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I-O Data's WN-GDN/R-S does the 802.11n thing
Now that we've finished drooling on I-O Data's new RHD2-U RAID, they've busted out an equally shiny -- if slightly less monolithic -- 802.11n router for Japan, the WN-GDN/R-S. The WN-GDN/CB PCMCIA card which accompanies the router appears to be a cardboard cutout in the picture above, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence, but the router sounds just fine, with a 130Mbps theoretical peak speed, plus all sorts of pretty acronyms like IPv, DMZ, UPnP, VPN and SPI. The router also includes a USB port, but there doesn't seem to be any related functionality, such as the insta-NAS capabilities of competing routers. We're not too hot for the pricetag either, at 30,975 yen (about $267 US) for the router and 12,075 yen (about $104 US) for the slip of cardboard laptop card, but we're sure the market will smooth those over before long.
I-O Data's RHD2-U: up to 1TB of RAID disk
Another day -- another overnighted, 10 gigabytes of torrented data -- another external storage solution. The RHD2-U series is a departure from I-O Data's LANDISK NAS line-up. First off, this is not NAS, it's USB 2.0 attached and capable of delivering up to 1TB of disk via 2x 7200rpm hard drives tucked away in the enclosure. That opens up the possibility for RAID 0/1 if you really think those DivX flicks deserve the special treatment. It also features something called RHD (Relational HD), allowing the unit to host additional disks loaded up on I-O Data's cartridges. Hitting mid-December in Japan for ¥64,680 or about $556 for the full 1,000GB.[Via Impress]
I-O Data's HDMC-U series: up to 12GB of waterproof disk
Someday goldfish will desire 12GB of disk. Until then, I-O Data's HDMC-U series of waterproof disks are all yours. These 1-inch drives feature a waterproofiness in waters as deep as 1-meter and can withstand the shock of being dropped from as high as 122-centimeters. Something you'll be thankful for when the robofish rise from the waters like our carbon based ancestors. The perimeter of the shell is surrounded by a rubberized USB cable which offers both bounce and a jack at-the-ready for your computer. On sale in Japan starting mid-December in either 8GB / 12GB capacities for ¥16,485 / ¥22,050 which translates to about $142 / $190.[Via Impress]
I-O Data's Rec-POT HVR-HD800R: add 800GB to your Blu-ray recorder
If you bought into a first gen Blu-ray Disc / HDD recorder you're probably feeling a bit shortchanged on the disk space what with that 1TB HD DVD/HDD recorder available from Toshiba. Don't sweat it, I-O Data's got your back with their D-VHS capable, 800GB Rec-POT HVR-HD800R which can augment the storage of either the Panny DMR-BW200 or Sharp BD-HD100 when connected over one of the 2x Firewire in/outs. No BD recorder? No problem, this Rec-POT is more than capable of taking care of the recording biz all on its own when snuggled up to the TV over HDMI. It even plays nice with your Firewire digital video camera as you'd expect. Hitting Japan in December for ¥89,000 (about $754) for the 800GB model, a bit less if you're only looking for another 250GB.[Via Impress]
I-O Data's Giga LANDISK: the eco-friendly 750GB gigabit NAS
If that 500GB LaCie gigabit NAS didn't do it for you then try on the new RoHS-compliant (read: environmentally friendly) Giga LANDISK from IO-Data now with up to 750GB of SATA disk. That's right, another network attached storage device with room to grow off additional 1x eSATA or 2x USB 2.0 disks. Lickity quick eSATA disks allow for mirroring your precious data while an additional USB port allows you to attach a remote printer or host USB devices like digital cameras for PC-less data transfer. They've also furthered that Toshiba alliance with the ability to record HD television when connected over gigabit Ethernet to Toshiba's REGZA Z2000 series of Televisions and yeah, it plays nice with DLNA streaming devices like IO-Data's own AVel LinkPlayer. Prices start at ¥33,285 (about $285) for 160GB of disk on up to ¥92,400 (about $790) for that biggie 750GB spinner when they ship in late November. With competition on the rise and prices in free-fall, isn't it about time to move your data to the LAN? Mama always said it was good to share.
I-O Data's new HDLM-GWIN Windows Storage Server
If you're looking for some fancy, hot-swappable, Windows Storage Server 2003 R2-based NAS storage, I-O Data has this new HDLM-GWIN for your consideration. The RAID 1 mirroring unit comes in 300, 500 and 750GB capacities, and will cost you up to €1,350 ($1,714 US) for the privilege. Being Windows Storage Server-based, the device can share a couple of printers with your network, or hook up to a VGA monitor if the mood strikes, but the redundant storage device can also be managed over the network just like a good little NAS should. The HDLM-GWIN should be shipping mid-November, but there's no word yet on a release outside of Japan.[Via Akihabara]
I-O Data releases wiREVO Bluetooth headphones
Everyone is looking for a good pair of Bluetooth headphones these days, but the problem with most models -- including the recently-unveiled FreePulses from Logitech -- is the big plastic neckband that makes it impossible to ball them up and stuff in a pocket. Enter I-O Data and its two new pairs of wiREVO 3-in-1 wireless headsets, both of which eschew the plastic for a much more pliable wire, and which -- we're hesitant to admit -- seem to look a lot hotter than our iPhono minis from Bluetake. The WRH-S30B (and WRH-S30W, in white -- pictured above) promise 24-bit stereo sound from the over-the-ear cans, and feature an in-line mic plus control buttons to support the Bluetooth headset and AVRCP profiles. With the WRH-H20B (and, you guessed it, WRH-H20W in white), you're getting regular earbud-style headphones attached to a Bluetooth pendant with length-adjustable cable, all of which you're supposed to wear around your neck. Both models should be available at major retailers sometime this month, with the S30s going for $99 and the H20s priced at $109; if your DAP lacks Bluetooth, though, you needn't worry: you can pick up either pair of headphones bundled with an iPod adapter for $169 or a generic dongle for $149.
