Buffalo
Latest
Buffalo adds new 1TB and 2TB storage options to its lineup
Your good pals at Buffalo are injecting some new storage options into your life, so you might want to pay attention (especially if you're a Japanese citizen). The company is introducing a new line of RAID 0, four-drive models called the QSIBSU2 HD / R, featuring eSATA, USB, FireWire 400 / 800, and TurboUSB functionality. A 1TB version of the array will run you ¥74,300 (or around $695) and will be available in at the end of the month, while the 2TB model clocks in at ¥106,300 ($995) and will ship in late February.[Via Engadget Japanese]
Buffalo MediaStation Blu-ray / HD DVD enters U.S. Q1 2008
Buffalo's external Blu-ray burning / HD DVD reading combo drive -- sequel to the BHC-6316U2 -- is coming to the U.S., now branded the Buffalo MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD (BRHC-6316U2). Based on Hitachi's 6x burning / 4x reading GGW-H20N, its hitting American USB ports in the first quarter of this year with an MSRP of $649. Unlike the previous version's Cyberlink PowerDVD bundle, this throws in Nero software for all your HDM needs. Check after the break for a side view of its sleek, entirely unremarkable external drive casing, you know you want to.
Buffalo unveils a 100GB flash drive
Although we've seen flash SSDs that top out at 416GB, nothing in the mainstream is really bigger than 64GB -- but Buffalo's new SHD-UHRS series seems like it's bringing the status quo up to 100GB. The USB 2.0 external drive uses two different types of flash memory to reach that capacity, yet it's only about the size of a business card and weighs just two ounces. Those of you somehow entranced by the case design but lacking the ¥107,720 ($952) for the 100GB model needn't worry, however: Buffalo is also shipping a 32GB version for a pretty competitive ¥35,400 ($312) and a 64GB model for ¥75,340 ($665).
Buffalo introduces 32GB SHD-U32GS USB flash drive
Make no mistake about it, there's a couple of 32GB flash drives out there to be found if you look hard enough, but Buffalo reckons one more alternative won't hurt a thing. The capacious SHD-U32GS features USB 2.0 connectivity along with the company's heralded Turbo USB technology, which mysteriously promises up to 16-percent faster transfers than similar drives. Additionally, the unit weighs in at just 20 grams and measures 19- x 14- x 91-millimeters in size, and it can be yours in a matter of days for around ¥33,768 ($302).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Buffalo announces 320GB portable hard drive
You can never be too good looking or have too many gigabytes on your person, which is why Buffalo has just announced what it's touting as the "world's largest" portable external hard drive, a 320GB dynamo called the MiniStation Turbo USB HD-PS320U2. This 5,400rpm platter features 256-bit AES encryption courtesy of Buffalo's Secure Lock Ware utility, and Windows users also getting Memeo's AutoBackup software thrown in to boot. Look for this portable powerhouse next month for around £155 ($319).
Nintendo Wi-Fi USB dongle discontinued
Nintendo's online store is no longer offering the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. According to the item's listing, it has been "discontinued until further notice." Tipster BPM speculates that Nintendo's deal with Buffalo Technology has ended. We find it more likely that the proliferation of cheap wireless routers, which work even with non-Nintendo devices like computers, caused demand for the item to shrink.Nintendo suggests the Wii LAN Adapter as a potential substitute for the USB dongle, or you can just go buy a wireless router.Of course, no activity on Nintendo's part is any fun without some idle speculation. With that in mind, the real reason they've discontinued this item is because they're going to release a new version that has a picture of Mario on it. [Thanks, BPM!]
Buffalo intros pair of LinkTheater HD media streamers
No interest in a shiny new NAS from Buffalo? No worries, as the firm is hoping to play on your AV emotions too with a new duo of HD media streamers. Part of the tight-knit LinkTheater family, the LT-H90LAN and LT-H90WN each feature USB 2.0 connectivity, an Ethernet jack, analog / digital audio outputs and HDMI / composite connectors. Furthermore, the pair plays nice with a slew of files including AAC, MPEG2/3, WMA, JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, VOB, WMV, ASF, AVI and H.264, but unfortunately, DivX / XviD weren't invited to the party. Nevertheless, those who still think this would fit the bill can snap up the wired-only LT-H90LAN for ¥21,000 ($184) or the 802.11a/b/g/n-enabled LT-H90WN for ¥31,700 ($277) later this month.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Buffalo unveils LS-WTGL/R1 NAS: up to 2TB in size
Merely a fortnight after Buffalo cranked out a couple more no-frills units in its ever-expanding NAS lineup, along comes the LS-WTGL/R1 to take over as the new kid on the block. Available in a trio of sizes -- 1TB, 1.5TB and 2TB -- these drives all feature a USB socket, gigabit Ethernet jack and web-access abilities. Nothing fancy beyond that, but these bad boys will run you just ¥56,200 ($490), ¥95,600 ($835), and ¥126,500 ($1,105), respectively. Pick the smallest one up later this month, or hold out 'til mid-December if your heart desires one of the larger two.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Buffalo's WHR-HP-G54DD AirStation router comes loaded with DD-WRT
Buffalo's out tooting its own horn today, as the AirStation Wireless-G MIMO Performance Router claims to be the "first commercial wireless router to come with DD-WRT firmware pre-installed." Aimed squarely at the SMB and SOHO market, the WHR-HP-G54DD (WHR-HP-G54 pictured) is the first device to emerge from the firm's partnership with NewMedia-NET. Of note, this device features five QoS levels to prioritize traffic, optimized link state routing (OLSR), a data transfer application with VPN functionality, PPTP protocol support, WMM and DDNS, and a bevy of management applications including remote network status logging, remote web management via HTTPS and web-based backup / restore. If all this sounds like your cup of tea, you can pick one up now for £41.70 ($86), and you can check out the full (and we mean full) list of specifications right there in the read link.
