on Planet Earth. Or, if you're still not sold, how's about a USB bamboo fountain that'll be a surefire catalyst for adding mold and mildew to any room? Believe it or not, all of these are real products that you can exchange hard-earned dollars for, though obviously we wouldn't recommend it. Cast your vote below for the most jaw-dropping of all.Read - Buffalo USB SpeakerRead - MP3 PenRead - USB Bamboo FountainRead - Mickey Webcam %Poll-27321%
Buffalo intros SHD-NSUM series SSDs with USB and SATA-II interfaces
Internal SSD drives generally aren't the most exciting devices out there, apart from the fact they're SSDs, but Buffalo's new SHD-NSUM series of drives look to bit a bit of an exception, with each packing a microUSB port for some data transfers in a pinch in addition to the standard SATA-II interface. Otherwise, the drives are expectedly pretty standard fare, with Buffalo promising that they're 30% faster than a standard hard drive, and offering them in the usual 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities. No word on a 'release round here just yet, but those in Japan should be able to pick 'em up in March for between $120 and $390.[Via SlashGear]
Buffalo rolls out 7-inch USB external display
It may not boast quite the same desk-friendly looks as some of its competitors, but Buffalo's new 7-inch FTD-W71USB display should at least get the job done in a pinch, and most likely do so for a bargain price if the company's track record is any indication. As with similar displays, this one boasts a standard 800 x 480 resolution, and it can be oriented vertically or horizontally to suit the task at hand. Otherwise, you can expect a reasonable 300 nits brightness, a 500:1 contrast ratio, and a whopping 25ms response time, which'll no doubt dash the hopes of anyone actually thinking of using it as a primary monitor. No firm word on a price, but it should be available in Japan by the end of the month.[Via Akihabara News]
Buffalo's 802.11n WiFi dongle: small in size, tiny in price
Small, fast, and cheap... what could be better? Buffalo's WLI-UC-GN 802.11b/g/n dongle measures just 16 × 33 × 8-mm and costs a mere ¥2,100 (about $24). It supports both Buffalo's proprietary AOSS and the Wi-Fi Alliance's WPS to simplify the process of connecting to secure WiFi networks. Look for the USB 2.0 adapter to ship in Japan and beyond starting next month. Check the hot male-to-female USB bunging after the break.[Via Akihabara News]
Buffalo's Web Access hands-on: remote access from your iPhone
16 gigs ain't enough space for all those episodes of The Hills on your iPhone? Well, if you've got a Buffalo NAS such as the LinkStation Mini or Pro, you can now access all your files remotely on your OS X mobile device through an optimized web page straight from your device. The really nifty part is that you can stream MPEGs over 3G (and presumably EDGE, though we don't know why you'd want to) -- although it took around 60 seconds to buffer a TV show episode in the demo we got. The Buffalo rep we spoke with informed us that an actual app would be available in the App Store sometime this quarter, but if you're itching to catch up with LC and the gang, be sure to check out any one of the aforementioned devices that support the service and you could be streaming pronto.%Gallery-40994%
Buffalo debuts stylish new MiniStation hard drives, NAS device
Buffalo's hard drives and other devices haven't always been the most eye-catching products out there, but the company looks to be making a respectable showing with its new MiniStation Cobalt drives, which pack all the features you'd expect in a stylish and apparently shock-resistant package. You can also get 'em in your choice of 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, or 500GB capacities (ranging in price from $80 to $170), and in your choice of the three different colors pictured above. Those that prefer of bit of networking with their storage will also soon be able to get their hands on Buffalo's latest LinkStation NAS, the LinkStation Pro, which will be available in both 500GB and 1TB versions ($210 and $300, respectively), and includes Buffalo's Web Access 2.0 feature, which will let you access your files via any web browser, among other standard NAS feature.Read - PDAToday, Buffalo MiniStation CobaltRead - PDAToday, LinkStation Pro
Final Fantasy XI throws a bovine bonanza for the Year of the Ox
Those moogles are crazy, ya'know? First they almost cause a buffalo stampede for the opening of the Mog House Management Union Buffalo Bonanza Ranch (try saying that three times fast) and only now do they realize that buffalo eat a lot. Sadly, these poor moogles ended up working during all of the holiday festivities just to keep their buffalo happy. That's heartbreaking by anybody's standards.Yet, while the moogles work, herdsmen have come from the ranch on behalf of the MHMU to bring us buffalo based treats and festivities to the streets of the four main cities of Vana'diel. Plus, if you journey outside of your city's walls, you're bound to run into a few loose buffalo being chased by the MHMU ranchers. Trade them some of your unwanted items, and perhaps they might be so kind to pay you back with free buffs, or new year's gifts!To make sure we didn't miss anything with this story, I spoke with Masskupoively, our resident news moogle. He provided great insight into what the MHMU was considering with this festive event.Masskupoively: Kupo! Kuuupo, kupo kupo! Kupoooooooo~!Truly, words spoken by a news master. Final Fantasy XI adventurers, be sure to check out the New Year's Event in Vana'diel, it's only running until January 12th!
Buffalo's LinkStation Mini external hard drive goes SSD
Buffalo has already shown its willingness to cram a pricey SSD into an external enclosure for those who prefer quiet, quick operations over the pure vastness of traditional HDDs, and now it's doing so once more with the SSD-equipped LinkStation Mini. Easily titled LS-WSS240GL/R1, the 240GB device houses a pair of 120GB solid state drives and features DLNA / iTunes server capabilities, an Ethernet port, RAID 0 / 1 compatibility, a USB 2.0 socket and a nifty function to turn it off and on with the PC it's connected to (should you want it to). It's expected to hit Japanese peripheral shops late this month with a ¥111,300 ($1,200) sticker in tow, so you'd better be exceptionally wealthy or really, really through with HDDs before okaying the transaction on this one.
