Man, I wish I hadn’t recently bought the Apple USB SuperDrive for my Mac mini. In this “I coulda had a V-8” moment, I realize I could have added an external drive, SD card reader, one charging-only USB-A port, 2 USB 3.0 A ports, one USB 3.0 B port, eSATA port, 2 Firewire 800 ports, and an optical drive with DVD/CD read/write capabilities plus either Blu-ray read-only or read/write capabilities in a single, sleek aluminum case. The NewerTechnology miniStack Max combines all these features into a case that measures only 1.4″ x 7.7″ x 7.7″ and matches the footprint of the 2010 and newer Mac mini computers. (That’s it sitting on top of a Mac mini in the bottom image.) Never fear, Windows users, because the miniStack Max also works with PCs.
The miniStack Max is available in a variety of configurations with Blu-ray readers, Blu-ray read/write drives, and even in configurations that allow you to add your own optical or HDD or SSD drive. I found the miniStack Max at Other World Computing. A bare kit with no drives starts at $149.99; a DVD/CD with no Blu-ray capabilities and a 1TB hard drive is $249.99 ;a Blu-ray reader with 1TB hard drive is $279.99; and a Blu-ray read/write drive with 1TB hard drive is $319.99. There are many other configurations available.
This is what I really want for Mother’s Day!
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How does the unit connect to your computer?
The USB 3 B port?
Great Review and very interesting device
Thanks
..wiley
@Wiley J Thanks, but this wasn’t a review, just a news item. I haven’t had a chance to try one out myself as would be required for a review here at The Gadgeteer. I did go look up the manual, and it says the device comes with a USB 3.0 A-to-B cable and a Firewire 800 cable, and you can connect with either of those. You can apparently also buy an eSATA cable and connect with that, if you prefer.
The manual is at the following link if you want to check it out: http://www.newertech.com/downloads/NWTMANMSTKMXOM.pdf
Duh. I should have just downloaded the PDF myself. I feel so silly
I really enjoy your reviews and all of the others on The Gadgeteer website.
Keep up the GREAT work
Thanks
..wiley
No problems, Wiley. And thanks so much for your kind words!
Without having a Thunderport connector this unit is old technology compared to the Belkin….I would recommend spending the extra $$$.
@Jeff The Belkin Thunderbolt device lacks several features offered by the miniStack Max. The Belkin is a connector hub that doesn’t have the hard drive, optical drive, nor the card reader offered by the miniStack Max. Yes, it would be nice if the miniStack had a Thunderbolt connector, though.