Sonnet's Echo brings ExpressCard to Thunderbolt machines
Looking for more stuff to plug into that Thunderbolt port? If you've got a smattering of ExpressCard/34 doodads laying around, Sonnet's upcoming Echo adapter might just fit the bill. Scheduled for an October release, the $149 gizmo can now be pre-ordered from the company's online store, but be forewarned that it'll ship sans cable. So if you haven't already picked up one of these guys, be prepared to part with a half Benjamin before you join in on all the fun. All in all, a pricey affair, but that's what you get for living on the bleeding edge, you futuristic maverick, you.
[Thanks, Mmm]
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Sonnet Adapter Expands the Capabilities of Thunderbolt™ Technology-Enabled Computers
Sonnet's Echo™ ExpressCard®/34 Thunderbolt™ Adapter Enables ExpressCard/34 Cards to Connect With Computers Via Thunderbolt Ports
IRVINE, CA - August 25, 2011 - Sonnet Technologies today announced the Echo™ ExpressCard®/34 Thunderbolt™ Adapter, which enables the use of many Sonnet ExpressCard/34 adapters with computers equipped with a Thunderbolt port, including the latest Apple® iMac®, Mac® mini, MacBook® Air, and MacBook Pro models. ExpressCard/34 adapters, originally intended for use with notebook computers, offer users additional connectivity and functionality beyond what's available through their computers' stock configuration. This Sonnet adapter supports most PCIe-based Sonnet professional ExpressCard/34 adapters, and specialty adapters from other manufacturers. Sonnet expects other manufacturer's ExpressCard/34 products to become compatible as their drivers are updated to be Thunderbolt technology-aware.
Developed by Intel® and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt technology supports high-performance data services and high-resolution displays through a single, compact port. The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter supports PCI Express® 2.0 technology with 5 Gbps throughput in both directions. The Sonnet adapter connects directly to a computer, or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain with a Thunderbolt cable (available at the Apple Store).
"The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter gives users tremendous flexibility to connect a wide range of peripheral devices through the Thunderbolt port on their computers. In a single Thunderbolt Adapter they gain the potential to add connectivity to their computer, whether increasing the number of ports, incorporating new interfaces, or simply using devices they couldn't have otherwise been able to connect through a Thunderbolt port" said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "Support for hot plugging and swapping of ExpressCard/34 cards gives them the flexibility to change interfaces and devices when needed."
"Sonnet's ExpressCard Thunderbolt adapter delivers great performance and flexibility", says Jason Ziller, Intel's director of Thunderbolt Marketing, "End-users will now be able to extend the capabilities of their computers like never before."
The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter supports Sonnet ExpressCard adapters ranging from CompactFlash™ and SDXC™ UHS-I Card readers to FireWire® 800, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, and select eSATA adapters. It also supports ExpressCard adapters supplied with specialty devices like Sonnet's new line of Qio™ professional media readers, and the AJA® io Express.
The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter (part number ECHO-E34) is compatible with all Apple computers with Thunderbolt ports running Mac OS® X. It is expected to be available at the end of October at a suggested retail price of $149.95.
More information about the Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter is available at Sonnet's Website at .
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About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.
Intel, Thunderbolt, and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
About Sonnet Technologies
Sonnet Technologies Inc. is a leader in providing storage systems and media readers for professional users of Macintosh®, Windows®, and UNIX® systems in the film, video, and broadcast industries. The company's product line features a range of high-performance, cost-effective, and reliable desktop and rackmount RAID storage solutions ranging from two- and four-drive and SSD RAID units, to 8- and 16-drive solutions with advanced RAID controllers, to 16-drive, 16-port, 8Gb Fibre Channel shared storage systems that are expandable to 384 TB. Celebrating 25 years in business, Sonnet has pioneered and brought to market numerous innovative solutions that enhance the performance and connectivity of Macintosh, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. More information is available at www.sonnettech.com. Echo is a trademark of Sonnet Technologies, Inc.