Buffalo intros 19x DVDR burner
While the new Buffalo DVD burner can never compare to the wall-rattling speed of Samsung's Super-WriteMaster (which blazes through your pirated software at 20x when hitting DVD±R discs), the 19x offering from the Japanese peripheral manufacturer ain't too shabby. There's not too much to get excited about beyond the burner's adequately fast speeds, save for the ATAPI and SATA configurations and availability of white or black faceplates -- which are sure to be a sweet match to even the most fashionable of desktops. The drive will be available in mid-November and will run you ¥6300 (about $55) for the SATA model, and ¥6900 (or $61) for the ATAPI configuration. [Warning: read link is in Japanese][Via Akihabara News]
Buffalo expands LinkStation NAS lineup
If you've been yearning for a well-spec'd, feature packed NAS, Buffalo's latest additions are certainly not what you're interested in, but for those who just need the basics, these units just might fit the bill. The 750GB LS-L750GL, LS-L750GL / M and 1TB LS-L1000GL / M (the M interestingly stands for "Mac-compatible") all sport a fairly unexciting enclosure and an even less entrancing set of amenities. Taking a peek around back (psst, it's after the jump) shows only a fan, lock port, AC plug and an Ethernet jack, but that should be all you need to get an external HDD set up on your network. The 750GB models are set to land early next month for ¥42,300 ($369), while the 1TB iteration will demand ¥63,800 ($557).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Disney-themed USB keys lock kids into childish environments
While we've seen USB-based peripherals that aim to keep your youngsters in a safe and innocent PC environment, Bandai and Buffalo have teamed up to make kid-friendly computing a bit more bearable. The duo has crafted a unique USB key, which is slated to be available in Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh versions, that simultaneously locks the PC into "Kid Mode," password protects the parent's session in the background, and opens up a world of mom-approved fun for the little ones to enjoy. The software that resides on the key includes a dedicated browser for safe surfing, a time regulator to keep them from growing addicted, and options for parents to select precisely what apps their offspring can / can't access. Reportedly, the units are expected to land in mid-September over in Japan, and while pricing has yet to be confirmed, we're hearing it'll run you around ¥3,480 ($30).
Buffalo offers up external HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive in Japan
Nah, Buffalo isn't manufacturing the HD DVD / Blu-ray drive that sits comfortably within its new external enclosure, but those parked in Japan can reportedly get ahold of this peace maker for just ¥51,000 ($440). Apparently, Buffalo chose the GGC-H20N optical drive to read both high-definition formats in its BHC-6316U2, and CyberLink's PowerDVD7.3 Ultra will also be thrown in for good measure. Next month, Buffalo will be loosing the BRHC-6316U2, which will utilize the GGW-H20N Blu-ray burner / HD DVD reader and will run customers a respectable ¥74,800 ($644).[Via EverythingUSB]
Buffalo adds Turbo USB to MiniStation / DriveStation external HDDs
Lately, it's been Buffalo's NAS lineup getting all the attention, but today the firm is showing a little affection for its MiniStation and DriveStation. The MiniStation, which is available in capacities of 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, and a quarter-terabyte join the more capacious DriveStation (arriving with 320GB, 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB of space) in offering up the newfangled Turbo USB feature. Reportedly, this amenity "increases performance speed up to 60-percent faster than other USB hard drives on the market today," and benefits Windows and OS X users alike. The MiniStation ranges from $99.99 to $219.99 and should be available by the end of the month, but the DriveStation won't make its debut until early September when it rings up between $129.99 and $499.99.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Buffalo shows off mini 300GB external drives
Not wanting to leave traditionalists in the cold after making its 56GB SSD offering, Buffalo has introduced a "shock-resistant" 300GB, external USB drive for neo-luddites. The skinny little number likely houses one of Fujitsu's new-ish 300GB 2.5-inchers, as the drive manufacturer is pretty much the only name in the game for that capacity. The portable drives come in black for your Cradle of Filth album collection, or white for your DC Talk FLACs. Available next month in Japan for ¥38,000, or around $315.[Via Akihabara News]
