Keyspan today announced the release of a USB 2.0-compliant PCI card compatible with both Mac OS and Windows.
USB 2.0 is a faster version of the interface found on all new Macs introduced since the iMac. The new, faster version of USB supports data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps. There’s been a bit of controversy surrounding USB 2.0 in the Mac community, since Apple hasn’t yet openly embraced the standard for future Mac models. So for now, the only way to get USB 2.0 on your Mac is to buy a third-party card.
Just because you may not have any USB 2.0-compliant peripherals yet shouldn’t hold you back from getting the card, if what Keyspan says is any indication. The card supports all USB 1.1 devices, too — that’s the implementation that Apple uses on its Mac models. Of course, USB 1.1-compliant devices operate at a different speed limit — 12 Mbps.
Peripherals supporting the new, faster standard are only now coming to the market, an issue Keyspan readily accepts. “The card is ready for use with USB 2.0 peripherals that will come to market this summer,” notes Keyspan.
The new card is distributed through Ingram Micro and Tech Data, according to Keyspan. It carries a suggested retail price of US$59.
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