Western Digital Reveals 'G-Drive USB-C' With High-Capacity Storage and MacBook Charging Capabilities

Tuesday April 11, 2017 6:02 AM PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Western Digital today announced the newest addition to its G-Technology brand "G-Drive," called the G-Drive USB-C. The company said that the new device was designed with power users and creative enthusiasts in mind, allowing them access to high-capacity storage and charging on the MacBook Pro through the USB-C port.

The G-Drive USB-C is available in 4TB, 8TB, and 10TB capacities so users can store HD videos, photos, music, backups, and more on the device, which is also Time Machine compatible. The drive also supports traditional USB 3.0 connections, and ships with a USB-C to USB-A cable to make it backwards compatible with systems that include USB-A connectors. A USB-C to USB-C cable is also included.

Western Digital's new drive has a transfer rate of up to 195 MB/s, and in terms of charging the company said that the G-Drive USB-C provides up to 45 watts of USB Power Delivery. The drive is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 as well.
“The addition of the G-DRIVE USB-C external drive provides tech enthusiasts a single-cable high capacity, high quality storage solution that meets their individual creative needs,” said Mike Williams, vice president of Advanced Technologies, Western Digital. “The G-DRIVE USB-C ensures pros can work seamlessly with the latest computers, and with a USB-C port and support for USB Power Delivery, it allows a user’s charging capability to be more efficient without having to worry about connecting yet another cable to their computer for charging.”
Users can pre-order the G-Drive USB-C for $199.95 at 4TB, $349.95 at 8TB, and $499.95 at 10TB beginning today. Western Digital said that the drive will be available this quarter through G-Technology resellers around the world.

Tags: USB-C, Western Digital
32 comments


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Chupa Chupa
18 months ago

Hi Apple,

Can you put another USB-C port on the MacBook so I can replace my Air?

Thanks!


Phil Schiller responds: "Screw you, you cheap bastard. The MacBook is the perfect Mac for all Mac users* and more ports would detract from its intrinsic beauty and Apple revenue, so open up your wallet and buy hub or dongle or MacBook Pro. Warm regards, Phil.


*PC users should buy an iPad Pro."
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Seems like a rather confusing brand name given how much that logo looks like Google's and how that name sounds like an abbreviation of Google Drive.


G Tech predates Google. Not just Google Drive, but Google. So if anything other way around.
Rating: 5 Votes
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mojomaniak
18 months ago
USB-C w/ 5400prm? More like lipstick on a pig if you ask me!
Rating: 5 Votes
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samlikesmac
18 months ago

G-drive is owned by WD now? That's like Kia buying/making Ferrari, I'm kind of sad about this.


Western Digital, Toshiba, and Seagate are the only three companies that actually manufacture hard disk drives now. Every other company just buys the drive from them and brands it as their own.

Rating: 3 Votes
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Aston441
18 months ago
Hi Apple,

Can you put another USB-C port on the MacBook so I can replace my Air?

Thanks!
Rating: 2 Votes
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OldSchoolMacGuy
18 months ago

Only 45 watts of power?
So much for using it with the 15".


So much for using it as a charging source you mean. It'll function just fine with a 15" MBP, just won't be the only cable you have plugged in if you need charging. Good thing the MBP has 4 ports for that.
Rating: 2 Votes
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M.PaulCezanne
18 months ago

10TB capacities


Wow - man, I'm getting old.
Rating: 1 Votes
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ghost187
18 months ago
G-drive is owned by WD now? That's like Kia buying/making Ferrari, I'm kind of sad about this.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Sasparilla
18 months ago

Seems like a rather confusing brand name given how much that logo looks like Google's and how that name sounds like an abbreviation of Google Drive.


Conversation in WD's marketing department: "How'd this get blown? Um, that guy (szw-mapple fan) on MacRumors saw right through our plan. But, how could he do it? This was 6 months in the making. Google's capital G has colors and ours is black... They're hardware accessories are white and our drive is metal. Um, Google's lawyers on line 2....".

You're totally right, although if Chupa Chupa is right, their G-Drive is an old brand. I like the idea of the hardware though.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Koodauw
18 months ago

G-drive is owned by WD now? That's like Kia buying/making Ferrari, I'm kind of sad about this.


I had the same thoughts. I wonder when this happened. Guess I will google.

Edit looks like in 2012. Also bought Sandisk in 2016.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Xavier
18 months ago

Seems like a rather confusing brand name given how much that logo looks like Google's and how that name sounds like an abbreviation of Google Drive.


G Drive has been around since 2004. Google Drive, since 2012. Two totally different products.
Rating: 1 Votes
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