Just last week we heard about the upcoming MSI Wind U120, which will be making its grand debut at CES 2009. But now it looks as if two more netbooks will be added to MSI’s U Series including the MSI U110 and the MSI U115.
The MSI U115 is really quite different. It features a SSD and a hard drive. So, the OS would then be installed on the SSD, but all of your data and information would be stored on a larger hard drive. This makes sense insofar as it will keep the price down and allow you room to save data, but doesn’t it seem a bit counterproductive to save your data on the drive that can be scratched or ruined?
You will have several options with the U115, including a 8GB SSD/80GB HDD, a 16GB SSD/120GB HDD or a 32GB SSD/160GB HDD. The MSI Wind U110 does not have the SSD configurations. However, both models feature Atom processors and have 10-inch screens.
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Written by Brenda Stokes on November 28th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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Hitachi is out with their second generation 500GB mobile hard drive – the Travelstar 5K500.B. The new 2.5 inch hard drive features advanced data encryption technology along with new green features such as a halogen-free design and reduced read/write power specifications.
The Travelstar 5K500.B features:
- Optional Bulk Data Encryption (BDE) for hard drive level security
- Meets the forthcoming Storage Security specification
- Meets Hitachi’s EcoTrac classification
- Read/Write power specification of 1.4 W
- 5400 RPM Speed
- SATA 3Gb/s interface
- 12 ms seek time
- Available in storage sizes ranging from 120GB to 500GB.
The Travelstar 5K500.B will be available starting in December.
[Check it out]
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Written by flung on November 11th, 2008 with no comments.
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It’s not that often that we talk about external hard drive enclosures here on SlashGear, but lo and behold, this new Datamore Porté came across our radar and we just had to share it with you. The Porté is a stylish enclosure, and while it’s kind of a gimmick, it certainly looks nice and will keep your HDD safe.
Most of the time external hard drives aren’t much to look at. That’s why the Datamore Porté possesses such a neat design. This way, you can focus on getting an HDD that provides the functionality you want, without worrying about how it looks. The Porté will do that for you.
This enclosure has a hinged door, which makes putting a hard drive inside super easy. Plus, it features either USB or eSATA connections. You will have the option of either. The Porté is currently only available in Korea, but it has a distinct style that others will hopefully pick up on.
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Written by Brenda Stokes on November 7th, 2008 with no comments.
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Seagate has just added another drive to their Savvio enterprise HDD line and this time around, it’s faster, greener and smaller. In fact, the Savvio 15K.2 HDD uses less power and has a 115% performance boost when compared to 3.5-inch drives.
One of the great features of this drive is that is has a self-encrypting drive option. This relies on Advanced Encryption Standard that the government uses to make sure your data is secure while in use and once the drive is put out to pasture. This Savvio model is meant for both server and storage at the consumer and high-end levels.
Server capacities of 146GB and 73GB are offered that feature a SAS 2.0 interface with a 6GB/s speed. It is great for RAID configurations. You can expect the Seagate Savvio 15K.2 HDD to ship starting in December.
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Written by Brenda Stokes on November 6th, 2008 with no comments.
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Backup isn’t generally seen as glamorous, and the Iomega StorCenter ix2 is unlikely to change that perception. A sober gray box, the ix2 is as compact as dual 3.5-inch SATA-II hard-drives will let it be. However inside there lurks an iTunes-compatible media server, printer sharing facility and optional CCTV recording and Bluetooth file transfers, all for a competitive entry price. Can the StorCenter ix2’s hidden charms change our mind about the unbearable dullness of archiving?
In the box there’s an ethernet cable, PSU, printed quick-install guide and software CD which also has the full user manual, as well as the ix2 itself. Connections include a gigabit ethernet port, two USB 2.0 host ports for adding external drives or printers, and power; plug in one of a list of supported Bluetooth adapters and you’ll be able to transfer files wirelessly, too.
Setup is straightforward; the ix2 ships as a RAID 1 array, mirroring the two hard-drives, although it can be set to JBOD for the total combined capacity (and no data redundancy or protection). Two versions are avialable, 1TB (offering 500GB in RAID-1) and 2TB (offering 1TB in RAID-1). Iomega recommend a DHCP configured network, but the StorCenter ix2 can be given its own IP address; we plugged it straight into our router, with the included four-step installation CD, had it showing up on a networked PC within minutes. Also on the CD is a copy of EMC’s Retrospect Backup software that works on both PCs and Macs and can be used to schedule automatic backups of specific files and folders. Unlike some NAS products we’ve seen, there doesn’t appear to be a limit on how many computers you can install Retrospect on.
