G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB)
The G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive from G-Technology is a 500GB portable hard drive with a speed of 7200rpm and FireWire-800, FireWire-400, and USB 2.0 connectivity options. The versatile drive features a sleek casing complete with a fanless-heat sink, and comes with a protective case to keep it safe from damage while on-the-go. Whether you want to use it for portable storage or as a backup solution, the G-DRIVE mini is a powerful, versatile, and fast hard disc drive.
- Portable, high-speed external hard drive
- High-speed interfaces including FireWire 800, FireWire 400 (via included cable), and USB 2.0 ports
- Weighs less than 9 oz
- Storage capacities of 500GB with a speed of 7200rpm
- Bus powered eliminating the need for an AC adapter
- Integrated heat-sink provides near silent operation and ensures proper cooling for long life and data reliability
- Ships complete with all cables and high-quality protective carrying case
- Unique industrial design, compact all aluminum enclosure
- Mac OS X and Windows compatible, and Time Machine ready
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500GB |
| Interface |
2x 9-Pin FireWire-800 1x USB 2.0 |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | 8MB |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Up to 800Mbps |
| System Requirements |
Windows 2000, XP, or Vista; Mac OS X 10.3.x or later FireWire-800, FireWire-400, or USB 2.0 port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Portable |
| Power Requirements | Bus-powered |
| Environmental Requirements | None |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.2 x 0.875 x 5" (8.1 x 2.2 x 12.5cm) |
| Weight | 0.55 lb (0.25kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 96 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (83)
- Attractive (82)
- Easy to setup (77)
- Quiet (66)
- Large capacity / good size (55)
Cons
Best Uses
- Video (66)
- Back-up (55)
- Photo storage (53)
- Additional storage (52)
- File transfer (48)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (74), Casual user (18)
- Primary use:
- Business (54), Personal (38)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (41)
Most Liked Positive Review
Just Buy It!
I needed fast, portable, external storage for use with my Macbook and Lightroom/Photoshop with the occasional use of ProTools 9. I searched for a drive that was 7200rpm, slim, fast, Firewire ...Read complete review
I needed fast, portable, external storage for use with my Macbook and Lightroom/Photoshop with the occasional use of ProTools 9. I searched for a drive that was 7200rpm, slim, fast, Firewire 800, bus powered, and as a bonus, included the Oxford 934 Chipset. I was torn between this and the Glyph 500GB PortaGig 50. I chose this drive after finding out that the Glyph can only be bus powered by using the USB Y cable which takes up 2 USB ports on my Macbook as well as the FW800 port (at least that's how I understood it).
For ProTools and other DAW users, check the G-Drive website and you will find that this drive has the Oxford chip even though it does not say that here.
I'm very impressed and pleased with this drive so far. It's fast, looks great, fits in the palm of my hand and includes stylish leather case plus all cables you will need. Also includes on/off switch and a +12V DC IN for use with a power adapter (not included). All included cables are well made and fit snug, which was an issue with my WD Elements 1TB USB drive and cable. Just Buy It!!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Mistake, do not buy!
I bought this for the sole purpose of editing video on my MacBook Pro. Come to find out, you cannot connect a firewire camera to this drive! Connecting a camera unmounts the drive. ...Read complete review
I bought this for the sole purpose of editing video on my MacBook Pro. Come to find out, you cannot connect a firewire camera to this drive! Connecting a camera unmounts the drive. G-tech claims they know this, but the other firewire port is ONLY for connecting another hard drive. The problem is, that ALL new iMac's and MacBook Pro's have ONE firewire port. In other words, it's impossible to use this as a firewire connected scratch disk/capture drive. I asked them if I could trade this drive for a regular G-Drive which they said "has a different chipset and doesn't have this problem". They said no. I use the same camera daisy chained off my Drobo without any problems.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 96 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
These are the sweetest, lightest, most compact little hard drives. They function well and store plenty. Very portable and convenient. Great product. I've been using these for awhile now and they've never let me down with my video editing.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
Cons
- Noisy
Best Uses
- File Transfer
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
Working as required.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I am NOT disappointed with this product! Probably the BEST investment I've made for my business!
