Labs

In addition to USB Hi-Speed, Buffalo's 320GB MiniStation can operate in TurboUSB mode if the included driver is installed on your PC. Buffalo claims that TurboUSB is up to 64 per cent faster than USB Hi-Speed, but our tests showed more modest improvements, if any.

In our small-files tests, TurboUSB was actually a little slower than USB Hi-Speed. In our large-files tests, TurboUSB was three to four MB/s faster than USB Hi-Speed, making it quicker than most of the other portable disks. Without TurboUSB, the MiniStation's large-files performance was average for the group.

We were impressed with the bundled Memeo AutoBackup software, which can back up your files automatically in the background as you work.

The MiniStation is one of only two 320GB disks in the group but it costs the least per gigabyte at just 40p. It's great value, but Iomega's eGo feels tougher.