10/06, 5:30pm
Also extracts music from iPods, iPhones
Clickfree has released the Transformer SE (Special Edition), a device for turning any iPod, iPhone or USB hard drive into an automatic storage device. After plugging the Transformer into a computer and connecting any storage via USB, it will automatically backup and organize files into free space. The device is capable of working with multiple computers or storage systems, and can be used to transfer data from one computer to another.
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09/17, 10:30pm
Camera sends uncompressed 1080p stream at 60fps
Point Grey has provided additional details regarding its USB 3.0-connected HD video camera that will be making an appearance at the Intel Developers Forum. The camera prototype integrates a 3-megapixel CMOS sensor manufactured by Sony. The sensor allows the camera to output raw, uncompressed 1080p images at 60 frames per second.
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09/17, 6:30pm
SuperSpeed USB boosts speed 10x over USB 2.0
A variety of USB 3.0 demonstrations have been planned for the Intel Developer Forum scheduled next week, according to CNET News. Grey Point Research will bring one of its prototype cameras with a 3-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor. The camera will stream uncompressed 1080p video at 60fps to a laptop outfitted with a SuperSpeed USB ExpressCard from Fresco Logic.
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09/09, 8:35pm
Radion intros new RAID 5 6TB storage systems
Radion has introduced several GearRAID quad-bay data storage subsystems with enhanced data protection when the drives are configured as a RAID 5 array. The storage devices integrate an Oxford936QSE chipset, enabling four 2TB drives to be configured as a RAID 5 array with a maximum of 6TB of overall storage space. The drives are capable of automatically backing-up data, while one hard drive can fail without any loss of data. Each storage system also supports eSATA, 1394b and USB 2.0 host interfaces.
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08/20, 3:55pm
iLuv expands iAD line
iLuv has announced the newest additions to its line of iPhone and iPod accessories, the iAD115 and iAD119. Both products plug into a users DC car jack and utilize USB inputs to connect to a users iPhone, iPod, MP3 player, or GPS. The iAD115 Micro features one USB input, whereas the iAD119 includes two USB inputs for multiple devices. Both chargers feature a blue power LED that indicates the devices are getting power from the DC input.
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08/19, 11:00pm
KVM Console Adapter ships
StarTech has introduced its KVM Console USB 2.0 Adapter, which essentially turns a users laptop into a portable KVM console. This allows service technicians to control a machine that does not have a keyboard, mouse or monitor. The device functions similarly to a crash cart (a technicians portable cart comprised of a keyboard, mouse and monitor), but does not require a power outlet.
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08/13, 9:50am
MIMOBOT USB flash drive
Sanrio Global Consumer Products, in collaboration with Mimoco, has announced a new line of MIMOBOT USB flash drives based on Sanrio characters. First in the company’s lineup is the Hello Kitty USB drive, which will coincide with the character's 35th anniversary. In addition to Hello Kitty, customers will be able to purchase drives with other Sanrio characters such as Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Kuromi, Keroppi, Chococate and TuxedoSam.
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05/27, 7:10pm
LaCie ships new products
LaCie has released a new series of hard drive bags, while expanding its line of USB Hubs. The new USB Hubs consists of the Core4 and the Core7, each designed to add multiple USB ports to a user's computer. The three-model series of hard drive bags are intended to provide different levels of Hard Drive protection.
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05/19, 9:40pm
GizFever new mini keyboard
GizFever has released a new keyboard, the USB Smallest Mini Keyboard II. The item includes new features not offered in its sister model, such as a backlight and wireless capabilities which enable the keyboard to operate up to 10 meters away. The new model also features a power-conservation mode activated when the keyboard remains inactive for a period of time. Additionally, there is a Lock ID button that enables users to password-protect the keyboard.
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03/09, 8:50pm
LaCie USB keys
LaCie has introduced several new storage products designed by 5.5 Designers, including the iamaKey, itsaKey and PassKey. The iamaKey and itsaKey are both key-shaped USB flash drives, featuring metal construction and capacities up to 8GB. The gold-plated connectors are claimed to be water- and scratch-resistant, with transfer rates of up to 30MB per second via USB 2.0.
