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NewerTech starts shipping miniStack for Mac mini, MAX model coming soon

Élyse Betters | Jul 10 2012 - 9:36 am PT

NewerTechnology just began shipping its new miniStack for 2010 or later Mac minis.

9to5Mac first covered this aluminum-bodied external hard drive at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, where we noted it features FireWire 800/400, USB 3.0/2.0, and eSATA ports for data transfer up to 500 MB/s. It also comes equipped with a hushed MagLev fan for inside cooling, up to 4 TB of large storage, an integrated Kensington Security Slot, and “multi-interface options make the miniStack ideal for storing or backing up large music, photo, and video libraries.” It also has the same footprint as the Mac Mini, so the two stack perfectly together.

Go to Amazon to purchase the miniStack. Prices range from $89.99 for the bare kit to $370.99 for 4 TB.

NewerTechnology’s website also showcases the miniStack MAX, which is listed as “coming soon.” It is an amped version of the miniStack that “puts the functionality of a high-capacity external drive” as an “an optical drive, integrated SD card reader, and USB-powered hub.” It features the familiar aluminum frame and Mac mini footprint for the tech’s iconic stackable look.

The technical specs include USB 3.0 SD card reader, Optical read/write CD/DVD drive, USB hub with three USB 3.0 ports (one with 2.1Amp power for iPad), and a quad interface with FireWire 800/400 at 100MB/s and 50MB/s respective speeds. It also offers USB 3.0/2.0 at 500MB/s and 60MB/s respective speeds, and eSATA at 300MB/s. It further boasts the miniStack’s MagLev fan, integrated Kensington Security Slot, and “high quality double-shielded connection cables included for all interfaces.”

There is no word on pricing or availability for the miniStack MAX, but it may be a little ways out if compared to the miniStack’s lengthy delay between its unveiling and launch date.