No, this is not a new Trashcan Mac Pro: Mac Mini-inspired desktop hybrid NAS sees daylight

(Image credit: Orico)

Orico's MiniTower turns your Mac Mini M4 into a hybrid NAS
HDD, SSD, SD 3.0 and USB 3.2 slots and ports for data capacity
Also includes RAID 0 and 1 support for data backups

The ORICO MiniTower is a new hybrid storage solution designed for Mac Mini M4 users, essentially turning one into a NAS device.

Clad in brushed aluminum with a silver finish, the MiniTower appears sleek and polished with a minimalist ORICO logo on the top lid.

It supports up to 48TB in HDD space, plus a single 8TB SSD, alongside 10Gbps USB 3.2 and SD 3.0 ports to extend storage capacity.

Orico MiniTower for Mac Minis

The MiniTower, set to retail for $139.99, is designed to accommodate both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, with accessible slots beneath its detachable top cover.

This device features a high-speed SSD zone with dual-protocol M.2 SSDs for smooth editing and fast software loading.

This hybrid approach allows for the separation of frequently accessed "hot" data and long-term "cold" data, reducing wear on hard drives while benefiting from the fast read and write speeds of SSDs.

For backups, the device supports flexible RAID configurations, including RAID 0 and RAID 1, or a standard non-RAID setup for those preferring straightforward storage management.

The MiniTower gives the Mac Mini several new ports. At the front, the device includes an SD 3.0 slot, two USB-A ports for peripherals like keyboards and mice, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The rear adds an RJ45 Ethernet port and a USB 3.2 10Gbps for high-speed data transfer, plus a dedicated power input.

Underneath is a built-in silent fan, complemented by strategically placed vents, including a rear vertical vent and bottom ventilation, ensuring consistent heat dissipation.

Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking. Efosa developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and politics. His research delves into how technological advancements influence regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Upon joining TechRadar Pro, in addition to privacy and technology policy, he is also focused on B2B security products. Efosa can be contacted at this email: udinmwenefosa@gmail.com