The good news is that these things work well, despite the larger drive and lower power. They're not about performance—5400 rpm only—but when I tested moving a 1GB file to and from, I got it in under 30 seconds, just a hair slower than the same file moved to and from faster FireWire 800 drives. I didn't do any real benchmarking, but I am convinced that the USB is going to be the bottleneck, not the bigger drive (shown below with a 320GB USB-only and a 500GB FW800/USB combo). The FreeAgent was even designed to fit the USB dock and FreeAgent Theater+, though not subtly.

That brings us to the bad news, which many of you already know: Despite being portable bus-powered 2.5" drives, the three-platter HDDs inside these casings are not capable of being ripped out and stuck into your laptop, at least, not without some hackery I am not qualified to endorse. So, in lieu of a full review, I offer this: It works, it's not noticeably sluggish given the added weight, and it feels really good to be able to carry a whole terabyte wherever I want. [Seagate]

The Colossus 120 (128GB) and 250 (256GB) will cost $300 and $650, respectively. As a quick comparison, Intel's recently announced—and delayed—X-25M drives have channel prices of about $225 (80GB) and $440 (160GB).

At the upper end of town, the Colussus 500 (512GB) and 1TB (1024GB) will cost your first born $1200 and $2200.

First unveiled in prototype form at Computex 2009, the 3.5-inch (but too-big for laptops) Colussus drives have claimed read speeds of up to 250MB/s (write), and 220MB/s (read) over a SATA2 interface. [Gizmag and Engadget]

The company just revealed that their previously announced ASUS Lamborghini VX5 (a 16-inch Intel Core 2 Quad system with 4GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce GT 130M GPU) will be released with an optional 1TB SSD upgrade.

That SSD is roughly four times the size of what Apple offers in their beastly 17-inch MacBook Pro. So just how much will the upgrade cost consumers? Asus hasn't revealed that particular detail yet—though you know the drill. If you have to ask... [Electronista]

That discount is huge. The Apple refurb store is also selling them for the cheap, but the ones at Amazon are completely new. Does this mean we will have new Time Capsules soon, with more storage space and Mac OS X Server-derived Software Update caching, like 9to5mac speculates?

Who knows. For those of you who find this as exciting as me, here's a video about how to make perfect pancakes.

[Amazon ia 9to5mac—Pancakes from the Daily Telegraph]

The drive, named the Nitro (because it's as fast as nitrogen? Is nitrogen fast?), is the first to hit the impressive barrier of this size and capacity, achieved through an ultra-thin enclosure and some innovative data storage architecture. Four of these drives can fit in the same space as one 3.5" drive, and pureSilicon claims its speed "approaches" the SATA II max of 300 MB/s. Unfortunately, it's targeted at servers and other large dull users like the military, rather than a sweet new consumer laptop. But now that the bar is lifted yet again, we're that much further along our quest for the One True Drive. The Nitro should be released sometime this year for an undisclosed price. [pureSilicon via MSNBC]

The case itself has gigabit Ethernet and two USB ports for extended storage, and the Linux-based PC inside is running a 400MHz processor with 128MB of memory and an EnergyStar-compliant power adapter.

The Linux "operating environment" is the LifeLine system developed by EMC. It supports UPnP and DLNA for talking to assorted other devices on your network—Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 and iTunes—and it has RSA security, no coincidence since EMC owns them too. The screenshots look a lot like other Linux home-servers, such as the most recent HP Media Vault. More on that when we see the set-up live.

What's cool is that this "environment" expands with added accessories. You can buy a supported Axis surveillance cam and the server becomes a realtime and recording video server; with a Bluetooth dongle, you can transfer files directly from mobile products to the server (locally).

Unlike other products in its class, it doesn't yet support remote access, which is a bummer, but Jonathan Huberman, head of Iomega, told me that they're planning to give customers free upgrades every quarter, adding new functionality. That means remote access is on its way (they're thinking end of this year), and next spring, the ix2 will acquire a cool trick: You buy two of them, set up one at your office and one at home, and they'll clone each other, keeping in sync over the net.

We'll probably test this baby out when it ships next week, but if you get to it before us, let us know how it goes.

New Iomega StorCenter ix2 Brings Leading EMC Network Storage Technologies
To Home and Small Business Users
***
Compact $299.99 Appliance Delivers
Highly Innovative Network Storage Capabilities in Just Four Clicks

SAN DIEGO, October 15, 2008 – Iomega, an EMC company (NYSE: EMC) and a global leader in data protection, today announced the worldwide availability of the new Iomega® StorCenter™ ix2, the most advanced and easy-to-use network storage appliance for small businesses and the home. With just four mouse clicks, users can configure up to two terabytes of storage and advanced information management, protection and sharing software that can be connected to multiple devices, including wirelessly with Bluetooth, to manage their ever-increasing digital world.