I-O Data unveils LCD-TV241 LCD monitor with TV tuner
In a world full of LCD TVs that treat PCs as second rate, I-O Data is taking a stand for those who'd like just a dash of television with their PC monitor. The LCD-TV241 rocks a 24.1-inch screen, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, Japanese D4 input (which supports Hi-Vision), HDCP compatible DVI-D input, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 8ms response time. You'll also find a built-in analog (sorry, no ISDB-T love) TV tuner with integrated PIP, a rather uninspiring remote, and a sleek array of touch-sensitive controls gracing the frame of the black (or white) panel. While that analog tuner won't do you much good past 2011, this LCD knows your PC is your first love anyway, and can be picked up in Japan later this month for ¥133,000 ($1,130).[Via Akihabara News]
I-O Data releases external 18x DVD burner
It's not the smallest external DVD burner, but I-O Data's new external drive does look to be among the top of the heap (for now) when it comes to speed, burning both DVD+R and DVD-R discs at a satisfying 18x. Other write speeds clock in at 10x for dual-layer DVD+R, 8x for DVD+RW and dual-layer DVD-R, 6x for DVD-RW, with CD-R and CD-RW speeds coming in at 48x and 32x respectively. Unfortunately, it isn't USB-powered, so you'll still need to settle for slower speeds if you need stay completely mobile at all times. You'll also have to do the importing thing to get you hands on one these, of course, with it setting you back a not-too-unreasonable 12,500 Yen, or just slightly over a hundred bucks.[Via Akihabara News]
I-O Data HDPG-SU withstands 220 pounds of pressure
Not everyone needs a hard drive that's certified by Department of Defense standards, but I-O Data has created an external USB hard drive that can withstand fairly heavy scrutiny -- about 220 pounds worth. Although we're unsure whose DoD has given their blessing to the drive, it doesn't nullify the HDPG-SU's ability to be stomped on by Arnold Schwarzenegger without getting its platters bent out of shape. The plainly styled drives, only available in black or silver, have not only been tested to resist serious pressure, but also to withstand relatively small drops from 122cm (about 4 feet), which isn't spectacular considering the plethora of drives that park their heads on tumbles anyway. These rugged beasts will be available in 40GB, 80GB, and 120GB sizes, and while pricing and availability aren't yet known, we're left wondering what kind of secretive branch of government certifies a drive without any form of security built-in, biometric or otherwise, because what good will the DoD have with a military-grade / ruggedized drive that a thief can simply tap right into? [Via Mobilemag]
I-O Data intros HVR-HD600LE 600GB DVR
We wouldn't have dreamed of saying this a short while ago, but with 800GB DVRs from the likes of Pioneer and 1TB models from Hitachi and Sony, I-O Data's announcement of a 600GB DVR seems only marginally impressive. On the upside, the HVR-HD600LE is fairly affordable, comparatively speaking, at ¥49,800 (about $430 US) or ¥94,800 ($816 US) if you buy a pair -- cause, you know, 600GB will only give you 62 hours of digital HD terrestrial broadcast video recording. The DVR is equipped with FireWire for connecting two units together, and to your TV or HD tuner, but unlike some other high-end DVRs, however, I-O Data's doesn't include a DVD recorder. Obviously we're waiting for a DVR with a Blu-ray or HD DVD burner (or both), but until then we can look for this one to start shipping by the end of the month. In Japan, of course.[Via AV Watch]
I-O Data's GV-1394TV/M3 analog tuner for Macs
Sure, it won't look very nice perched atop your Mac mini but don't give up on I-O Data's new GV-1394TV/M3 analog tuner for Macs just yet. Using the iEPG programming guide, this little box allows you to schedule and record your favorite NTSC broadcasts directly to your Mac over Firewire. It will even convert video directly to MPEG-4/h.264 for direct transfer to your connected iPod when recording is finished. Included software is fully compatible with iLife 6 making it easy to manipulate video in iMovie or to burn to DVDs via iDVD. Expected to begin shipping in Japan next month for about $240. Still, when it's this hard to tell the front of the unit from the back on a product destined for the living room, well, we'll understand if you pass.[Via Impress Watch]