At it’s most basic, the ix2 works as a simple central backup server. Transfer speeds are limited more by the network connection from your computer to the drive, together with your machine’s specs, than the NAS itself. Load a folder full of audio and video files, however, and the ix2 becomes a DLNA media server; all manner of digital media adapters are supported, with UPnP, PTP (for digital cameras and photo frames) and iTunes streaming all possible. We had no problems streaming multiple files to different computers simultaneously; we only wish that there was the possibilty of loading third-party apps such as Logitech’s SqueezeCenter to use with their range of media streamers.
The two USB ports can either hook up external hard-drives, boosting storage (though it won’t be mirrored on the RAID-1 array, unless you plug in a dual-disc external drive) or printers. Two printers can be connected simultaneously, offering say a choice between monochrome laser for text and color inkjet for photos. We tried a number of different models from the usual big brands and had no issue with printing to them; however sometimes the monitoring software included (to give instant updates on ink levels and paper status) complained at the absence of a direct connection.
So far, nothing too different from other NAS models on the market. Bluetooth, though, is a less common inclusion: plug in a compatible wireless dongle and you can send photos, video, files and address book contacts directly to the ix2. It’s a one-way transfer - there’s no easy way to copy files on the NAS back over to the phone - but for impromtu backups (or merely to free up space on a memory card) it’s useful. Not integrating the Bluetooth receiver feels like a cost-cut too far, however.
Perhaps less useful to home buyers, but of interest to small businesses, the ix2 can be connected directly to an Axis CCTV camera. That allows both for real-time recording direct to the hard-drive and viewing the footage across the network.
Unsurprisingly the StorCenter ix2 uses a web-based administration system, accessible from any computer on the network and password secured. Here you can set up individual accounts and groups, limit access to certain directories and give different levels of read/write priviledge. One feature notable by its absence is space quota management, where users are permitted a limited amount of storage on the NAS; Iomega tell us that this, together with remote file access and seemless links to online storage, are planned for future software updates. Nonetheless, the setup GUI is clear and straightforward, and it’s simple to establish user groups and identify which folders contain media and as such should be monitored by the UPnP/DLNA streamer.
While setup is quick, recovery and decommissioning isn’t. Although a RAID-1 array means that, in the case of one of the 7,200rpm, 16MB-cache SATA-II hard-drives failing, your data isn’t lost, Iomega tell us that replacing the broken drive yourself will void the manufacturer warranty (one year standard, two years costs $149.95). That basically means that, if you get an email from the NAS saying a disc is either going or gone, you have to send the whole thing to Iomega to have it repaired. It also prevents you from adding capacity as hard-drive prices come down and your storage needs increase.
It’s a bizarre state of affairs, and it undermines one of the main points of a RAID system: that data is still accessible even with hardware failure. Iomega deserve credit for streamlining the install and ongoing use of the StorCenter - after all, too complex and it won’t be used - but it’s a step too far locking up that data from home or office recovery by threatening the warranty status.
As for decommissioning, we were surprised by how long the ix2 takes to reformat (almost an hour). Thankfully it’s a hands-off procedure once started. Similarly hands-off is the optional encryption, using RSA technology, which secures as files are transferred.
Overall, we’re in two minds about the Iomega StorCenter ix2. For small business users, unless particularly tech-phobic, the potential for downtime as you send your part-broken or failing NAS in for drive repair is probably unacceptable. The lack of space quota management is another issue, as could be remote file access if you have field workers, and while Iomega is promising such functionality in future updates there’s no known timescale for that.
For a home user, however, the ix2 makes much more sense. The StorCenter is a capacious, fast and affordable way to centralize backup and, with the included software, pretty much automate the whole process. Being able to use it as a media server and to share printers is icing on the cake. Yes, the same downtime issue applies, but its impact is likely less serious in a home environment. Given the competitive starting price - $299.99 for the 1TB, $479.99 for the 2TB - they’re flaws that are more easily overlooked.
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Written by Chris Davies on October 28th, 2008 with no comments.
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Mvix have announced their latest NAS device, the MvixBOX WDN-2000 2-Bay Ultra Performance NAS/Media Server, complete with remote file access, bittorrent downloads, dynamic website hosting and data backup. Capable of holding two SATA drives of up to 1.5TB capacity each, the MvixBOX has gigabit connectivity and will ship in a drive-free state for users to add their own storage.
Out of the box, the MvixBOX is preconfigured for Apache, MySQL, SQlife and PHP. It also offers what Mvix are calling RapidBox, whereby files on the NAS can be shared with others with a direct link, even if the recipient is outside the local network.
