Drobo storage gets dual FireWire 800 ports
updated 08:55 am EDT, Tue July 8, 2008
Drobo FireWire 800
Data Robotics today gave its Drobo storage robot an often-requested update with an upgraded model that adds dual FireWire 800 ports to the existing model. The extra bandwidth allows a Drobo with more than one drive to potentially transfer data far faster than the existing USB 2.0 connection (up to 50MB read, 35MB write) while providing a free port to daisy-chain other devices.
The four-bay robot also has a better processor to improve shuffling data between drives as it creates its automatic redundant backups, or else out to an attached computer. Data Robotics is using the new model as a direct replacement and ships it for $499 with all of the Serial ATA bays empty; versions preloaded with 2TB or 4TB of disks sell for $899 and $1,299 respectively.
Original USB-only Drobos are being cleared out at $349 for an empty model, $749 for a 2TB model, and $1,075 for a fully-laden 4TB model.
Well wha'dya know...
07/08, 09:47am reply
Drobos just became a viable option thanks to FW800. Sorry, but I've been burned too many times by USB. However, you'd think they'd try and utilize the cable's full bandwidth potential instead of these paltry speeds.
danviento
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Awesome
07/08, 10:00am reply
I for one am happy they added FW and will now buy one. Good job!
mgpalma
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
Bout time
07/08, 10:00am reply
Its about time they added this. No way I was using USB2.0, which is slower than FW400, not to mention FW800. I can finally justify getting this.
apple4ever
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2001
umm eSATA anyone?
07/08, 10:30am reply
Wow you guys are excited about FireWire 800? Something that should have been there from the start? This announcement should be for an eSATA port. What is it 2004? Just now adding FireWire 800! Just sad. That being said with the $150 discount on the old USB one I bought it to hook up to my Airport Base Station and use it for nothing but Time Machine backups.
macproconsulting
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
Feeling Droovy...
07/08, 02:13pm reply
Anyone else feeling Droovy?
* Droovy- That feeling you get when all your data is backed up to a Drobo..
jwdsail
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2000
Firewire?!
07/08, 03:11pm (1 reply) reply
Aww come on, why would they do that? SATA is what they should have had from the beginning. An improvement but still leaves a stale taste in my mouth
snapjack
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2002