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02/27, 2:30pm
TRENDnet 300Mbps adapter
TRENDnet has released the TEW-664UB, a dual-band Wireless-N USB adapter that supports transfer speeds up to 300Mbps. The device can be used on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency bands, including 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n networks. The antenna offers Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology and the company claims a coverage area of up to 50 meters indoors or 100 meters outdoors. Data communication can also be protected by 128-bit WEP or WPA encryption.
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12/18, 9:20pm
Samson USB Go Mic
Audio company Samson Technologies has announced its latest USB microphone, the Go Mic. The device can be attached to a notebook computer via a built-in mount, or placed standalone on its base that allows a range of orientation adjustments. The condenser mic touts a frequency response of 20Hz to 18kHz, with a selectable cardoid or omni-directional polar recording patterns. When not in use, the head folds into the base for storage or transportation.
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11/20, 9:35pm
EZQuest Thunder Pro RAID
EZQuest has introduced the Thunder Pro Triple series of A/V RAID storage devices. Each unit offers two FireWire 800 ports, a FireWire 400 port and a USB port. The three-drive arrangement ships pre-configured as RAID 0 for the highest capacity and speed. The Oxford-chipset Hitachi SATA II drives run at 7200RPM with up to 64MB buffer cache. EZQuest claims data transfer speeds up to 80MB per second, with support for DV, HDV and DVCPRO HD with real-time effects.
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11/20, 3:55pm
Gadget4All mouse pad, hub
Gadget4All is offering a roll-up mousepad that has an integrated speaker and USB hub. The device has four USB 1.1 ports and a 3.5mm stereo jack that allows users to connect compatible MP3 players and iPods via their headphone connection. An on-off button and volume knob gives users basic control of the device.
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11/06, 10:05pm
Wireless USB Adapter Set
Cables Unlimited has released its latest connectivity product, a Wireless USB Adapter Set that allows users to connect USB peripherals remotely. The package consists of two USB dongles, one for a notebook or PC and the other that can be plugged into a device. Users can move the device-side dongle up to 30 feet away, according to the company. The system can be set up to wirelessly send data to and from an external hard drive, printer, digital camera, or optical media writer.
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09/17, 5:05pm
iCON 401 wireless modem
Nova Media on Wednesday unveiled the iCON 401, a new wireless USB modem that boasts worldwide coverage, and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Megabits per second. The iCON 401 includes an integrated antenna, built into the swivel clip, but also includes a connector for external antennas as well. Nova Media also includes the launch2net connection software to provide connection settings for almost any wireless provider. The iCON 401 is currently available for €199 (~$280)
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09/09, 12:05am
Rohos Logon Key
The first line of defense to keep unauthorized people from messing with your Mac is your password. Choose a simple password and it will be easy for you to type and remember, but also just as easy for someone else to guess. Choose a more complicated password and there’s a good chance you’ll forget or mistype it, and wind up locking yourself out of your own computer. Since passwords can be bothersome to use, consider using the Rohos Logon Key for the Mac.
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08/14, 2:05pm
2TB OWC hub storage
Other World Computing today announced it is now offering a 2TB version of its Mercury Elite-AL Pro Dual-Drive USB 2.0 hub/storage device. The Mercury Elite is a "Plug 'N Play" external hard drive for Mac or PC that also offers three powered USB 2.0 ports. The drive runs at 7200rpm and has 64mb data buffer cache. OWC claims data transfer rates of 60MB/sec; the drive is packaged with Prosoft Engineer Data Backup for Mac OS X 10.2.9 or later, NovaStor NovaBACKUP for Windows 2000 or later, and Intech SpeedTools Utilities for Mac OS 8.6/X. A USB 2.0 cable is included with the drive. Storage capacities for the Mercury Elite series range from 500GB to 2TB, with prices ranging from $170 to $440, respectively.
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07/23, 1:20pm
UniKey for Mac, Linux
SecuTec has added enhanced Mac OS X and Linux support to its line of UniKey USB dongle-based software protection products. The company says the UniKey line now offers support for "all major operating systems." Using "driverless techology" UniKey HID USB security dongles now work with Power PC and Intel Macs running OS X, as well as most versions of Linux and Windows.
