Buffalo announces its first portable SSD drive

published 3 September 2008

Buffalo has announced an external hard drive based on solid-state disk technology (SSD).

The Buffalo MicroStation is available in three capacities, 32GB, 64GB and 100GB at suggest retail prices (SRPs) of 98.25, 195.31, and 292.38 respectively, excluding VAT. These drives are contained in a chassis measuring 57 x 14 x 89mm and weighing between 56 and 60g.

As the drive has no moving parts it is less susceptible to damage through drops and other shocks, according to the manufacture of computer peripherals who also claims that speeds of 35MB/sec are achievable using its proprietary Turbo USB technology.

"Increased performance, reliability and power savings are all key demands in the portable storage market," said Paul Hudson, Northern European sales director at Buffalo. "SSD technology is able to meet these requirements."

Other features include a wrap around cable for neater storage and Memeo AutoBackup software with password protection. Windows users can also make use of Secure Lock Ware Encryption software.

The company says that it is the first to bring an external SSD drive to market in the UK. Other companies, such as Crucial, have enclosures designed for use with SSDs, but Buffalo is the first to offer a ready-made, all-in-one portable SSD solution.

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.