Buffalo has introduced the MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 series USB portable hard drive that comes with 256 Bit AES hardware encryption to protect your data from unwanted access. The encryption is always on, but it is completely transparent to the user until a password is enabled via Buffalo’s SecureLockWare. Once the password is enabled, it MUST be provided to access the data. If you do not use the password and remove the drive from the enclosure, the data will still be encrypted and inaccessible outside of the Metro’s chassis.
The Metro HD-PXTU2 comes with TurboPC for Windows which will increase file transfer rate up to 2X over standard USB hard drive. It also has an autobackup Utility application which helps with backing up your data.
The Buffalo MiniStation comes formatted as a FAT32 drive – which allows the drive to work with Windows, Linux and the Mac, but carries a 4GB file-size limit. You’ll want to use the Disk Formatter software to change the file system to NTFS to backup large files, such as Outlook PST file.
The hard drive touts a rubberized chassis and BumperBody shock absorbers that surround the hard drive inside, defending it from damage due to an incidental knock or a hard drop. The integrated Flex Connect USB cable wraps around and snaps to the chassis for pack-and-go portability – never search for a USB cable again.
No power supply is required when utilizing the USB port and all Metro HD-PXTU2 hard drives are compatible with Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista and Win 7) and Mac OS X 10.1.5 or above.
MiniStation Metro is offered in three chic colors to match any style: Blue Onyx, Ruby Red, and Pearl White.
Main Features of Buffalo MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 Portable Hard Drive
- USB powered – No AC adapter required
- BumperBody Shock Protection- Shock absorbers surround the hard disk protecting it from damage
- Flex Connect USB Cable -snaps to chassis for pack-and-go-portability
- Hardware Disk Encryption – Optional 256-bit AES Full Disk Encryption (FDE) protects your data from unauthorized access
- E-Z Logon for Windows
- TurboPC for Windows – Increase file transfer rates by up to 2X over standard USB 2.0 hard drives
- Connect and Go – Preformatted hard drive is ready for immediate use with Windows and Mac
- Buffalo Software Tools – Easy-to-use comprehensive software utility suite
- Apple Time Machine Compatibility- Works perfectly to back up your Mac computer
- Included ECO Manager conserves energy by cutting power to the hard drive during inactivity
- Google Picasa for Windows – Easily organize and edit your digital photos and movies
Buffalo MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 Portable Hard Drive Specification
- System Requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS X
- Form Factor: 2.5″
- Connector Type: Mini B type
- Spindle Rotation Speed: 5400 RPM
- Interface Transfer Rate: 480 Mb/s(Max)
- Buffer Memory Cache : 8MB
- Drive Capacities : 320GB, 500GB and 1TB
- Drive Formatting : Pre-formatted in FAT32 for compatibility with both PC and Mac and can be easily reformatted to NTFS or HFS
- Software Bundle: Buffalo Tools – SecureLock, RAMDISK, Backup Utility, ECO Manager and TurboPC
- Power Requirement: DC 5V (USB powered)
- Power Consumption: 2.5 Watt (max)
- Color Option: Blue Onyx, Ruby Red and Pearl White
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.6 x 0.8
- Product Weight: 8.5oz.
- Warranty: 1 year warranty
Package Contents
- Buffalo MiniStation Metro hard drive
- USB 2.0 Flex Connect Cable
- USB Extension Cable
- Warranty Statement
- Buffalo Tools suite of software (via download)
Pros
- Design looks great and cute!
- Solid Construction and makes you feel safe.
- Clean and neat – it has USB cable built in and just fits around the drive case tightly.
- Encryption and Sync program works great.
Cons
- Encryption and Sync works with flat file system limited to 4GB
- Encryption and Sync program does not work on Mac.
General Thoughts
The Buffalo MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 portable hard drive is an excellent bus powered drive that delivers great speed and easy to use backup software. The only drawback is you won’t be able to use it as a drive to boot from. There is a virtual CD built into the flash which cannot be removed or disabled. This interferes with the boot process. It’s not a problem at all if you want to use the drive just as a drive to copy things to and from. Users who care more about style than speed may still find the MiniStation Metro compelling due to it’s impressive shock protective abilities, and the convenient, captive cable design.
Buffalo MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 Portable Hard Drive Price Review
320GB Compact Hard Drives
Buffalo MiniStation Metro 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT320U2/B (Black)
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Buffalo MiniStation Metro 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT320U2/W (White)
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Buffalo MiniStation Metro 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT320U2/R (Red)
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500GB Compact Hard Drives
Buffalo MiniStation Metro 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT500U2/B (Black)
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Buffalo MiniStation Metro 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT500U2/W (White)
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Buffalo MiniStation Metro 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT500U2/R (Red)
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1TB Compact Hard Drives
Buffalo MiniStation Metro 1TB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive HD-PXT1TU2/B (Black)
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Buffalo MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 Hard Drive Carrying Case
Case Logic VHS-101 Portable Hard Drive Case (Black)
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Buffalo MiniStation Metro HD-PXTU2 Portable Hard Drive Video Review
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The virtual CD function does interfere if I try to use it as a media source for my media player (PlayOn Player).
It hangs my media play after a 30 sec with some message about DVD !.
There is an additional CDFS partittion that prevents the drive from being used as a conventional hard drive. Many find this hidden partition annoying if you only want to use the drive for storage only.
I don’t know if there is a way to remove it, but wish I did.