Adaptec has received certification from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) for its USB 2.0 host bus adapter.
The product is Mac compatible and will start shipping next week. System requirements are a Power Mac (Beige G3 rev.B or later), available PCI slot, and CD-ROM drive.
“Adaptec takes pride in being one of the first USB 2.0 host bus adapters to pass USB-IF Compliance Testing,” said Jeff Loebbaka, vice president and general manager of Adaptec’s Desktop Solutions Group, in a statement. “Our goal is to speed the adoption of USB 2.0 technology by providing high-quality connectivity solutions for USB peripherals. Adaptec is committed to bringing consumers affordable and reliable desktop connectivity solutions.”
In order to use the USB logo, the USB-IF requires USB 2.0-enabled products to pass compliance testing in several areas including: electrical tests, interoperability tests and functional tests. Products also have to work well for both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 systems, hubs and peripherals.
“Adaptec’s USB 2.0 solution performed extremely well during USB-IF certification testing,” said Takahiro Tokuume, senior manager in NEC’s Semiconductor Solutions Engineering Division, NEC Electron Devices and member of the Board of Directors of the USB-IF. “I was impressed with its robustness and high-performance.”
Apple hasn’t officially endorsed USB 2.0 or made any announcements on supporting it in future Macs (though the smart money says the company will). See our Dec. 14 article for background info.