External
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WiebeTech's RT5, RT5e enclosures provide portable RAID solutions
Nah, WiebeTech's latest RAID enclosures can't quite offer up the internal storage capacity seen on Novac's iterations, but the RT5 and RT5e still pack an awful lot of capacity with a handle on top. The RT5 packs a nice variety of connection options, as users will find twin FireWire 800 ports along with one eSATA and USB 2.0 connector to boot, and there should be enough room in there to cram "up to 2TB" of HDDs for on-the-go redundancy. The RT5e differs ever-so-slightly by giving us the means to stuff five 750GB IDE drives in the case, leaving you with up to 3.75TB of space to read / write on via the sole eSATA jack. The enclosures sport five reloadable, lockable drive trays, a rugged exterior that shouldn't suffer from minor bumps and bruises, and while an empty rendition will run you $1,699.95, WiebeTech will gladly sell 'em pre-populated for anywhere from $2,259.95 to a steep $4,149.95 depending on drive selections.[Via Macworld]
VM2Go - manage Parallels machines, run them from an iPod and more
One of the signs that you've 'made it' as a 3rd party (besides, of course, having great sales) is when other 3rd parties develop tools and apps that work with your app. In this vein, VM2Go from BriteMac (which we covered when it was in beta) is apparently the first 3rd party utility that allows you to manage your Parallels virtual machines, move them to an iPod, USB thumb drive or external hard drive and even run them from these devices. Various other tricks up VM2Go's sleeve include backing up VMs to DVD and a clean deletion of VMs and any associated desktop aliases that point to them. VM2Go offers a trial download that runs 20 times, though we can't figure out a purchase price as of this writing since their eSellerate store is currently down.
External HDD for Wii?
Here's a tricky one for ya: a French gaming site -- JeuxFrance -- is reporting that a Japanese gaming magazine -- Game Laboratory -- has reported that a reliable source within Nintendo told them that the company is looking at releasing an external hard drive accessory for the Wii. Did you manage to get that? Now, to us it seems logical that Nintendo would want to make such a device -- more storage equals more virtual console games sold, right? -- but as there are at least two foreign languages involved here, it would be an understatement to say that this is a stretched rumor. Maybe we should just listen to our Joystiq pals and note that it could simply be a case of an April Fools joke escaping a little earlier than it should have; oh, the limitations of print.[Via digg]
Buffalo intros 1TB / 2TB DriveStation Quattro hard drives
Nah, Buffalo's latest don't sport a gigabit Ethernet connection, but the 1TB HD-Q1.0TSU2/R5 and 2TB HD-Q2.0TSU2/R5 external hard drives do feature both USB 2.0 and eSATA options. The Quattro drives are the outfit's newest additions to the DriveStation lineup, and aside from offering up terabytes of stores in RAID scenarios, it also sports SecureLockWare for automatic encryption, Memeo AutoBackup, and near silent operation. Each unit touts four 7,200 RPM HDDs, RAID 0/1/5 and JBOD functionality, and just in case your PC doesn't play nice with eSATA just yet, it comes bundled with a "free" eSATA PCI card and back plate to get you going. Available right now, the 1TB flavor will run you $599, while you can double your capacity for an extra four Benjamins.[Via TechDigest]
TUAW How To: Use your iTunes library over AirPort Disk
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/software/How_To_Use_your_iTunes_library_over_AirPort_Disk'; Last September we showed you how to keep your iTunes library on an external hard drive. While doing the same thing over an AirPort Disk with Apple's new AirPort Extreme Base Station sounds like it should more or less be the same situation, there are a couple of new catches to be aware of. Never fear, though - we'll outline what you need to know to truly snip the wires on your iTunes library.First, in order to do this right, we recommend backing up your library before snipping any cables (we also don't recommend actually snipping any cables; they can be expensive to replace). If you haven't gotten into the backup habit yet, Scott's How to Back your music using iTunes 7 tutorial is a great place to start. Now, on with the show.
