Definitely a major upgrade on the older versions, although I highly doubt the whisper quiet part without manually disconnecting the fan and using it as a powered device hub. Finally they take SATA drives and feature FW800x2, FW400x1, USB2x, and 1 eSATA port.

I sure could have used it before I bought my Quad FW hotswap box for a remote EyeTV 500 recording station. I didn't want to waste money on more than the 2 750GB ATA drives I had given the fact that everything was going SATA. Unloading content was a PITA with each trip. I may end up purchasing one for my new setup, but I have to wonder...

Do they know something we don't?? Is a new Mini coming soon with FW2 and eSATA ports???

I suspect once they moved to SATA internally the eSATA port was cheap and gives another option. I doubt anyone but Jobs, Ives, and the folks in the hardware area know anything about what's going to be on the new mini (or even if there will be a new mini).

I'm thinking about getting one of these to replace the 2 250GB LaCie drives I have.