Product Reviews

Smartdisk has added a FireWire 800 model to its popular Firelite pocket hard drive range. The only current Mac models with the capability to use the faster FireWire connection are the Power Mac G5s or 15in and 17in PowerBooks.

The drive has exactly the same dimensions and design as the rest of the Firelite range. There's a light on the top that flashes when the disk is in use and simply glows when resting. The only aspect of this drive that separates it from the rest of the Firelite range is the two FireWire 800 ports on the rear.

Construction is solid and the unit feels

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as if it would cope with the everyday rigours of being carried around. Each unit is supplied with a FireWire 800 cable and FireWire 800-to-400 conversion cable. This is especially handy for when you have to use a Mac without FireWire 800.

Speed-wise, the FireWire 800 model is only slightly faster than the 400. We recorded speeds of 34MB/sec - only 2MB greater than the FireWire 400. The 4200rpm disk speed is exactly the same in the 800 as other Firelite drives and data sent from your Mac will only write as fast as the disk can spin. Consequently, the slower speed of the small disks, compared to full-sized hard drives, restricts the volume of data that can be sent.

If you've used up all your available FireWire 400 ports then this FireWire 800 version would be an option for extending your storage possibilities.

We found the 80GB Firelite on sale at £45 more than the FireWire 400 and we are not sure the minimal speed advantage is worth the extra money.

If you are in the market for a pocket drive to go with your G5 or PowerBook then this hard disk would be a sound investment - but only if you have FireWire 400 ports taken up by other peripherals.