If you feel that time drags on when copying large files to a USB 2 hard drive, a faster option is here, one that is faster than eSata and Firewire 800.
On January 7, 2010, Buffalo Technology announced the USB 3.0 ExpressCard. The new USB 3.0 ExpressCard accompanies Buffalo's DriveStation, the first USB 3 external storage solution, for a complete super speed storage solution. Together, the pair is ideal for creative professionals, computer power users, and digital content creators, who require high-speed data transfers for the quick access, storage, and backup of digital assets.
The USB 3.0 ExpressCard adapter offers consumers extreme transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps on two available ports, serving as an easy upgrade to most laptops. Perfectly paired with the new DriveStation USB 3.0 storage solution to maximize performance, the USB 3.0 Express Card is backward compatible with all USB 2.0 enabled devices, as well as future USB3 products.
The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 DriveStation is available in 1.0TB, 1.5TB and 2.0TB capacities and provides quick back-up and storage for important data and other digital assets.
The USB 3.0 ExpressCard is backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 technical support and is available now at estimated street prices of $59.99.
The DriveStation USB 3.0 is backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 technical support and is available now at estimated street prices of $199.99 for 1TB, $249.99 for 1.5TB and $399.99 for 2TB.
The good news is that not only are very large external hard drives coming down in price, but that transfer speeds are increasing, making them more viable for shuttling files. I have always favored external hard drives that come with more connections than USB2 alone. With my eSata tied up with my first Terabyte drive, I have been using Firewire 800. I am looking forward to the wide deployment of USB 3.