October 10, 2000

The TURBO MO mini ( Drive Model Name: MOS3390S ) Magneto-Optical 3.5-Inch, 640MB USB Disk Drive

Small, Lightweight Entry Model User-friendly design

TURBO MO mini

* This news release is only for Asian market.

Summary

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (President: Masatoshi Kishimoto) is pleased to announce the TURBO MO mini, a small, lightweight, user-friendly magneto-optical drive for 3.5-inch 640 MB disks.

Miniaturizing High Performance and Reliability

Since the company entered the MO drive market, it has established a strong reputation due to its industry-leading high performance and reliability. The TURBO MO mini succeeds the high performance and reliability of the TURBO MO series. However, it has been reduced to the size of a postcard (119 x 151 mm) through the adoption of the Direct USB Optical Disk Controller (DUODC)*1 exclusive to Olympus and a new pickup mechanism*2, achieving significant space savings. At a light 500g, it can also be used on the move, carried with a computer.

Perfect for Beginners

In order to enable even beginners to use the drive, Olympus has incorporated the increasingly popular USB interface connection. This, combined with the user-friendly design carried over from existing models in the series, will facilitate use by a broad spectrum of users. The body comes in three colors. They are: black to match notebook computers, white to go with desktops, and skeleton for the iMac. The skeleton model comes with parts in six colors, allowing color coordination with every computer. The TURBO MO mini is an easy-to-use product even for users who are new to computers, increasing with the recent spread of the Internet and digital cameras. It will further expand the variety of MO users with its outstanding cost performance and "friendlier, easier" concept for beginners.

Main Features

User-friendly design with simple set up

In addition to a simple USB connection, it also comes with a Quick Start Guide that explains the procedure from connection to starting use in beginner's terms, so even set up is problem-free.

Affordable price

Amidst falling prices for computers and peripherals, Olympus implemented thorough cost management from the development stage in order to achieve a more affordable price, thus producing a product that competes on cost performance.

Compact, lightweight design

The adoption of the DUODC unique to Olympus and a new pickup mechanism has achieved a 48% size reduction over the company's existing 640 MB disk model, the TURBO MO 640S III. It is the size of a postcard and weighs only 500g.

Three body colors

The drive's body comes in three colors. They are: black to match notebook computers, white to go with desktops, and skeleton for the iMac. The skeleton model comes with parts in six colors, allowing color coordination with every computer.

High reliability and maintenance-free design

The exclusive dustproofing system, which enjoys an ever stronger reputation, along with the fanless design, prevents the inflow of external air and dust, thus maintaining a high level of dustproof performance and high reliability. There is no need for an air filter or lens cleaner.

Super silent mechanism

The energy conserving design has eliminated the need for a cooling fan. In addition, the adoption of a unique body design produces silent operation that causes no disturbance even when used late at night.

Direct overwriting and full disk compatibility

The TURBO MO series is compatible with direct overwrite (OW) disks. When a direct OW disk is used, the writing speed is approximately 50% faster than writing to a conventional disk. It also features full backward compatibility for both reading and writing, enabling selection of appropriate disk for every need.

Notes

*1: Direct USB Optical Disk Controller (DUODC)   The direct USB interface, eliminating the SCSI to USB chip, allows a 48% size reduction over the company's existing 640 MB disk model, the TURBO MO 640S III. *2: New pickup mechanism   The drive features a single-loop pickup system as opposed to a conventional separate pickup system composed of fixed and moving parts. This has allowed a reduction in size, weight and cost. In addition, the mechanism is controlled by the DCP (Drive Control Processor), a dedicated control LSI which produces an optimal operating environment in combination with the 2 MB Super Intelligent Cache.

Specifications