The miniStack from Other World Computing (OWC) and Newer Technology is promoted as a hard drive that fits under or over a Mac mini and complements its aluminum shell. I’m certain it does, but owners of other Macs besides the mini will want to check out the diminutive drive.

I’m using it with my Power Mac G5, though the miniStack won’t sit under it without being crushed. Well, I assume it would be crushed, anyway. The miniStack has plastic sides, so I wasn’t interested in finding out how much pressure it could take. However, it perches neatly atop the dual processing monster and looks nice doing so. But, more importantly, the OWC/Newer Tech drive can exponentially increase your storage capacity with a device that’s fast (thanks to its FireWire 400/USB 2.0 connectivity and 7200 RPM speed) and compact (6.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 1.5 inches).

The miniStack sports FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connectivity and comes with Dantz Retrospect Backup software. It features a smart power switch so the drive turns on with your computer; a thermal probe automatically regulates and varies fan speed according to the temperature of the hard drive, a nice touch.

It also sports an integrated 2-Port FireWire and 3-Port USB 2.0/1.1 hub, which adds to its versatility. With the small form factor of the device, it’s difficult to “blindly” try to plug peripherals into its ports. For me that’s a reasonable tradeoff as desktop real estate is always at a premium. However, those who complain that the iMac and Mac mini have no front ports for easy connectivity will have the same gripe about the miniStack.

I’ve been test driving the miniStack for three weeks and it’s performed flawlessly. One thing I do find odd is that the fins on the heat sink project downward, through a rectangular hole in the bottom of the case. I understand why it’s designed this way; you don’t want hot air blowing up onto and into a Mac mini that may be sitting atop the miniStack. But there’s certainly not much room for heat to radiate downward from the small hard drive. Will that affect its life span? I can’t say, but there’s been no noticeable heat build-up in my time using the HD, whether using it as a second drive (my main use) or trying it as a start-up drive.

Prices range from US$99.95 for the enclosure with no drive up to $499.99 for a 500GB configuration (I’ve been using a 375GB version.) For the design and speed you get, the prices are reasonable and the miniStack is a solid buy, especially if you need an extra drive. And in this day of the digital lifestyle, sooner or later you most likely will.

Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10.