Western Digital gets NASty with My Book World Edition HDDs
Western Digital is at it again with its My Book lineup of HDDs, but rather than bumping the storage capacity from the already roomy (albeit bulky) 1TB Pro II Edition, WD is adding an Ethernet port for remote access ability. The My Book World Edition II sports a shiny white finish and touts 1TB of storage, RAID 1 capability, a USB 2.0 port for stringing on more external drives, and the obligatory gigabit Ethernet jack to boot. Additionally, this device pays a bit more attention to detail by offering up a "unique capacity gauge LED that allows users to discern at a glance remaining storage space," but the real story is its ability to be accessed from any internet connection as a standalone device. Essentially becoming a NAS drive at heart via the included Anywhere Access software, this Book also includes Data OnHand software which makes the drive active in Windows Explorer regardless of your location, and boasts the ability to let friends and family access / upload files without having to actually be near the drive. Notably, the My Book World Edition II is deemed "user-serviceable," and should be available by the week's end for $499, but if you're interested in the half-sized 500GB My Book World Edition, you can snag it for just $279.[Via Yahoo, thanks Steve]
Wii Warm Up: USB Possibilities
As I completed a microprocessors lab on the wonders of RS-232, my mind flashed back to those two rather standard ports on the back of the Wii. Yes, the Wii still has two USB 2.0 slots on its behind, and yet not a single peep has come from Nintendo regarding their usage. Were we not promised external hard drive support? A keyboard would be lovely, too; typing with the Wiimote can get excessively tedious.Besides the obvious, though, how could the Wii make good use of these ports? Is there nothing that the Wiimote's expansion port can't cover? Hmmmm.
Gibson goes wild, unveils new consumer electronics lineup
While a company not typically associated with consumer electronics can make the leap at any point, it's usually a relatively modest entrance, but Gibson has apparently had a bit too much fun at NAMM, and has thrown its logo on just about every device it could think of in the process. You won't find much of anything new in Gibson's lineup of consumer electronics, but if you're a Gibson purist and live life one riff at a time, these goods are for you. The company announced its own line of USB 2.0 Gibson Signature Series Les Paul flash drives, which currently come in a 1GB flavor and mimics a 1959 Les Paul Standard, and the firm plans to roll out more collectible drives shaped like other classic instruments in the future. Additionally, a 500GB external HDD was released, boasting USB 2.0 and a glowing Gibson logo on the side, and it seems that the firm is looking to snag a bit of that high-end interconnect market by offering up "premium gold" versions of optical audio, USB, and HDMI cables. Also on tap was a 7.1 AV receiver with a built-in guitar input, XM capability, and HDMI 1.3 video switching, various forms of recordable media, a dual-layer DVD recorder, surge protectors, and a few home theater speakers to boot. Although pricing is still up in the air at this point, it looks like you'll have the opportunity to get your external storage, surround sound gear, and a few spare E-strings all at the same place here soon.[Via Macworld]
Asus XG Station external GPU, it works
Engadget scored a CES hands-on look at the Asus XG Station, an external GPU capable of converting your aging laptop into a capable gaming rig. The demo featured two identical laptops with internal Intel GMA 945 processors. Asus reps attached the XG Station to one and left the other bare -- and struggling. The test seemed to prove that the XG Station, which also simulates 5.1 surround sound, is an adequate option for underpowered-laptop owners who enjoy the occasional peek at what's good in PC gaming.
Toshiba throws down trio of external, portable HDDs
Don't look now, but Toshiba's gone and hopped into the portable HDD storage market, and has a trio of drives set to debut at next week's CES. The latest products to come flying out of the firm's Storage Device Division is the USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive, which sports a sleek, black aluminum housing, blue indicator LED, and an all-powerful USB port. Coming in at 5.6- x 3.5- x 0.93-inches, this portable unit is entirely powered by USB, automatically powers up / down with your PC, and comes in 100GB, 120GB, and 160GB flavors. While that oh-so-spacious 200GB perpendicular drive didn't quite make the cut, Tosh did manage to includes its buttonless backup system, dubbed NTI Shadow, which runs in the background and captures updates to files without ever troubling you. Although prices for the more capacious versions aren't yet available, the 100GB unit will run you $139.99, and expect the trifecta to hit shelves later this Spring.[Via PhotographyBlog]
I-O Data unveils internal / external Vista-approved TV tuners
