E3 can read SxS and move ExpressCard/34 data

Sonnet Technologies has announced the Qio E3, (site not updated) a new 3-slot SxS reader that doubles as a three-slot expansion device for ExpressCard/34 adapters. The device expands the PCI bus outside the machine, with up 200MB/sec bandwidth to share across the three devices, either SxS memory cards or ExpressCard/34 units. The device allows adding FireWire, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet or eSATA cards, among others, and supports dual usage, accessing both SxS cards and ExpressCard/34 cards at the same time.

The case is similar to the original Qio case with the same footprint, but half the height. Qio E3 connects to a computer through an included ExpressCard/34 for notebooks or a PCIe interface adapter card for desktops.

The Qio E3 works with Mac OS X 10.4, including Snow Leopard. It will ship in November for $600.

by MacNN Staff