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07/17, 11:10am
DealNN: Kensington AUX kit
DealNN deals for today include the Kensington LiquidAUX auxiliary car kit with wireless remote for use with iPod and iPhone for $65. ReCycle 2.1 by Propellerhead is available for only $50 from L.A.ComputerCompany.com. The TRENDnet wireless N router is dropped to $29 after $15 mail in rebate offer from Buy.com and save $300 on this Samsung 46 inch LCD HDTV that is regularly priced at $1,199, now $899. Bestbuy.com has leather Belkin Carabiner cases in white and pink for first and second generation iPod nano priced at $1.99 each and get a white USB wall charger for only $3, shipping included, after coupon code from Meritline.com.
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06/28, 6:40pm
USB-to-ExpressCard adapter
Synchrotech has announced the MicroU2E-MV USB to ExpressCard adapter, which allows ExpressCards with voltages of both 1.5V and 3.3V to connect to a USB port. The adapter can accept both ExpressCard 34 and 54 sizes and is cross-platform, bringing ExpressCard connectivity to Mac (and PC) laptops lacking ExpressCard slots. The adapter, which is limited to USB-based cards (and will not work with PCIe-based ExpressCards), is available now for $48 and requires a USB 2.0-based ExpressCard and a host computer running Mac OS X or Mac OS 8.6 and above (also Windows ME or later).
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06/24, 4:40pm
Macally announces new gear
Macally has announced two new products: a webcam called the IceCam2 and a 7-port USB hub called the TriHub. The IceCam2 is a driver-free USB webcam with microphone, capable of 30 frames per second at 640x480 resolution. It can swivel 360 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees vertically, has spring-loaded clips to keep it securely attached to a flat panel, and has adjustable focus. It requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 and above for iChat and Skype and also works with Windows XP (SP2). It is priced at $30 plus shipping and is available now.
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05/28, 4:10pm
Imation Nano Flash Drives
Veteran storage manufacturers Imation today announced details of their new line of portable USB flash drives, the Nano Flashes. The drives are available in storage capacities of 1, 2, 4 and 8GB; the design is an evolution of previous USB drives offered by the company, but is only 1.7 inches long, 0.6 inches wide, and 0.4 inches deep. It also focuses on an integrated 360-degree swivel cap, which protects the connector when the drive is not in use, and allows for attachment to keychains, lanyards and even mobile phones.
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05/28, 1:30pm
Mac OS X 10.5.3
Apple has posted Mac OS X 10.5.3 to Software Update. This relatively major release addresses a number of issues extant in previous editions of Mac OS X 10.5.x, including problems with AirPort, Time Capsule, Mail, iChat, iCal and more. With regard to general fixes, the update a font issue that could result in Helvetica Narrow being used in applications instead of Helvetica and also addresses an issue with stuttering video and audio playback in certain USB devices. It also fixes an issue in which certain attached hard drives may not show up in the Finder.
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05/27, 4:30pm
LaCie doubles drive speed
LaCie on Tuesday unveiled a new Blu-ray disc burner, capable of writing to single-layer media at 4x speeds across Firewire or USB 2.0. The drive retains LaCie's durable d2 aluminum casing and boasts whisper quiet operation while burning 25GB and 50GB BD-R and BD-RE media, in addition to all common CD and DVD formats. LaCie is offering the dual-interface Blu-ray burner for $650, available from LaCie directly and authorized retailers.
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05/22, 10:10pm
Elgato Turbo.264 v1.3
Elgato has released version 1.3 of the Turbo.264 software for its hardware encoding device that quickly converts any video to the advanced H.264 (MPEG-4) format without using the Mac’s resources. The company says the device allows users to watch TV and surf the web while encoding video -- with no reduction in processing speed. Turbo.264 supports many third-party Mac video applications as well as EyeTV, but also is bundled with its own software to quickly drop any video into iTunes to sync with an iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV. Turbo.264 1.3 makes it easier to upload videos to YouTube, with both good quality and short upload times (the YouTube web site takes some processing time to additionally encode your clip into Flash, FLV, format).