With a footprint smaller than a large dictionary and starting at just $299.99, the 1TB* and 2TB StorCenter ix2 provides centralized storage to users searching for the easiest and most technologically advanced way to share, secure and protect their most important data – including photos, mp3 files, videos and financial records. The ix2 boosts small office productivity by making data accessible yet secure over a local network. In the home setting, the ix2 allows family members of all ages to effortlessly enjoy their pictures, videos, music and other multimedia files from personal computers as well as all kinds of compatible consumer electronics and home entertainment products.

“The new StorCenter ix2 is a powerful network storage appliance that brings EMC’s world class storage technologies to consumers and small businesses in an easily understandable way and at a price they can afford,” said Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega and the Consumer and Small Business Products Division of EMC. “The ix2 puts even the most non-technical person at ease with its straightforward operation. But behind the scenes, the ix2 utilizes advanced data protection and data management programs that haven’t been available to consumers and small businesses before. With the ix2, users are literally four clicks away from storage technologies built on the heritage of those that protect data at the world’s largest organizations, all at a cost of less than $300.”

StorCenter ix2 in the Small Business
The Iomega StorCenter ix2 operates EMC’s LifeLine™ software, a fully-developed Linux operating environment and suite of applications that incorporate EMC storage technologies with the capability of adding new storage management features in the future. For business users, the StorCenter ix2 Network Storage appliance delivers new features and applications to boost office productivity.

In addition to speed, centralized storage capacity and the onboard security to protect all the files on a network, the ix2 delivers optional Bluetooth connectivity, which allows users to send pictures, files and address book contacts directly from cell phones to the StorCenter ix2 for network sharing and data protection; as well as a unique digital video surveillance capability using a compatible Axis™ video surveillance camera for inexpensive real-time viewing and recording of activity inside or outside the office.

The ix2 includes security technology from RSA, the security division of EMC that protects digital data at many of the world’s largest banks and now shields the StorCenter ix2 from viruses or malware.

StorCenter ix2 in the Digital Home
For home users, built-in support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance™ (DLNA) certified devices means that the StorCenter ix2 can save, store, and play back all kinds of multimedia files – music, photos, videos and other digital content – using not only laptops and desktop computers but any compatible device on a home network, including:
• consumer electronics and home entertainment products;
• mobile devices such as cell phones, music players, and personal digital assistants.

“Consumers want electronic devices that can easily plug into the home network and connect with each other reliably and simply,” said Huberman. “With UPnP and DLNA support and an integrated iTunes™ server in the StorCenter ix2, families can easily set up a robust media server, making the most of all of the digital content they enjoy today and will add to tomorrow.”

StorCenter ix2 - General Capabilities
Fast network performance at the office or in the home is delivered through a Gigabit Ethernet connection, and data is stored on two high-performance SATA-II drives. Up to two USB devices can be connected to the ix2’s USB ports, including USB printers for network print sharing, a USB Bluetooth dongle for direct uploads, or external USB drives to add incremental storage capacity.

The StorCenter ix2 provides data backup and protection with integrated EMC Retrospect® Express backup software. During the set-up process, users choose files and folders for scheduled automatic backups from all the PCs and Macs on their network. After that, any changes or additions are updated and saved automatically.

Because the EMC Lifeline operating environment is continually being refined to integrate new and existing EMC technologies, users can expect upgraded features and improvements without having to purchase new hardware. New software features planned for the StorCenter ix2 include remote file access, online storage and data security enhancements – all taking advantage of world-class EMC storage technologies.

Compatibility
The StorCenter ix2 Network Storage appliance is compatible with Windows®, Mac OS®, and Linux® PCs and supports up to two printers or external hard drives. The interface is localized in 11 languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional and Simple Chinese, German, and Russian). Other supported devices include uPnP AV devices, digital media adapters, iTunes™, and PTP (e.g., digital cameras and frames). BlueTooth compatibility requires an optional adapter.

Price and Availability
The StorCenter ix2 Network Storage appliance 1TB is now available worldwide for $299.99; the StorCenter ix2 Network Storage appliance 2TB is available now for $479.99 (EMEA version of release will note price in Euros). (All prices are U.S. suggested retail.)

Iomega Makes the Move From Gigabytes To A New One Terabyte "Super eGo" External Hard Drive # # # A Big Beauty in Three Striking Colors Arrives on the Desktop: The New eGo 1TB Desktop Hard Drive

SAN DIEGO, May 29, 2008 - Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in data protection and security, today announced that stylish data security has reached the 1TB* plateau with the worldwide introduction of the Iomega® eGo™ 1TB Desktop Hard Drive.

