Buffalo ships fast 500GB USB portable drive

Buffalo on Monday slipped out a 500GB version of the MiniStation TurboUSB, its faster series of pocket USB drives. The 2.5-inch disk reaches the new capacity while still using an advanced disk controller that outputs data faster than other rivals. TurboUSB boosts transfers data at 35MB per second, or about 30 percent faster than other hard drives with the same 5,400RPM rotation speed, Buffalo estimates.

Simultaneously, the new MiniStation is also rugged with a hardened, plastic shell and mounting points that prevent damage from most drops. Cable holders around the rim also allow a user to cleanly wrap the USB cable around the edge of the device to fit it more neatly into a travel bag. The 500GB disk continues to work with Mac OS X and modern Windows PCs without drivers and includes automated, secure backup software for Windows users. Buffalo sells the larger drive today for $329.