London, UK, 28th September 2005 - Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking, storage and memory solutions, today announces the launch of its MiniStation (HD-PHSU2), a shock-tolerant USB 2.0 portable hard drive. It features Buffalo’s unique Secure Lock Ware (SLW) utility, which offers drive and file encryption to protect data. Available in capacities of 40GB and 80GB, the compact device delivers a lightweight storage solution for mobile users.

The high speed drive is the lightest shock-tolerant hard drive on the market (174g) and comprises a tough armoured outer case and shock absorbent internal design - based on a floating structure - to deliver unrivalled protection for data on the move. The Secure Lock Ware (SLW) utility allows drive and file encryption through 256bit AES Encryption technology. It runs at 5400rpm, allowing users to quickly access and store files, digital images and back up data without occupying valuable space on a PC’s main hard drive.

Gerardine Lynch, UK product marketing manager at Buffalo, commented: “As businesses and consumers become more and more reliant on mobile data, users require storage capacities when on the move that are comparable to those offered by a PC. The MiniStation is ideal for these mobile users – its pocket-sized, highly secure ‘plug and play’ design means that high volumes of data can be transported effortlessly and accessed quickly by inserting the device into a USB port.”

The hard drive is pre-formatted for immediate use and includes Buffalo’s Auto-Installation technology.

Backed by a manufacturer’s two-year warranty, the MiniStation is available from mid-October at an estimated street price (inc VAT) of £70 (40GB) and £110 (80GB). Suppliers include eBuyer, Dabs, More Computers, Insight, PC World Business and Misco.