Memory drive manufacturer, Buffalo, has unveiled a new, high capacity storage drive dubbed the first “solid state USB drive” called the MicroStation. This small but robust looking device has some mega-storage capabilities. You can choose from three sizes: 32GB, 64GB and a whopping 100GB. The first question you may have hatched would be “Won’t data tranfer be very slow?.” Well, Buffalo has claimed that this drive could transfer data at speeds up to 35MB via its USB 2.0 cable. This is certainly faster than the usual 12MB bus speed we are accustomed to. Also, the USB cable was designed to wrap around the unit when not in use, making the entire unit look very streamlined with no excess bulk.
Another marvel is its extremely lightweight and small dimensions, measuring in at only 60 grams and 89 x 57 x 14mm respectively. The size and weight however does seem contradictory to the title of “solid state USB,” but the makers claim that the internal parts are made of solid and resistant components, allowing it take some beating. But at prices between £115-344, users won’t be taking too many risks testing the durability of the device.
Nonetheless, the product is certainly a step forward in the storage industry, and may be giving those bulky external hard drives a run for their money. I think that this could be a very useful tool since USB hardware usually rarely fails when treated properly, and with the addition of such huge storage capacities and its small size, this could well be the new external hard drive. No longer could people complain of not being able to carry about huge chunks of data, because this little handy tool certainly looks like it can achieve the task.
Via: Techfresh
