Work with computers enough and you’ll start to fill up your hard drive, whether it’s photos, videos, documents, or just really big data files that you want to read or analyze. You can upgrade your internal drive, whether you’re on a laptop or desktop system, but sometimes you want to share the data across multiple computers. Hence the value of a fast external drive: when you need access to the space, you plug it in. When you don’t, it’s safely in your desk drawer or briefcase.
But not every I/O connection is the same, and the OWC Mercury is not only a fast 7200rpm external drive, it has a cool trick up its proverbial sleeve: It can connect to your system via USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Firewire 400 or Firewire 800. Which means that if you have gear with faster ports, the drive will support them and be much faster!
The specific unit reviewed is a 1TB drive and it’s a great addition to anyone’s hardware setup, particularly if you’re a road warrior.
My video review:
Turns out it’s perfect for editing video too: I do the primary edit on my laptop, with the drive connected via USB 3.0, then the final and slow rendering on the faster desktop system, with the drive working via Firewire 800. A win:win!
Learn more about this great drive — the OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro 7200rpm 1TB drive — at macsales.com. $149.00.