This new single-drive HDD "Super eGo" is now available worldwide in ruby red, midnight blue, and jet black. Its design is based on the popular Iomega® eGo™ Portable Hard Drive, one of Iomega's best-selling line of hard drives. The eGo Portable is currently available in 160GB, 250GB and 320GB capacities, and in several different colors, including new camouflage and leather-wrapped models. The new eGo Desktop model houses a 1TB, 3.5-inch hard drive with USB 2.0 connectivity that holds up to 4,000,000 photos, over 18,500 hours of music or 1,500 hours of video.**

"By applying the award-winning style of the eGo design to a desktop hard drive, Iomega is giving users a one-terabyte Super eGo that's all about form and function, a beautiful and pleasing design for even the most data-intensive applications," said Peter Wharton, vice president marketing, Iomega Corporation. "Today's computer users want more style, capacity, and data security out of their computer hardware; the colorful, dependable and colossal one terabyte eGo Desktop Hard Drive delivers on all counts."

The new 1TB eGo Desktop Hard Drive is a complete storage solution out of the box, including a license for EMC® Retrospect HD software (PC-only download) for automatic backups, scheduled backups, or on-demand backups.

Compatibility
The Iomega® eGo™ Desktop Hard Drive is compatible with Mac OS X 10.1 or higher and with Microsoft® Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, and Windows Vista™. EMC® Retrospect HD backup software is available for free download (PC only).

Price and Availability
The Iomega® eGo™ Desktop Hard Drive, USB 2.0, 1TB is now available worldwide for $269.95 (pricing is U.S. suggested retail) from online retailers, VARs, resellers and select retailers, as well as at www.iomega.com.

Other features include support for DLNA, NFS and SMB multimedia sharing and a 1TB single SATA hard drive on the TS-109 (2TB with an external eSATA or USB drive) or 2TB for the TS-209. Unfortunately, No pricing or release date information has been announced.

From the press release:

QNAP Announces Next Generation 500MHz CPU+256MB DDRII TS-109 Pro/TS-209 Pro II Turbo NAS Series

Taipei, Taiwan, April 2008 - The leading network-attached storage (NAS) provider QNAP Systems, Inc. today unveils the next generation Linux-embedded one-bay and two-bay NAS: TS-109 Pro II and TS-209 Pro II for power users, SOHO, and business users. The TS-109 Pro II and TS-209 Pro II series adopts high performance Marvell 500MHz CPU and 256MB DDRII large memory, which is a double of the memory size of the previous generation (TS-109/209 series) and becomes the best hardware specifications in the present SOHO NAS market. The Turbo NAS maintains superior system performance even if there are multiple accesses to various network services of the server concurrently. The new models are equipped with enhanced software functions, including the new BitTorrent download engine, built-in Joomla! CMS 1.5.1 for ease of PHP/MySQL-based web server hosting and upgraded TwonkyMedia version 4.4.4 for DLNA compliant media playing. Other professional features such as HDD S.M.A.R.T., complete log system, schedule backup from NAS to external storage device, etc. are also available. TS-109 Pro II and TS-209 Pro II series is the ideal choice of high performance and energy-saving NAS for modern business and home users.

Upgraded BT engine for high-speed download
Besides the outstanding hardware specifications, the BitTorrent download performance of TS-109 Pro II and TS-209 Pro II series is largely enhanced. The high-speed DHT mode and TCP/UDP tracker protocols are supported to overcome the drawbacks of slow download of general embedded systems. You can now enjoy the level of P2P download speed as PC-based BT download. The optional firmware with encrypted BT is also provided on QNAP website for users who are suffered from traffic shaping by ISP to increase the download speed! QNAP also provides the remote management software-QGet to allow you to manage the download tasks of multiple NAS servers remotely over the local network or the Internet. According to Mr. Laurent Cheng, Product Manager from QNAP, "Most power users are used to using PC for BT download. However, PC-based BT download is energy-consuming and the fan is always noisy. As the performance of embedded system improves and evolves, we strongly believe that QNAP's energy-saving Linux embedded NAS will become an alternative solution to replace PC as a download server."

Supports DLNA, NFS, SMB multimedia sharing to set up the home multimedia centre
QNAP NAS is the NAS device with the highest compatibility with tens of different DLNA media players, Sony PS3, and Microsoft Xbox360 gaming consoles. With the upgraded TwonkyMedia version 4.4.4, the popular DivX video can be streamed to Sony PS3 from NAS. Users can enjoy more of the music, photos, and video sharing function in the home network. Moreover, the Turbo NAS Pro series works well with NFS supported High-Definition (HD) DMA for HD video streaming. They can also be connected to XBMC (modded from Xbox gaming console) via SMB for media playing. The high compatibility, energy-saving and reliable features have made QNAP NAS the first choice for setting up the digital home multimedia centre.