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05/07, 5:35pm
Tivoli to ship NetWorks
Tivoli on Wednesday announced that the NetWorks – the company's mono digital music player – will ship within a few weeks. The unit is capable of streaming internet radio over WiFi or Ethernet, and also includes a USB port and audio input port for connecting to a number of different portable music devices. The player is expandable, with options for stereo output, CDs, a subwoofer, or surround sound setup. The Tivoli NetWorks starts at $600 for the monaural unit.
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05/05, 2:05pm
EVGA UV Plus+ adapters
Peripheral maker EVGA says it has begun shipping a new line of graphics adapters, the UV Plus+ series. The two current units connect various displays to a computer through USB; both DVI and VGA monitor inputs are supported, thanks in part to a bundled DVI-to-VGA adapter. Through DisplayLink technology, people can use up to four monitors simultaneously, in primary, mirrored or extended modes. This does, however, require a separate adapter for each screen.
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04/23, 12:45am
OWC drops Mercury pricing
Other World Computing today announced lower pricing for its Mercury Elite-AL Pro quad interface drive line, offering sizes up to 1TB, which the company claims are among the best values on the market. The drives feature Firewire 400 and 800, as well as USB 2.0 and eSATA, allowing the drives to be connected to almost any computer system. Pricing for the drive line starts at $160, and offers up to 150MB per second over eSATA.
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04/21, 12:45pm
Iogear's USB video card
California-based Iogear on Monday announced a new connectivity solution, the USB 2.0 External DVI Video Card. The product allows users to quickly and painlessly add up to six monitors to their existing Windows desktop or laptop for multitasking. The external device supports resolutions up to 1600x1200 pixels and 32-bit color. The DVI port allows a DVI monitor to be integrated via a computer's USB 2.0 port, or a VGA screen thanks to an adapter.
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04/17, 6:55pm
500GB portable drive
Other World Computing on Thursday announced its highest capacity portable, bus-powered storage drive: a 500GB, 5400RPM portable storage drive that offers FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0 connections. Immediately available and priced at $360, the Mercury On-The-Go 500GB portable drive is a palm-sized performer with huge capacity that fits in a shirt pocket. It is built with OWC's custom bridge solution featuring the Oxford924 chipset. In addition to the Mercury On-The-Go 500GB drive with 5400RPM performance, OWC also offers a full line of On-The-Go models with USB 2.0, USB 2.0+eSATA, FireWire 400+USB2, as well as additional FireWire 800/400+USB2 models in capacities up to 320GB (pricing starts at $98); and 7200RPM Mercury On-The-Go models in capacities of up to 200GB (priced starting at $120).
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04/15, 12:50am
Blackmagic USB video, SDI
Blackmagic Design recently unveiled several new video interfaces at the NAB 2008 conference, the USB-based Video Recorder – available in consumer and professional versions – and a large scale 8U rack-mount SDI router. The Blackmagic Video Recorder offers consumers the ability to capture video directly to H.264 through component or S-Video onto their computer. The consumer USB Video Recorder sells for $120.
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04/14, 9:55pm
Mini SeriTek/SpyderHUB
FirmTek on Monday announced the SeriTek/SpyderHUB, which provides USB and FireWire host connection options plus hardware RAID, eSATA Mac OS boot capability and FireWire daisy chaining capability in an ultra-small external design. The ultra small, four-ounce device offers the ability to connect to external hard drives using any eSATA enclosure such as the SeriTek/2EN2, allowing users to attach and boot from up to two eSATA hard drives at a remote location. Supporting both desktop and notebook computers, it allows professionals to utilize eSATA enclosures from computers that do not support a Serial ATA host adapter.
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04/14, 10:40am
MobileSTOR Plus storage
Sans Digital has introduced its newly designed MobileSTOR Plus direct-attached compact hard drive storage series, which includes the MS2U+ and MS2T+ two-bay subsystems. Designed for home and small office environments, the MobileSTOR Series MS2U+ / MS2T+ is an economical yet feature-rich two-bay external JBOD solution that provides the access to two hard drives instantly via USB 2.0 (MS2U+) or eSATA (MS2T+) interfaces; it is also equipped with two swappable 3.5-inch lockable hard drive trays that are also compatible with other Mobile series products.
