LG’s N2R1, available this fall in 1TB ($299) and 2TB ($399) configurations, is an interesting alternative to Apple’s infamous Time Capsule. Starting at the same price for the same amount of storage, the N2R1 doesn’t claim to be Time Machine compliant, but it does offer Windows, Linux and Mac compatibility, an easy drive swapping option and what looks to be a DLNA-compliant, network-sharable DVD player/RW.
Our only point of contention is that the N2R1 supports only 802.11g, eschewing faster 802.11n—that’s valuable bandwidth lost for media streaming and quicker backups. Other than that quibble, the N2R1 looks like a reasonably priced, easily integrated, expandable NAS that could make a fine addition to a wireless home network.

LG ELECTRONICS HELPS PROTECT CONSUMERS’ DIGITAL MEMORIES WITH NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE

Provides Easy-to-use, Secure Storage of Personal Multimedia Entertainment Files

ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2009 – LG Electronics introduced a new Network Attached Storage option for consumers looking to protect their multimedia entertainment files, this week at Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2009 (Booth #2623).

To help safeguard treasured family memories, photos and music, LG’s Network Attached Storage (NAS) model N2R1 uses a proven system of multiple hard drives used for sharing and replicating data to prevent possible damage or loss. Called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Discs), this system automatically backs up and restores files for added security in the event of a hardware failure.

With up to two Tera-bytes (TB) of storage, the N2R1 provides a wealth of storage capabilities, allowing consumers to continue building their digital libraries of music, movies and other multimedia files. For an enhanced level of convenience, the N2R1 includes a DVD Re-Writer and Playback feature for additional back up or file sharing options.

“Consumers continue to create digital memories, from photos to family videos and it’s important that these irreplaceable moments are saved in a secure place,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “With LG’s Network Attached Storage, consumers now have a virtual ‘Library on Command’ that allows them unlimited access to their favourite memories, whether at home or on the road.”

Connectivity and Compatibility

For consumers who cannot be tied down by wires, the N2R1 has integrated WiFi connectivity for easy connection to any 802.11g wireless home network. The MyMedia feature allows consumers access to videos, photos and music through a DLNA-certified media player, placing digital entertainment libraries within easy reach of the big-screen. For music aficionados, the N2R1 also has iTunes™ connectivity for a networked music option.

The Network Attached Storage is compatible with a variety of operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, allowing for installation in any home entertainment environment. It also provides remote support with easy access to files from anywhere an Internet connection is available, allowing consumers to show off their favourite pictures or movies even when they are away from home.

The N2R1 will be available online and at national retailers early this Fall for the manufacturers suggested retail price of $US299 for 1TB of storage and $US399 for 2TB of storage.

The lines are still separated by size, with the My Passports being portable 2.5-inch drives and the My Books taking the larger-capacity 3.5-inch size. My Passport now goes up to a 1TB capacity in a portable, USB-powered drive, and because of a few innovations they’re remarkably small. Essentially, WD removed the USB-to-SATA-to-drive connection and made them direct to USB, which saves space—and WD promises there’ve been no compromises on speed.

Other changes: security has been bumped up several notches. The security is now hardware-based, rather than merely software-encrypted, so WD actually has to warn users that if they forget their passwords, even WD can’t access the drives. They also do incremental backups, so if for example you want to save a couple versions of a document and accidentally overwrite one of them, these drives will have saved all versions of your progress.

My favourite has to be that teeny 1TB 2.5-inch My Passport Essential SE. The triple platter drives (plus the direct-to-USB connection) make it much smaller than I expected. It’ll cost $US250 when it’s released later this month (the 750GB version will cost $US180). Others:

• My Passport Essential: 320/500/640GB ranging from $US100 to $US150, released this month with equivalent Mac version
• My Passport Elite: 320/500GB at $US120/$US160, adds lighted capacity gauge and dock. Available October 2009.
• My Book Essential: 0.5/1/1.5/2TB from $US99 to $US250, with lighted capacity gauge and equivalent Mac version

We’ll let you know when we have precise release dates, but you can expect all of these drives to be showing up in stores very soon. [WD]

“LaCie & Carbonite Partnership”
New One Year Unlimited Online Backup Offer

· Unlimited online backup for one full year at no additional cost
· Carbonite software available on LaCie drives after October 15th
· Automatic backups provide complete data security
· Data encryption ensures user privacy

PORTLAND, OR (October 2008) ­ LaCie announced today a new service package to
benefit hard drive consumers: LaCie One Year Online Backup. This unique
service provides unlimited online backup for one full year after
installation with the purchase of any LaCie external storage device.

Recognizing the importance of secure digital media for both consumers and
professional users, LaCie has partnered with Carbonite, Inc., an innovator
in online backup technology, to ensure that each LaCie drive purchased will
be bundled with their award-winning services.

For one year following software installation Carbonite will automatically
backup the LaCie drive by finding new and modified files, encrypting them
twice before leaving the original workstation, then transmitting them by
HTTPS (SSL) to a secure data centre, where the information remains
encrypted, protecting the user¹s privacy. Additionally, backups are
completed only when the computer is idle, so the process never interferes
with computer performance.

³Taking into account the quality of information users place on our drives we
wanted to go beyond our expertise in hardware to provide the best options to
our customers,² said Philippe Spruch, LaCie Chief Executive Officer. ³LaCie
Online Backup provides one year of unlimited online storage to showcase the
importance of backup strategies that keep data safe, and our dedication to
helping users get there.²

LaCie is known for developing security technology products for Mac, PC, and
Linux users, and the creation of the LaCie One Year Online Backup package
aims to increase the overall value to consumers who choose to manage their
digital content through external hardware. LaCie One Year Online Backup will
be available in November for PC users, with a Mac version to be released at
a later date.

Availability
Unlimited LaCie Online Backup will be available at no extra charge for one
full year beginning November 2008 on LaCie consumer hard drives.

[LaCie and Carbonite]