I have two of these drives at a time... one is my working Photo drive, and the other is a simultaneous backup of the original images when they come off the camera. Because of the 7200rpm drive and the FireWire-800 connection, it actually works and processes as fast and often faster then the Internal HD on my Mac!
Before I started using the G-DRIVE mini High-Speed drives, every images I took ended up on my internal HD, and also processed there... and eventually my HD was full... once I was able to move all the storage to external drives, my Mac not has increased performance because the Internal HD isn't being over-worked!
PLUS! I have some added comfort knowing that is my Mac crashes and dies... that all of my business is not lost!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I use this product for storing videos. The files transfer very fast considering their large size. The product itself is very small and easy to transport.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
This drive, using the firewire, made a huge difference. I was having trouble using my old drive with ProTools, drive just wasn't keeping up. So far so good with this one. Cool looking, small, even comes with a little case. you don't even have to plug it in. Pretty cool. Worth paying a bit more for.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
As always, a highly reliable and efficient product from a top manufacturer.
Super quiet and portable make this the ideal travel companion for extra storage.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
It is an easy device that is user friendly...I can operate this without getting frustrated. Plug, dump files, go!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I use the product for a Digital Video course. It is perfect for storing video and other formatted files. I was impressed by the extras that were included, such as the case for protecting the device.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
This hard drive functions exactly as I need it to. I am able to quickly upload files, and feel secure in the drive's ability to safely store everything. Furthermore, its compact and small design (as well as the carrying case), make for great transport.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I use the drive to back up my iMac's internal hard drive. I bought it to replace a LaCie Little Disk that was consistently troublesome from day of installation till it failed three years later.
The G-Drive Mini was easy to install and, so far, has been trouble-free. I emailed tech support with a question and quickly got an intelligent, relevant response. That's a lot more than I can say for LaCie's tech support.
I particularly like the fact that the G-Drive Mini has an on-off switch.
A little glitch: In the documentation on the CD that comes with the product, the FireWire ports are labeled 400 and 800. On the product itself, they're both labeled 800.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
Worth the price and works well.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
Appearance, write speed and hardiness
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
Its small, light and fast. I use it to store media files to work with Final Cut Pro in a macbook pro.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I came in to get the Rugged drive from LaCie, but after feeling how flimsy it felt in my hand, I was glad to have the salesperson steer me to this one. It feels like a solid machine, hefty but elegant at the same time. It has an on/off button, which has actually been more useful than I thought it would be!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I use this product for video editing and it works like a charm. I used to use the LACIE Rugged but the guy at B&H told me to try this one. It is much faster all around and nice and compact. My only problem is I wish it had that "if you drop it, it will still work" guarantee that the rugged has. I'm a little clumsy.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I got this harddrive and am very happy with it.
The size is great for carrying around and it's been working very well.
It comes with its own case which is great also!
I bought a G-Drive Harddrive 4 years ago that is still working well and I got this one because of its smaller size.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Video
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I use 2 on location for additional storage and back-up .
I read about their reliability so far so good.
Bus powered, really convenient.
I take them everywhere I go photographically.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Fast
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Power Switch
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
I bought 2 portable drives for back up my wedding pictures during my travels, I found these drives really fast, really compact and fancy design just like my MacBook Pro.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
Using this drive to backup my brand new MacBook Pro using Firewire 800. Works great with Time Machine. Is nice and quiet and wicked fast too. No complaints here, exactly what I wanted/needed.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Fast
Cons
Best Uses
- File Transfer
Comments about G-Technology G-DRIVE mini High-Speed Portable Drive (500GB):
Excellent quality and performance. The cost is higher than others but you get what you pay for. Highly recommended for digital video camera workflows.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Cables & Adapters
- Price: $19.99
Hubs & Adapters
- Price: $38.99
What's in the Box
- FireWire-800 Cable
- FireWire-800 to FireWire-400 Cable
- USB 2.0 Cable
- Protective Carrying Case
- CD w/ Documentation
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
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