Avastor Announces SDX Line – High Performance Multimedia Portable Hard Drives
High-performance, portable hard drives is a small market niche that is set to explode in the next 18 months. With laptop computers getting smaller and smaller, as well as new powerful pocket computing devices hitting the market, users are now looking for reliable, high-rpm drives with a wide variety of connectivity.
Several concerns have stepped up to the plate to offer comprehensive solutions (We’re currently TestDriving Glyph’s PortaGig 800 –Ed.) including Avastor, which has announced their new line of SDX portable hard disk drives.
Avastor claims the SDX hard disk drives are designed to exceed the requirements of the most demanding users. For example, each SDX drive has an external 3 amp grounded DC power supply that auto senses 90-240V that makes for worldwide compatibility with an IEC power cord. Also every SDX has an ultra-quiet cooling fan for maximum heat dissipation and power and activity lights, a feature not usually found in drives in this price range. To ensure maximum connectivity, performance and durability, the SDX drives are available in an anodized aluminum design. The power adapter uses extra heavy gauge wire as well as a heavy duty connector with oversized pins for 5 VDC and 12 VDC.
The SDX line is available in three models: SDX 200 (USB 2.0 model), SDX 400 (dual FireWire 400/USB 2.0) and SDX 1000 (QUAD model: FireWire 400/800/eSATA/USB2.0), each with a choice of 80 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB, 500 GB, 750 GB or 1 TB capacities. eSATA technology offers 3Gb/s performance in a single drive configuration for data-intensive applications including real-time video editing, digital photography and high-speed data back up. All models are equipped with the Oxford Semiconductor bridgeboard which offers compatibility and reliability across different computer platforms and digital workstations – for example, Digidesign Protools.
Just like the HDX series, every SDX has a sustained speed test and is MAC HFS+ formatted before being shipped. All SDX drives are equipped with 7200 RPM SATA II internal drive mechanisms with up to 32 MB cache. High-quality, data cables are included for each interface type, allowing the drives to be easily connected straight out of the box. Every SDX hard disk drive is packaged in a compact, reusable box with a convenient carry handle and is backed by a comprehensive two-year warranty.
Avastor’s SDX portable hard drive line is currently shipping (although there’s nothing on their website) and starts at $135. More information on the Avastor SDX portable hard drives.
