Advertisement

NewerTech crams an optical drive in the miniStack Max, combines SD reader and up to 4TB storage

It's no secret that Apple is trying to push the optical drive the way of the Dodo, but if you have a need for the legacy technology, then you might consider going all out with the miniStack Max from Newer Technology. Like other products in the miniStack lineup, it shares the same footprint as the Mac Mini, which makes for a perfect stackable solution. There are a number of options for configuring the miniStack Max, starting with the optical drive, which extend from a DVD writer, to a Blu-ray drive or even a Blu-ray burner. Likewise, the base configuration lacks storage, but can be configured with drives that range in size between 500GB and 4TB. Rounding out the miniStack Max, you'll find an SDXC reader, three USB 3.0 ports, one eSATA port, two FireWire 800 ports and a Kensington lock slot. The miniStack Max is available now for $249.99 with a DVD burner and 1TB storage, and ranges in price from $149.99 for a bare unit (sans optical drive and storage), to $569.00 for the model with a Blu-ray writer and 4TB storage.

%Gallery-187869%

Show full PR text

Newer Technology Adds Optical Drive Choices To miniStack MAX Four-in-One Storage, Access, And Connectivity Solution

Ultra Compact Design With Up to 4TB Storage Capacity, Three Port USB 3.0/2.0 Powered Hub, SD Card Reader, and Choice of Optical Drive Complements Latest Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and PCs

Supports Multiple Interfaces - USB 3.0, USB 2.0, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and eSATA - for Plug and Play Ease of Use with Any Mac or PC

miniStack max Photo: http://www.newertech.com/images/pr/PR_ministackMAX.jpg
May 08, 2013, Woodstock, IL - Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech®) http://www.newertech.com, a leading developer of PC, Macintosh®, iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad® performance upgrades and accessories, today announced the miniStack® MAX, is now available in DVD/CD only read/write optical drive models for those computer users that don't require the Blu-ray functionality other miniStack MAX models provide. As the only four-in-one external drive, optical drive, SD card reader and USB powered hub solution on the market, the miniStack MAX supports multiple interfaces for Plug and Play storage of entire music, photo and video libraries, as well as burning backups via the internal optical drive, with new and legacy Macs or PCs.

Sized for the Mac mini, Ideal for Any Computer
Elegantly designed with an aluminum finish body and glossy black top, the miniStack MAX matches the size of the Mac mini for a stackable, seamless look. The miniStack MAX also provides Plug and Play ease of use with any Mac or PC that has an available USB 3.0, USB 2.0, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, or eSATA port. With its "quad-interface" versatility and ultra-compact form factor, the miniStack MAX delivers cross-platform portability, enabling users to move easily among multiple Macintosh computers and laptops and virtually any Windows® -based computer with a USB, FireWire, or eSATA port.

Professional-Level Storage Made Plug-and-Play Simple
Fully bootable with storage capacity choices up to 4TB, the miniStack MAX 7200RPM hard drive can easily handle the demands of extended storage or backup and data-intensive applications such as professional audio and video editing, digital photography, MP3 music libraries, and high-speed backup. With multiple interfaces, users can choose the data connection that is compatible with their computer and workflow needs.

Restores Optical Drive Capabilities With Three Options
The miniStack MAX provides modern optical drive capabilities for all users, especially for owners of systems that didn't include an optical drive. The miniStack MAX returns the convenience of installing software from a CD, DVD or Blu-ray, loading music into iTunes, accessing archived photos, or watching DVD or even Blu-ray movies on the computer without extra cords, clutter, or cost. Three optical drive options are available: DVD/CD read/write, Blu-ray read and DVD/CD read/write, or Blu-ray read/write and DVD/CD read/write.

Reads SD Memory Cards in a Flash
The integrated SD (SDXC) card reader on the front of miniStack Max makes transferring photos and video super-simple-no more fumbling around the back of the Mac mini to access the SD slot. It also helps keep the desktop clean by eliminating the need for an external card reader and yet another cable. Connects and Charges Digital Devices
Three powered USB3.0/2.0 ports on the back make the miniStack Max a convenient digital hub for connecting external devices like iPhones, mice or keyboards. One of the USB ports offers high-powered 2.1Amp output for charging an iPad or other devices that require more power than provided by standard USB connections.

Compact and Convenient
Whether used to provide massive capacity in a space-saving design or to give a notebook more functionality, miniStack MAX can stack upon itself to create a "tower of power", yet is lightweight and compact so it can be used to power desktop accessories and provide data backup while on-the-go. It even features a Smart Power switch that when in the on position, enables the miniStack MAX to power up and down in tandem with the attached computer.

Pricing, Availability
Offered in 0GB Kits and complete solutions with capacities ranging from 500GB to 4.0TB, the miniStack MAX is available immediately from Newer Technology's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC®) and through the retail channel with "street prices" starting at $149.99. For more information on the entire miniStack line, Newer Technology's complete line of accessories and upgrades for Macs, PCs, and iOS devices, and reseller inquiries, visit: http://www.newertech.com.

Features

Storage options from 0GB enclosure kits up to 4TB Plug and Play solutions
Three optical drive choices DVD/CD read/write only, DVD/CD read/write and Blu-ray read, or DVD/CD read/write and Blu-ray read/write
USB hub with three USB 3.0/2.0 ports, one with 2.1Amp power for charging devices like the iPad
Two FireWire 800 ports (backward compatible with FireWire 400) and one eSATA port
Front panel easy access SD card reader (SDXC)
MagLev fan (same as used in the Mac mini) offers frictionless, whisper-quiet operation
Integrated Kensington Security Slot for theft prevention
Smart Power switch - in switched on position, unit powers up and down in tandem with computer
High-quality, double-shielded FireWire 800 and USB 3.0/2.0 connection cables included
Identical footprint to 2010 and later Mac mini (measures 2.3 (H) x 7.7 (W) x 7.7 (D) inches)
Durable aluminum finish complements Mac models as well as aluminum finished PCs