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.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Well wha'dya know...
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.