Macpower M9 has been available on the market about a year now and it is a series of external harddrive enclosures that has been designed to fit Apple’s Mac computers, in this case specifically Mac mini. Macpower has now announced it will launch three new models in the M9 series where the common nominator is support for the SATA interface. Earlier users of Macpower M9 have been limited to the PATA interface, but now it is the new SATA interface (SATA-II) inside the small cases. Macpower M9-S2 is equipped with a USB connector, but also an eSATA (External SATA) connector for optimal performance between the host and the unit. M9-S2H takes it all one step further and adds an integrated USB hub with three ports.
And finally we have M9-DX2 which supports USB and Firewire, not just for connecting to the computer but also a 3 port USB hub and a 3 port Firewire hub.
“All of the M9 family incorporates smart fan technology, with automatic temperature detection. When it is hot inside the case, the smart fan will switch itself on to high speed to dissipate the heat quickly and efficiently. Once it has cooled down, it will reduce its speed to use less power. Each enclosure is also fitted with a large heat sink to ensure the M9 does not overheat.”
Macpower M9 seems like a very interesting alternative for those who wants to increase their Mac mini’s storage capacity in a stylish manner, but you can of course also use the enclosures with your PC. We haven’t received any price information for Macpower’s new units but they are expected to appear in stores in August.
