First External USB 3.0 Hard Drive from Freecom
German company Freecom has announced, by its own reckoning, the first external USB 3.0 hard drive.
The 3.5" device with the name Hard Drive XS 3.0 is intended for desktop use for memory extension and backup media. It should be available on the European market in mid-November in 1-TByte, 1.5-TByte and 2-TByte versions, at around 120 Euro for the 1-TByte model.
The device should run at transfer rates of 130 MBytes per second. Freecom managing director Axel Lucassen uses an example to illustrate: "We now can transfer a 5GB movie in just 38 seconds iit is unbelievably fas.t" The XS 3.0 hard drive is backward-compatible and can run on USB 2.0 at a reduced transfer rate. As an add-on it features hardware encryption at a 256-bit AES. To further equip computers Freecom provides controller cards for USB 3.0 in desktop and notebook versions.
Linux can brag that, as of Kernel 2.6.31, it is the first platform to support USB 3.0. The new specification, also known as "SuperSpeed USB," theoretically allows transfer of 5 GBits per second. The USB Implementers Forum non-profit founded by USB developers lists the first USB 3.0 devices on its webpage, such as host controller models. Whether Freecom's controller cards run under Linux is currently unknown.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.

USB 3.0
Regards