Feature-rich NAS for modern business
The advanced functions which are only available in enterprise-level NAS models are now supported in QNAP Turbo NAS series. The HDD S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) is supported for users to monitor the status of hard disk drive and check the potential problems. The comprehensive log system allows administrator to track the file-level connection logs and the status of all online users. The Turbo NAS provides numerous built-in functions which can be easily managed via the web interface, e.g. network storage, file server, encrypted FTP server, encrypted remote replication, printer server, etc. The intelligent backup software NetBak Replicator is also offered for users to back up data from multiple Windows PCs to the NAS. Also, Windows AD authentication is supported for efficient user account management and reduced maintenance cost.

About QNAP TS-109 and TS-209 Turbo NAS
QNAP TS-109 series supports up to 1TB single SATA hard drive. The total storage capacity can be expanded to 2TB with an external eSATA or USB drive. With the unique fanless design and aluminum alloy case, the noiseless TS-109 is suitable for operation in digital home environment. Moreover, the power consumption rate of TS-109 is less than 14.4W under normal operation. This energy-saving design enables the server to run 24x7 non stop. TS-109 series supports 12-in-1 complete functions and high transfer performance. TS-109 Pro was honored the "The Best NAS Box" from MAXIMUMPC (US), "Lord of NAS" from Hexus (UK), and "Golden Bear Award" from Bjorn3D (US) etc.

QNAP TS-209 series is the only 2-bay, RAID 1, hot-swappable NAS model in the current SOHO NAS market. With 12-in-1 functions, the maximum storage capacity supported is 2TB. TS-209 is a perfect large-storage and high security solution for home, SOHO, and SMB users. TS-209 Pro was honored "Gold Medal Award" from ComputerGEIL.dk (Denmark), Golden Award from InfoMods (France), and "Product of the Year 2007" from Hardware-TEST.dk (Denmark) etc.

PlayStation 3 owners who want to shove a bunch of DivX/XviD movies onto a server to stream to their consoles for HD movie action will be thrilled. Less thrilling is the price: $699 in May. Those features aren't cheap, nor are the smaller laptop drives they use to power it. Then again, for about $699 you could also get a Windows Home Server, which is quite full-featured but isn't nearly as compact. On the third hand, we're not sure why you would need a NAS to be all that compact unless you were living in a tiny apartment or wanted to sneak it through customs. [Buffalo]

The problem was Western Digital's DRM-infested Anywhere Access software, which lets you access your files over the Internet as long as they're not dealing with any of 30 different forbidden file types, most of which have to do with music and video. But we didn't really want to share files over the Internet, anyway; we just wanted to use this huge drive on our internal network.

As Wired's Rob Beschizza noted, if you don't install that Anywhere Access software, which is really not required, you're good to go. We noticed that without installing that software, which was included on our drive, our files transfered back and forth normally across our internal network.

While the whole idea of accessing a drive anywhere in the world sounds great, apparently there is a convoluted process of reaching your files and sharing them with someone else when you're using Access Anywhere software, and then there's this DRM aspect of the software, which makes it a completely unacceptable alternative.

Shame shame, Western Digital, for including such a crippled piece of software in the package, which on some drives is said to be "required." To Western Digital's credit, we didn't see any such notation of requirement on ours. So far, we're finding the drive to be a pretty good deal at $316.66 from Buy.com. [Boing Boing, via Wired]

According to Rambus, graphics and game consoles will push memory bandwidth needs toward 1TB over the next 4-5 years. Rambus believes that they can achieve the 1TB goal in that time frame using a multi-chip array. There is no doubt that the need will be there sooner or later, but whether Rambus can succeed in this time frame remains to be seen. [Rambus via Electronista]

Man, 1TB drives… it feels like some sort of milestone, doesn't it? I remember back in the day when I had a 1GB drive and I had to delete an MP3 if I wanted to download a new one. That sucked. –Adam Frucci

Dell and Alienware Bring World's First Terabyte Hard Drive Computer to Consumers [Dell]

When we reported on the similar My Book Pro 500GB model with FireWire 400, 800 and USB just three months ago, it was $350, now here's the twice-as-big 1TB version retailing for $549. Plus, the RAID-striped drives inside make for fast response and transfers.

We're warming up to these Western Digital bookish-looking drives, as we're really needing space to store all those huge video files. A tera for $549? Such a deal.

Product Page [Western Digital]