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04/04, 7:05pm
MacSpeech Dictate shipping
MacSpeech today announced that MacSpeech Dictate is now available for purchase directly from the company's website. In addition, potential customers can choose from a variety of specialized microphones, including desktop mounted ones or wireless versions. When purchased inside the United States, MacSpeech Dictate starts at $200 when purchased with a basic USB headset, while users can opt to pay $30 to $150 for a microphone more suitable to their needs.
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04/01, 12:00am
Sans Digital MobileSTOR
Sans Digital today unveiled a new line of MobileSTOR Plus storage systems, including the MS2UT+ and MS2UTN+, offering users two 3.5-inch hard drive bays, connectable over USB 2.0 and eSATA. The line supports several different RAID levels, including JBOD, Spanning, 0, and 1, and makes use of the Silicon Image 5744 chipset, which supports both SAFE33 and SAFE55 transfer methods. Pricing for the two models was not readily available.
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03/31, 4:35pm
DisplayLink beta drivers
DisplayLink recently announced beta drivers for the Mac for its DisplayLink USB line of monitor extension products, but said the drivers do not yet enable 2D or 3D acceleration on the platform. The USB device allows users to connect up to another four DVI or VGA displays to a computer, ideal for computers that do not have many monitor extension capabilities such as the Mac mini. DisplayLink notes that the devices require Mac OS X 10.4.11 Tiger or Leopard 10.5.2.
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03/28, 8:05pm
Hawking USB WiFi for Macs
Hawking Technologies today unveiled the HWUN1A Hi-Gain USB Wireless-300N Adapter for Mac, featuring two removable antennas, which can be changed for the company's Hi-Gain antenna. The adapter communicates over USB 2.0, and when combined with the Hi-Gain antennas, can boost wireless range by over 600-percent. Hawking is shipping the HWUN1A through several online and commercial retailers for $100.
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03/25, 9:05am
WD My Passport Elite drive
Hard drive maker Western Digital has announced a new line of external USB drives, the My Passport Elites. The drives weigh less than 5oz, and are in theory small enough to fit in a pocket; they are nevertheless entirely USB powered, and are available in 250 and 320GB capacities. Like some other WD drives an external gauge shows how much space is left, and files are safeguarded using 128-bit encryption. Automatic backup software is included.
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03/19, 2:25pm
DVI-over-USB
Gefen has introduced a new USB to DVI Graphics Adapter that allows users to connect additional displays Mac OS X systems. This tiny adapter allows a plug and play connection of a DVI or VGA display to any USB 2.0 port so you can add digital video displays or projectors to your laptop and personal computer for simultaneous video delivery without needing a DVI port. Output video is delivered in the DVI-I format, allowing for either VGA or DVI display compatibility.
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03/12, 6:30pm
M-Audio offers new product
M-Audio today unveiled two new portable digital pianos, as well as a rack-mountable 8 x 8 audio MIDI interface. The Fast Track Ultra 8R features an MX Core DSP mixer and eight Octane-enabled preamps, and delivers connectivity through a single USB 2.0 connector. M-Audio advertises that the Ultra 8R low-noise, high-gain preamplification, and near-zero latency. M-Audio is selling the Fast Track Ultra 8R for $650, and will be available during the second quarter.
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03/11, 3:45pm
RTX200H-Q
WiebeTech has announced the RTX200H-QR, a new RAID hard drive solution featuring RAID 0/1 for two drives in TrayFree bays. The TrayFree technology doesn't force the user to install hard drives into trays -- you can imply slide in a SATA drive and shut the door. The RTX200H-QR is compatible with four different interfaces: eSATA, FireWire 800, FireWire 400 (via included converter cable) and USB2. The new new metal bays also have two LEDs for power and access. Bays are lockable for added security. Hardware RAID 1 offers best possible protection of data by mirroring the drives in real time. Hot-swappable bays allow the user to remove and replace failed drives without shutting down the system. The new unit is priced at $500.
