Buffalo Set To Ship HD-HU3 USB 3.0 External HDD This Month

One of the things that I hate most about running backups on my computer is that it takes so long to do it. I have lots of files on my machines and my USB drive is too slow. I am really looking forward to USB 3.0 drives and the much higher data speeds that they will offer. My wait is getting near its end and Engadget reports that Buffalo is set to ship the first USB 3.0 external HDD this month.

The external HDD itself looks like a PS3 to me and will be offered in 1TB and 1.5TB capacities. The drives will be the HD-HU3 series and will be the world's first USB 3.0 HDDs to ship. If you are wondering exactly how you will be able to take advantage of that extra USB 3.0 speed since computers with USB 3.0 aren't available yet, Buffalo will also be offering a USB 3.0 controller.

The controller is a PCI E add-in card that from the pics looks like it hits the x1 slot. It's nice to see that slot get some more action. The IFC-PCIE2U3 controller will sell for about $60 and add two USB 3.0 ports to the computer. The 1TB drive itself will sell for about $225 and the 1.5TB will sell for $284. A larger 2TB version is reported to be coming alter for around $523. There is no word at this point on availability for the products outside of Japan.