G-TECHNOLOGY G-Drive Mini FireWire User Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction

Safety Precautions

System Requirements

What’s in the Box

G-DRIVE mini Overview

Installing G-DRIVE mini

Initializing G-DRIVE mini

Disconnecting G-DRIVE mini

Optimizing Performance

Technical Support

Limited Warranty

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the G-DRIVE™ mini from
G-Technology™. G-DRIVE mini hard drives from G-Technology
are the ideal storage solutions for people on the go.

Weighing in at less than 9 oz., G-DRIVE mini is the ultra­portable and stylish way to travel with up to 500 GB of
storage space to store or backup your important documents,
MP3s, digital video or digital photo les.

The G-DRIVE mini is also ideal for backing up
your Mac automatically using Time Machine™ .
G-DRIVE mini is the only portable drive to feature
a silent, “fan-less” design and an integrated
cooling system to ensure reliable operation and
long life.

NOTE: G-DRIVE mini is formatted for the Mac®
OS and will mount on the desktop right out of
the box. For details on reinitializing the
G-DRIVE mini, using the G-DRIVE mini on

Windows®, or for using the G-DRIVE mini for

both Windows and Mac, click here.

Safety Precautions

The disk drive contained in your G-DRIVE mini is a delicate
electronic instrument and is susceptible to damage due to
excessive physical shock. Place the unit in a vented area away
from moisture or liquids. Please handle the unit with care. Do
not open the case. Doing so will void the warranty. If the
product is returned with damage caused by improper

handling, the warranty will be void and liability will rest with
the user.

System Requirements

FireWire™ 800 / USB 2.0 operation

• Mac OS X 10.3 or higher

• Windows XP / Vista/ Windows 7

FireWire 400 operation (via 9 pin to 6 pin cable)

• Mac OS 9.x or OS X
Windows XP / Vista/ Windows 7

•

What’s in the Box

Take a moment to ensure that the following items are
included in the box.

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G-DRIVE mini

G-DRIVE mini drive (FW400/FW800/USB 2.0)

•
Installation CD-ROM

•
FireWire 800 Cable (9 Pin to 9 Pin)

•

• FireWire 800 to 400 cable (9 Pin to 6 Pin)

• USB 2.0 cable
Leather carrying case

•

If anything is missing, please call G-Technology at
[phone]. For more details on this, click here.

G-DRIVE mini Overview

Note the various features of the G-DRIVE mini. There is a
Power and Activity LED behind the grill on the front of the
unit, while a heat sink is beneath the it. On the rear of the unit
are 2 FireWire 800 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an On/Off Switch and
DC Power In.

Attention Mac OS X Users

G-DRIVE mini is set up at the factory for use with
Mac OS X systems. If you are running Mac OS X,
G-DRIVE mini will mount on the OS X desktop
right out of the box. If it becomes necessary to
re-format G-DRIVE mini for Mac OS X, go here.

Attention Windows Users

G-DRIVE mini must be formatted for the
Windows Operating System before using the
G-DRIVE mini.

For more information about using the G-DRIVE

mini for Windows 2000/XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 use,
please visit: http://www.g-technology/support/windows

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Attention Cross-Platform Users

G-DRIVE mini can be used on both Mac and PC
systems by formatting the drive “FAT32.” There
are some limitations when using FAT 32.
Alternatively you can install software on the
Windows Machine such as “MacDrive” which will
allow you to mount Mac formatted drives on
your PC.

For more information about using the G-DRIVE
mini for cross-platform use, go here.

Installing G-DRIVE mini

G-DRIVE mini attaches to your computer via a USB 2.0 or
FireWire 800 port. FireWire 400 connectivity is handled by
a 9 to 6 pin cable (included).

Attach the other end to a surge protector or wall outlet.

Visit the G-Technology accessories web page here for more
information or to purchase the optional power adapter for
G-DRIVE mini.

Initializing G-DRIVE mini

G-DRIVE mini is set up at
the factory for use with
Mac OS X systems. If you
are running Mac OS X,
G-DRIVE mini will mount
on the OS X desktop right
out of the box. If it
becomes necessary to
re-format G-DRIVE mini,
follow the instructions
below.

• For Mac OS X installations see below

• For Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 installations, proceed to
http://www.g-technology/support/windows

For Cross-Platform use, go here.

•

Connecting the Optional Power Adapter

If your computer system does not supply adequate bus
power, plug the optional power adapter in to G-DRIVE mini.

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Reformatting for Mac OS X

You’ll rst need to open Apple Disk Utility in order to initialize
the disk for Mac OS X. Apple Disk Utility is in the Utilities
Folder located in the Applications Folder on the Macintosh
HD (or press Shift + Command + U to open the Utilities
folder).

1. Select G-DRIVE mini by clicking on the drive icon in the
left-hand column, as shown. Information about G-DRIVE
mini will be displayed at the bottom of the window.

A window like the following will appear. G-DRIVE mini will be
displayed in the left-hand column.

2. Select the Erase tab to view the formatting options. By
default, the Format is set to Mac OS Extended (Journaled),
as indicated in the Format category.

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