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CalDigit brings USB 3.0 AV Drive to the Mac, still working on peace in the Middle East (video)
With Intel showing signs of jumping on board, USB 3.0 is looking more and more like the one next-gen interconnect to rule them all. Them all except for Apple, of course, who has notably thrown its support exclusively behind Light Peak. The chums at Cupertino have no interest in newer, bluer revisions of USB, but enterprise storage firm CalDigit thinks that many Apple lovers will. It has developed USB 3.0 PCIe and ExpressCard adapters (plus the necessary drivers) that will bring 5Gbps transfers to Macs, and is releasing its CalDigit AV Drive to match, up to 2TB of external storage with 145MBps transfers. (It also sports FireWire 800 compatibility if you're not ready to cross the interface picket line just yet.) That PCIe adapter will set you back a not entirely unreasonable $59, while the 1TB external drive is $199. No price on the ExpressCard adapter or 2TB version yet, but all are said to be shipping presently.
Update: As bhillyer70 pointed out in comments, these are now available in the CalDigit store. The 2TB drive will set you back $299, while the ExpressCard adapter is listed at $69 and sports this somewhat troubling disclaimer: "CalDigit does not guarantee USB 3.0 performance on all Macs or when used in conjunction with third party products. The driver has been optimized for CalDigit certified products." Perhaps we should re-open those peace talks...
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September 6, 2010 – Placentia, CA. The CalDigit AV Drive is now shipping. CalDigit has been dedicated to creating RAID storage solutions, specifically designed for the demanding content creation industry. The CalDigit AV Drive is CalDigit's first single drive solution, and it has been completely optimized for audio and video. The CalDigit AV Drive is also the first USB 3.0 drive for the Mac providing blazing fast throughput, reaching speeds up to 145 MB/s. The dual interface drive also supports FireWire 800, which has been optimized and runs up to 30% faster than other FireWire 800 drives.
CalDigit's engineers developed specialized PCIe cards and drivers to support the optimum USB 3.0 experience. The USB 3.0 interface is capable of 5Gbps transfer speeds. Not only is it faster than USB 2.0, it offers significant improvements in power management and data flow. USB 3.0 is the ideal choice for audio and visual professionals. Best of all, it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0.
If you don't have USB 3.0 yet, FireWire 800 will allow you to connect to your current computer. Then when you get the CalDigit SuperSpeed PCI Express Card or a USB 3.0 equipped computer, you will be ready to start using the CalDigit AV Drive at the fastest possible speeds. The CalDigit AV Drive features the latest in FireWire technology from CalDigit. Unlike other FireWire 800 drives on the market, which have typical speeds of 58MB/s though 74MB/s, the CalDigit AV Drive can achieve speeds of 85MB/s. This 30% increase in speed allows for faster file transfers and more real time when video editing.
The AV Drive was designed to bring users the highest quality product at the best value. CalDigit engineers spent a great deal of time fine tuning every last detail. The internal components of the AV Drive feature a cable-less design so there is no need to worry about loose parts and thus decreasing the likelihood of problems. The components of the AV Drive are housed in a strong aluminum chassis designed to handle the abuse of everyday life. The sleek and sexy design is as functional as it is good looking. The front facing button allows the user to power the AV Drive with ease, while also serving as a status indicator
The CalDigit AV Drive was designed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Special power management technology allows the AV Drive to sleep, wake and shutdown along with the computer. If the computer goes to sleep, the AV Drive will follow. CalDigit uses top quality components in the power adapters and specifically designs them with grounding support to protect and prolong the life of your product.
CalDigit is more than just a brand. They design, innovate and create. Unlike other storage brands, CalDigit is involved with every part of manufacturing process, from conceptualization to production. CalDigit has a passion for what we do and strives to provide our customers with the best products possible. Doing so requires being completely involved in all aspects of production, not just throwing OEM parts together and stamping a logo on it. CalDigit takes pride in being unique, and all products are built exclusively by CalDigit. Simply put, there is nothing quite like a CalDigit drive.
Price & Availability
The CalDigit AV Drive is available today at your local CalDigit Certified Dealer or online at the CalDigit store. The 1TB CalDigit AV Drive starts at only $199 and the CalDigit SuperSpeed PCI Express Card is $59. A 2TB version of the CalDigit AV Drive is also available.
About CalDigit (www.caldigit.com)
CalDigit has been dedicated to the content creation industry for years. Every product is exclusively designed with the user's requirement in mind. CalDigit has a team of world-class software and hardware engineers. Closely bonded, the CalDigit team works to develop the best RAID software and hardware in the industry. CalDigit is the one source for Video Editors, Photographers, and Musicians. CalDigit offers users a secure, practical, and a sleek modular design, which provides users with advanced replacement and true single vendor support. CalDigit is your complete RAID solution choice, at an affordable price. Corporate headquarters are located in Northern Orange County, California, where all products are tested and assembled.