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03/10, 7:40pm
LaCie desktop drives
LaCie has introduced the Desktop hard disk available in 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 1TB configurations. The 250GB, 320GB, and 500GB models are available in a stackable form-factor. All of the drives include a single USB 2.0 port and spin at 7200 RPM. The 1TB drive features 16MB (2 x 8MB) or greater or cache, while the smaller capacities feature 8MB of cache. The drives start at around $125 and should be available immediately.
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03/06, 9:45pm
AirQueue USB 2.0 extender
Synchrotech today unveiled the AirQueue, a 7.75-inch USB 2.0 extension cable specifically designed to allow large or unusually designed USB devices to work with Apple's recently released MacBook Air. The AirQueue is certified to work with Synchrotech's own MicroU2E USB ExpressCard reader, which allows users to access a wide array of USB 2.0-based ExpressCards with a MacBook Air. The extender cable is priced at $6.
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03/05, 1:10pm
Sierra Compass 597 modem
Sierra Wireless has announced a new USB cellular modem, the Compass 597. The modem is meant for EVDO Revision A networks, and can theoretically hit download speeds of up to 3.1Mbps, or uploads as fast as 1.8Mbps. The modem is also said to be the smallest USB model Sierra produces, and despite this have a built-in GPS antenna, as well as enough room for memory expansion through a microSD slot.
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02/20, 8:50pm
eSATA, USB RAID storage
Fantom Drives today unveiled its new G-Force MegaDisk eSATA+USB external storage system with multiple RAID options. Fantom's external storage system includes NTI Shadow Backup for real-time continuous backup, and supports 300MB/sec transfers via eSATA or 60MB/sec via USB 2.0. user configurable RAID modes include RAID 0 (disk striping) for maximum speed, RAID 1 (disk mirroring) for maximum fault tolerance, JBOD (just a bunch of disks -- direct mapping) for maximum flexibility, or Spanning for simple large volume support at bus speeds as high as 300MB/sec. Boasting dual interface connectivity, the new system is avaiable in 1TB, 1.5TB, and 2TB capacities for $320, $460, and $650 respectively.
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02/11, 9:30pm
GFQ external drives debut
Fantom Drives today debuted G-Force GFQ Quad Interface, a new series of photo-ready external hard drives that support USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and eSATA connectivity. Boasting a maximum throughput of 300MB/sec, the enclosure features a compact fan-free heat-dissipating aluminum design for portability and near silent operation, according to the company. The G-Force GF1000Q (1TB capacity) is priced at $400, while the GF750Q (750GB) and GF500Q are available for $280 and $190, respectively.
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01/15, 10:10am
USB device server unveiled
Silex Technology today announced the SX-2000WG+ USB device server (site not updated, similar product shown at right) with isochronous data transfer support. The SX-2000WG+ allows multiple Mac and PC users to easily share streaming video and audio USB devices like webcams or speakers over an 802.11b/g wireless network or an Ethernet wired network. The device also supports virtually all other types of USB devices, according to Silex, and uses the SX Virtual Link software to provide transparent network access to USB devices. Priced at $150, the SX-2000WG+ is slated for shipment this month.
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01/07, 6:35pm
New LaCie drives, display
LaCie today announced five new devices at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company's latest offerings include the newly redesigned d2 Quadra, Little Big Disk Quadra, LaCinema Premier, and the Big Disk Extreme+ eSATA/USB. LaCie also unveiled a new 24-inch monitor designed for creative professionals, which is scheduled to ship later this month starting at $1,050.
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01/04, 3:55am
Garmin unveils Mobile PC
Garmin recently introduced a new product called Garmin Mobile PC, a kit that turns laptops and other mobile PCs into portable GPS stations. Garmin Mobile PC uses the same “Where to?” and “View Map” interface found in the Nuvi and StreetPilot product. The software can use Outlook addresses, or a list of nearly 6 million points of interest to find individuals, restaurants, gas stations, and other civic cervices. Garmin Mobile PC uses the company’s new GPS 20x sensor, while the software-only version can function with many third party serial- or Bluetooth-connectable GPS receivers. Garmin Mobile PC will be on display at CES 2008; pricing for the software-only version is $60, while the bundled hardware kit costs $100.
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