FirmTek Announces World’s First Serial ATA ExpressCard Adapter for the
MacBook Pro
New SeriTek/2SM2-E Delivers Outstanding Hot-Swappable Performance for Video
Producers and Others Who Work with Large Files “On the Go”
Las Vegas, Nevada (April 24, 2006) — FirmTek, LLC, a pioneer and leader in
Serial ATA (SATA) storage solutions for the Macintosh platform, today
unveiled at NAB 2006 (Booth SL 1238) their new SeriTek/2SM2-E, a Serial ATA
ExpressCard host adapter. The SeriTek/2SM2-E extends SATA’s astounding
performance beyond the desktop, enabling content producers to capture,
develop, edit and create content in almost any environment when using
Apple’s new MacBook Pro notebook computers. With transfer rates up to 3
gigabits per second per port, this breakthrough solution sets a new
standard for handling data in a remote setting. FirmTek’s established
hot-swap compatibility also makes it easy for users to move entire drives
and arrays from the MacBook Pro to any FirmTek-equipped desktop system in
seconds.
A New Card Standard for Digital Media Applications
With the arrival of the MacBook Pro earlier this year, Apple introduced its
first systems utilizing ExpressCard, the industry’s follow-up to the
long-established PC Card standard that is now considered too sluggish for
the latest needs of media professionals. With nearly double the throughput
of PC Cards, the ExpressCard standard will allow notebooks to support
applications involving HD video and other demanding content and creativity.
FirmTek’s SeriTek/2SM2-E is the first ExpressCard solution announced
supporting SATA drives and enclosures.
Portability and Flexibility
FirmTek has pioneered ATA standards on the Macintosh for many years, and
markets a variety of enclosures and interface solutions for demanding
users. Since the introduction of SATA, the ability to hot-swap drives
between enclosures has been a key feature across FirmTek’s solutions, and
this benefit is more pronounced than ever with the SeriTek/2SM2-E. Now
videographers, editors and other content creators can work in the field,
using a compact and easily portable two-drive enclosure and as many drives
as they choose to carry. Once back in the office volumes are easily moved
to any desktop systems in the time it takes to move a drive tray from one
enclosure to another, usually just a minute or less. This flexibility
allows users to share important data quickly, transfer or duplicate files
at the speed of SATA (instead of over sluggish networks or internet
connections), and to keep more sensitive files locked up and secure with
minimal effort.
To assist customers in maximizing their productivity and obtaining maximum
benefit from their FirmTek solutions, FirmTek offers additional drive trays
for $22.99 each, without any additional purchases required. This enables
customers to keep an unlimited number of drives on hand and ready for
action.
Pricing and Availability
FirmTek’s SeriTek/2SM2-E ExpressCard adapter for the Macintosh will be
available early Q3 this year, with estimated retail pricing of USD$119.95.
For more information about the SeriTek/2SM2-E, please visit FirmTek’s
website at www.firmtek.com/seritek/seritek-2sm2-e.
About FirmTek
Headquartered in Silicon Valley and founded by former Apple engineers,
FirmTek is a leading hardware and firmware research and development company
focusing on Macintosh storage technologies. The company takes pride in
developing the most reliable and most compatible high performance
enhancement solutions offered through FirmTek’s OEM and worldwide
distribution channels. For information on how FirmTek helps users deploy,
and organizations develop, advanced interface solutions, visit FirmTek’s
website at www.firmtek.com, or email info@firmtek.com.