In a bid to become one of the first in what's sure to be a mile-long list, I-O Data is launching two new TV tuners that tout Windows Vista compatibility. Making sure that both laptop and desktop owners alike are satisfied, the firm has released both a PCI flavor (GV-MC/RX3) and an external edition (GV-MC/TZ), but both units handle essentially the same capturing and channeling duties, save for the RX3's handy coaxial input, of course. Both units feature S-Video / composite inputs, 10-bit DACs, noise reduction capabilities, and the assurance of functioning perfectly in Microsoft's forthcoming operating system. Optionally, the couch-dwellers out there can spring for the IR remote kit (¥4,230; $36), which provides your standard volume, channel, and playback controls, as well as a few "Media Center-centric" buttons to keep your PVR on track. Both tuners / converters are slated to hit shelves in "late January" to coincide with that looming OS release date, and while the RX3 will run you ¥12,500 ($105), the TZ will demand ¥14,600 ($123).[Via Impress]
Logitec's uber-secure, rugged Precious LHD-PHAU2 external HDD
We admit, we do get a tad creeped out when a manufacturer dubs a hardcore, tough looking product "precious," but considering how dear the data that's on your Precious LHD-PHAU2 hard drive is likely to be to you, we guess the name fits the bill. This stainless steel clad drive comes in 80GB, 120GB, and 160GB sizes, spins at 5400RPMs, and can reportedly withstand drops from around one meter. Moreover, this darling of a storage device rocks a security switch that automatically encrypts the data and locks out intruders, and can only be re-accessed by logging in through the Logitec Secure Projects software. The firm also claims that this device is light on the power usage, RoHS-compliant, and while it can play nice with both OS X and Windows, the security application will only load on the Wintel side. All three flavors are slated to hit shelves next month, and you get your very own precious for ¥16,485 ($140), ¥25,410 ($216), or ¥33,285 ($282), depending on capacity.[Via Akihabara News]
Iomega unveils 1TB UltraMax and 120GB Black external HDDs
Iomega's got a soft spot for Mac users (or pre-formatted HFS+ drives), as its two new external storage options both come ready to rock on OS X. On the desktop side, a whopping 1TB now sits behind the unmistakable cheese-grater grille (up from the previous 640GB and 750GB options) in the latest UltraMax drive. Moreover, the unit comes with FireWire 400/800 and USB 2.0 connectivity, a built-in port hub, and cables for all three connectors. The twin 7200RPM SATA drives support both RAID 0/1 and JBOD, while those looking for backup software will be elated to find EMC's Retrospect Express packaged in. On the portable front, the 5400RPM 120GB Black hard drive needs no AC adapter to get to spinnin', and features both FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports while weighing just 5.8-ounces and receiving the same backup application as the big guy. Both drives can be snapped up right now, and while the presumably PowerMac-inspired 1TB UltraMax will run you $499.95, the pocket-friendly Black only demands $189.95.[Via TGDaily]
Logitec kicks out five new eSATA external hard drives
If you're looking to snag one of those externally bootable eSATA drives, but don't want to sacrifice that increasingly necessary USB 2.0 connectivity, Logitec has five new drives to fit the bill, regardless of storage space needed. Boasting a sleek, silver / black enclosure and a "silent" (read: fanless) design, this dual-port drive comes in 250GB, 320GB, 400GB, 500GB, and 750GB flavors. While an eSATA PCI card isn't bundled in, it's an optional accessory if your PC isn't already prepared for it, and the device also features a file mirroring tool to easily clone your boot drive and a "write protection button" to prevent data entry -- you know, in case you're faced with any Jack Bauer-like situations. Anyways, the LHD-EDSAU2 series can be snapped up in Japan next month for ¥17,800 ($152), ¥22,100 ($188), ¥28,500 ($243), ¥31,700 ($270), and ¥72,200 ($614), running from smallest to most capacious.[Via Akihabara News]
I/OMagic takes its external GigaBank drive to 500GB
I/O Magic seems to be all over the map with its GigaBank offerings, as the company jumped from six, to eight, to 100, and has now introduced a "high capacity" (read: no longer pocket-sized) version housing half a terabyte of external storage. While not swerving from the beaten path paved by all the 500GB alternatives that came before it, the GigaBank rocks a "steel gray, oval aluminum enclosure" and a presumably lonely USB 2.0 port. Thankfully, the company tosses in a cable and swears the drive plays nice with both Windows XP and OS X-based computers, but you shouldn't expect a whole lot of extras for just $279.99, anyway.[Via Lets Go Digital]
Xbox 360's HD DVD drive already functioning on PCs
In you haven't had enough Xbox 360 (let alone Wii and PlayStation 3) news lately, we've got one more tidbit for you. While we knew the device would sport USB connectivity, the recently released (and unboxed) HD DVD add-on drive has reportedly already been hacked to function on plain ole PCs, no Xbox 360 necessary. Utilizing Toshiba drivers, users have apparently been able to not only view the file contents of their HD DVD flicks directly within a Windows XP environment, but have been able to play back the film on PCs well-spec'd enough to handle the load. By enabling the computer to read the UDF (Universal Disc File system) v2.5 -- which is currently used by Toshiba's first generation HD DVD drives -- you can avoid throwing down the coin required for an Xbox 360 if you so choose. But as these roundabouts always go, we wouldn't count on things working out so smoothly for too much longer, especially with HDCP always lurking and waiting to pounce.