Media streaming via UPnp, among other formats, and iTunes Server is supported, together with FTP. The dual drives can be set up in a mirrored RAID array or left as a single large volume, and capacity can be added via external hard-drives plugged into the front or rear USB 2.0 port. Alternatively, connect a USB memory stick (or flash memory adapter) to the front USB port, press the transfer button and the files will automatically be backed up.
The MvixBOX WDN-2000 will go on sale imminently; price is yet to be announced.
Press Release:
MvixUSA Launches Ultra Performance NAS/Media Server with Versatile Storage Capacity
Chantilly, VA, October 28, 2008: Mvix(USA), Inc., a market leader in high-definition entertainment and business signage solutions announces the launch of the MvixBOX (WDN-2000) 2-Bay Ultra Performance NAS/Media Server. MvixBOX is a 2-Bay Network Attached Server featuring a user-friendly interface with Web-Disk, Torrent Sharing, Dynamic Website hosting, and data backup capability of holding 2 x 1.5TB SATA Hard Drives.
Beyond its dizzying array of features, the MvixBOX (WDN-2000) offers many advanced features for home-office network environments. It’s WebServer feature offers a complete Media / Web Server solution in one box. The unit comes pre-configured with Apache, MySQL, SQlife, and PHP, offering a ready-to-go solution for hosting personal or small business websites, blogs, family forums or wikis. MvixBOX also comes pre-configured for dynamic DNS functionality. MvixBOX offers the ability to use simple name, easy to remember domains … allowing easy access of files across the web.
MvixBOX offers a unique functionality called “RapidBox” which allows files-sharing via simple URLs. This feature is very similar to that offered by a variety of online web-storage companies where a user can upload a file and send a direct link to a friend / co-worker for that particular file. The Rapidbox functionality makes uploading/downloading of files easy with no hassle of setting up FTP applications etc.
Commenting on the launch of MvixBox (WDN-2000), Mike Mallon, the business development manager of Mvix(USA), Inc. said “The new MvixBOX offers a comprehensive suite of innovations and advanced features leveraging the broadband technology. Building upon our dominant brand name, MvixBox is bound to greatly enhance entertainment and business collaboration. There cannot be a better product for this holiday season. We expect this product to bring Network-attached storage concept to the mass-market”
Mvix(USA), Inc. which already created a name in high definition media player segment for home entertainment, business signage and mobile entertainment expects that this new internet-enabled NAS server will have tremendous acceptance with the small and medium businesses. “The massive TB range storage capacity of MvixBox with its gigabit connectivity and portable size makes it an ideal candidate for complete storage and server solutions for medium size businesses. It’s extremely affordable price makes a lot sense in times of these economic slowdown,.” commented Mike. “At the same time, the unique combination of our high definition media players and MvixBox offers the ultimate solution for home entertainment networking and media storage and sharing.”
Mvix(USA), Inc. will start shipping MvixBox (WDN-2000) as early as third week of October. It will also leverage the vast supply chain network of D&H Distributing, one of the largest technology distributors of North America, with whom it recently entered into a partnership agreement. Mvix(USA), Inc. will showcase this unique product in the CES tradeshow to be held in January 2009 at Las Vegas.
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Written by Chris Davies on October 28th, 2008 with no comments.
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What doesn’t Yanko Design come up with? That should really be the question when addressing anything they make known to the public. Take this hanger device. It makes toting along those external hard drives less of a pain.
One of the great things about having a laptop is their extreme portability. I mean, you can take it anywhere. But when you start having to bring along all sorts of accessories, the portability factor is lost.
This hanger from Yanko Design makes it so you can carry an external hard drive with you without needing an extra bag or storage space. Though just a concept at the moment, the device clips onto your laptop, making room for a 2.5″ drive. Pretty simple idea, yet totally practical.
[via Gadget Lab at Wired]
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Written by Brenda Stokes on October 6th, 2008 with no comments.
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Sometimes all in one devices get a bad wrap. However, the Philips Streamium Wireless Micro Hi-Fi System with 160GB of storage is definitely an exception to the rule.
This device features HDD playback and acts as your media center. In fact, you can stream internet radio and even use your UBS devices right with the system. You can browse through all aspects of your music as well, with the ability to view your albums, artists and more by using the included remote.
You can also transfer your music straight to the Streamium from your PC. We currently don’t have any pricing information on this one, but Europe seems to be the target market at the moment.
[via Chip Chick]
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Written by Brenda Stokes on October 6th, 2008 with no comments.
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