Buffalo intros the 56GB SHD-UH external SSD
Japanese peripheral manufacturer Buffalo has cooked up a storage option you might want to crack open your wallet for: a whopping 56GB SSD in a thin, external form factor that's just shy of credit card-size. Of course, it's not nearly the mind-blowing capacity of PQI's monster, but for an external SSD, they don't get much bigger. Sure, it's priced at ¥94,980 (around $783), which isn't exactly cheap, but if this trend continues these prices are bound to drop -- and just think of the possibilities of never having to hear a drive mechanism failing again. 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB models available late July, but the 56GB variation hasn't been given a release date yet.[Via Akihabara News]
Buffalo unveils draft-N WZR-AMPG300NH router, PC Card
Going over two months without releasing yet another router is quite a feat for Buffalo, but the firm is yet again giving the wireless crowd something to cheer about with its WZR-AMPG300NH. Part of the ever-growing AirStation NFINITI lineup, this draft-N device purportedly plays nice with 802.11a/b/g as well, boasts throughput of around 153Mbps, and includes MIMO technology to make full use of the trio of antennas. You'll also find the typical WPA2 certification, and if you need a WiFi adapter in order to make use of it, the WLI-CB-AMG300N PCMCIA network card fits the bill perfectly. Look for both devices to land in Japan next month (well, we hope) for ¥40,200 ($328), or pick up the router by its lonesome for ¥31,700 ($258).[Via AkihabaraNews]
CSIRO injunction halts Buffalo sales
As we reported back in November, Australian company CSIRO has been on the offensive in an attempt to establish their role in the creation of WiFi. Last Friday, CSRIO won another round in the battle by bringing an injunction against Buffalo, promptly halting sale of products in the US and making it very difficult for Buffalo to continue scoring tons of easy money from 802.11a/g-based gear. Buffalo is naturally expected to appeal, but this is pretty clearly a litmus test case for the long list of companies CSRIO has its sights set on -- so who knows what fates are in store for the likes of 3Com, Accton, ASUS, Belkin, D-Link, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Marvell, Microsoft, Netgear, Nintendo, SMC, and Toshiba, all of which have their own case pending with today's court victor.[Thanks, Macris A]
BitTorrent releases official SDK for device manufacturers
We've seen a number of routers and NAS boxes with built-in BitTorrent clients already, but now BitTorrent, Inc., is looking to make the whole deal official with the release of the Bittorrent SDK, and Device Certification Program -- which means we might see that fabled "Made for BitTorrent" sticker popping up on devices yet. Buffalo is the first manufacturer to join the program, but we wouldn't be surprised to see other torrent-happy manufacturers like ASUSTek, Netgear and Planex sign up right quick.[Via TG Daily]
Optiarc and Buffalo each drop new Blu-ray drives
Those of you itching to take arms in the epic struggle for Blu-ray glory have a few more options today, as both Buffalo and Optiarc announced that they're shipping their second generation of BD drives. The Buffalo units (pictured) use the Pioneer BDC-202 mechanism we've seen popping up lately, so while they can't author Blu-ray discs, they'll read BD-ROM, BD-R and BD-RE discs at 5x, dual-layer recordable Blu-ray discs at 2x and write to the various CD and DVD formats at 1-32x. The ¥53,000 ($436) BRC-5125U2 is the internal model, while the ¥63,700 ($525) BRC-5125FBS-BK comes in a monolith-looking USB 2.0 external case. Both prices seem a bit high to us, since you'll be able to score the exact same drive labeled as the Pioneer BDC-2202 for like $300 next month, but maybe all that CyberLink software Buffalo bundles is worth the extra coin to you -- after all, it's not like Vista supports Blu-ray out of the box.On the other hand, if your needs involve Blu-ray authoring, the Sony / NEC joint venture Optiarc's got you covered with the BD-M100A, which we first saw previewed at CeBit. The internal drive writes BD at 2x, DVD at 8x, CD-R at 24x, CD-RW at 16x and reads at speeds up to 32x. Being able to burn BD will set you back, though -- Optiarc says the BD-M100A will cost around £400 ($789) plus VAT -- ouch. Both companies are saying these drives will be available imminently, so better start saving those pennies.Read - Buffalo BRC-5125U2Read - Buffalo BRC-5125FBS-BKRead - Optiarc BDM100A