Xbox 360 fall update adds 1080p output, HD DVD add-on hits Japan for $170 US
Even though we expected the Tokyo Game Show to be the coming out party for the Playstation 3, Microsoft just couldn't let them get all the limelight and Engadget has all the details. First, the Xbox 360 HD DVD external drive finally has a pricetag and launch date -- in Japan. ¥19,800 (about $170 US) and November 17 are the magic numbers, now the question is will the US be rounding up to $199 (or £199)? We'll have to wait to find out for sure but with X06 kicking off on the 27th, there's no way we'll be waiting too long. The other big news of the night is that the fall dashboard update will add 1080p output via analog to games and movies. If you have a TV (or projector) that takes 1,920x1,080 input via component or VGA you'll be able to select it in the dashboard and move on. Does this mean HD DVDs will play in full 1080p via component? AACS would seem to answer a big no to that question, but until more details are released we can't say for sure. Future games will have the option to render natively at 1080p (DigDug HD?) while current games will be upscaled. Looks like Sony isn't the only one supporting "the true definition of HD".Update:Word from Microsoft's press conference in Japan pegs the price at ¥20,790 ($180~ US) and a launch on November 22. This conflicts with previous info straight from Microsoft so we'll keep waiting to get all this straightened out and some local info.
How To: keep your iTunes library on an external hard drive
For more helpful how-to guides, check out the TUAW Tips, iPhone 101 and Mac 101 topics. After discussing how my iTunes library is set up with a few readers in the comments on my First Impressions/2G iPod nano post, I figured this might be a handy tip for readers who find themselves running out of room to store an expanding iTunes library. My only machine is a MacBook Pro with a 120GB hard drive, but after installing ~ 40GB of the entire Final Cut Studio suite and other various software and projects, I don't have room for my ~ 35GB iTunes library. I decided to do some experimenting a couple weeks back with moving and keeping my library on an external hard drive. There are obvious initial disadvantages to this, but after some tinkering and getting comfortable with iTunes' baked-in library management genius, this can be a pretty useful setup for those who, like me, are cramped for space but aren't willing to trash those albums you're too embarrassed use in a Party Shuffle playlist. This setup also has the inherent, and obvious, advantage of keeping your library on an external hard drive, so it's more or less already backed up - though I, with my paranoid data habits, keep a backup of my library on a second hard drive, and I now also use Scott's iTunes 7 backup tip (instead of a previous Smart Playlist system) to burn my library to DVDs (the lesson from someone who knows: your data can never be too backed up - ever). Getting back on topic: read on for a walkthrough (from a very mobile notebook user) of how to move your iTunes library to an external hard drive. I'll include some tips on how iTunes is already one step ahead of this setup, as well as a few habits you might need to adopt when living la vida external-iTunes-library.
LaCie boosts F.A. Porsche-desgined hard drives to 500GB
Still milking that partnership with F.A. Porsche, LaCie has ramped up the capacity in its oh-so-distinguishable Porsche-designed external hard drive to a half a terabyte. Still rocking that sleek, silver case, the company's latest drive sports all the same amenities of its less spacious brethren, but stuffs a 500GB drive inside the fanless enclosure, which rolls along at 7200RPM and sports "at least" 8MB of cache (nail it down, guys!). LaCie also throws in all the cabling needed to get those transfers a-blazing, and encourages you to backup your system via its "1-Click" software -- but we know you're holding out for Time Machine. If you just can't resist pairing a supercar-branded hard drive with your wildly exotic notebook, the USB 2.0 flavor is currently shipping for $249, while the FireWire edition is slated to drop in October for $279.[Via MacMinute]UPDATE: Melissa Logan from LaCie wrote in to say that this drive does actually have a cooling fan, it just shuts off when not in use.
HD-DVD external drive the next big thing
This pic of the Xbox 360 HD-DVD external drive gives you a little (or should I say alot) more perspective on the size of the beast. El Jefe, aka the big black power converter, is pleased.[Thanks Zack]
