Seagate
has quietly updated its accessory page with a GoFlex Thunderbolt adapter. The add-on now lets any of Seagate’s mobile GoFlex drives use the 10Gbps interface on a Mac or upcoming PCs. The storage designers claim that it’s about 20 times faster than USB 2.0, although only if the drive itself can maximize the bus speed.
Thunderbolt’s support for power lets it run the entire portable drive through its data cable. Seagate is already taking orders and charges $50 for the adapter, although it doesn’t include the Thunderbolt cable that often costs a similar amount.
Having an adapter significantly expands the number of drives available on Thunderbolt, which despite some pre-built drives just arriving is still short on options. It also gives an upgrade path for those who might have an older Mac now but don’t want to replace their external hard drives to take advantage of Thunderbolt when they upgrade.
