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LaCie: Big Disk Network – D2 Network NAS

Ahmad — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:45:49 +0000

LaCie have announced two new storage servers intended for small workgroups. The LaCie Big Disk Network and d2 Network can each support up to 50 users (15 simultaneously), with the Big Disk having dual RAID 0 drives for up to 4TBs capacity, while the d2 Network has 1.5TB of its own storage plus an eSATA port for adding external high-speed drives.

Both drives also have a USB port, which can be used to add hard-drives either to expand overall capacity or make a backup of your backup for storing elsewhere. It’s not all good news for dry network admins, either: the Big Disk and d2 Network each support UPnP and DLNA media streaming.

There’s also an integrated BitTorrent client for standalone downloads, and a comprehensive admin panel that lets you assign users and groups. Both drives are available now, with the LaCie Big Disk Network priced at $379.99 and the LaCie d2 Network priced at $189.99.

Iomega StoreCenter ix2 Network Drive

Ahmad — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:28:38 +0000

Iomega StoreCenter ix2 Network Drive: The NAS device now allows remote access to stored content such as images, videos or documents. Users can navigate to a personalized web address from any browser, where files can be securely uploaded or downloaded. Direct peer-to-peer file transfer is also supported, enabling BitTorrent downloads even when the computer is turned off.

The system provides options to set a maximum capacity for shared folders, with message alerts when the folder reaches 90 percent of its capacity. Jumbo frame support is designed to optimize data transfer for larger files during times of heavy network traffic. For home use, the StorCenter supports UPnP and meets DLNA standards for media storage and playback. The system can also be used with Axis surveillance cameras for real-time viewing or recording.

The NAS can be connected via Gigabit Ethernet, with data stored on two SATA-II drives. Users can also connect up to two USB devices such as printers, Bluetooth dongles or extra drives.

The StorCenter ix2 is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, and can be purchased with 1TB of storage for $300. A 2TB variant carries a price of $480.

Avaak Vue Home Network Security Camera

Ahmad — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:44:07 +0000

Avaak Vue Home Network Security Camera: Which easily set up an in-home security or monitoring system the video feed of which they can access over the Internet. The battery-powered and wireless cameras come with a peel and stick magnetic mount that does not require users to drill into their walls or create any complicated mounting provisions. The cameras can wirelessly transmit what they see up to 300 feet, a distance that can be extended with optional repeaters.

The video is fed at either 320×160 resolution at up to 7fps or 160×120 at 15fps in FLV live format or MPEG format when downloading. The integrated CMOS sensors can also capture still JPEG images. Users can view or manage the feeds via a private online account on my.VueZone.com, where they can also view the individual cameras’ battery status.

At this time, only the Internet Explorer 7.0 and FireFox 3.0 or newer browsers support the interface, though users can also access it via a Flash-based cellphone. Each account includes 2GB of online storage for recordings, though it can be upgraded. Via the site, users can also quickly upload their recording to YouTube and Flickr. The system will cost about $300 when it ships this summer, the company says.

Samsung Femtocell Network Extender

Ahmad — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:47:59 +0000

Samsung Femtocell Network Extender connects to users’ existing home broadband connections to supply a CDMA phone network coverage range of about 5,000 feet while maintaining the same call quality. Unlike AT&T’s just-introduced 3G MicroCell, however, the Extender doesn’t support either 3G (here via EVDO) or GPS.

Users can manage access to their Network Extender, leaving it open or prioritizing access for up to 50 Verizon Wireless callers. Verizon subscribers further down the list can access the network when those above them are not using the Network Extender for a call.

Femtocells such as Verizon’s Network Extender rely on an Internet connection to provide clear cellphone reception, especially in remote areas or deep in homes and other buildings where a traditional phone signal from cell towers is weak or unavailable. The Network Extender is available now, priced at $250, and carries no monthly subscription fees beyond what any one cellphone already uses.

Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive

Ahmad — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:24:41 +0000

Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive: The drive is a form of network-attached storage, meant primarily for sharing music, photos and video between computers, TVs, and game consoles such as the Xbox 360. It connects to an existing router via gigabit Ethernet, and unlike similar devices, relies on a custom version of Linux to serve Mac and Linux computers as well as Windows-based ones. Users can stream media via iTunes, UPnP and DLNA formats.

The drive can additionally be treated as a simple backup drive using included software, and expanded via a USB port which supports either printers or external hard drives. 500GB and 1TB models will be available, at costs of $160 and $230; these will also come with a free subscription to the online MozyHome backup service, though holding more than 2GB costs $5 per month.