Sonnet’s Echo brings ExpressCard to Thunderbolt machines

Aug 29th 2011
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Sonnets Echo brings ExpressCard to Thunderbolt machines

In search of more stuff to plug into that Thunderbolt port? If you have got a smattering of ExpressCard/34 doodads laying around, Sonnet’s upcoming Echo adapter might just fit the bill. Scheduled for an October release, the $149 gizmo can now be pre-ordered from the company’s online store, but be forewarned that it will ship sans cable. So in the event you haven’t already picked up one in every of these guys , be prepared to part with a half Benjamin before you take part on each of the fun. All in all, a dear affair, but that is what you get for living at the bleeding edge, you futuristic maverick, you.

[Thanks, Mmm]

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Sonnet Adapter Expands the Capabilities of Thunderbolt™ Technology-Enabled Computers

Sonnet’s Echo™ ExpressCard®/34 Thunderbolt™ Adapter Enables ExpressCard/34 Cards to connect to Computers Via Thunderbolt Ports

IRVINE, CA – August 25, 2011 – Sonnet Technologies today announced the Echo™ ExpressCard®/34 Thunderbolt™ Adapter, which enables using many Sonnet ExpressCard/34 adapters with computers equipped with a Thunderbolt port, including the newest Apple® iMac®, Mac® mini, MacBook® Air, and MacBook Pro models. ExpressCard/34 adapters, originally intended to be used with notebook computers, offer users additional connectivity and functionality beyond what’s available through their computers’ stock configuration. This Sonnet adapter supports most PCIe-based Sonnet professional ExpressCard/34 adapters, and specialty adapters from other manufacturers. Sonnet expects other manufacturer’s ExpressCard/34 products to become compatible as their drivers are updated to be Thunderbolt technology-aware.

Developed by Intel® and taken to market with technical collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt technology supports high-performance data services and high-resolution displays through a single, compact port. The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter supports PCI Express® 2.0 technology with 5 Gbps throughput in both directions. The Sonnet adapter connects on to a pc, or on the end of a Thunderbolt device chain with a Thunderbolt cable (available on the Apple Store).

“The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter gives users tremendous flexibility to attach a variety of peripheral devices during the Thunderbolt port on their computers. In one Thunderbolt Adapter they gain the prospective so as to add connectivity to their computer, whether increasing the selection of ports, incorporating new interfaces, or just using devices they couldn’t have otherwise been capable of connect through a Thunderbolt port” said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. “Support for decent plugging and swapping of ExpressCard/34 cards gives them the pliability to switch interfaces and devices when needed.”

“Sonnet’s ExpressCard Thunderbolt adapter delivers great performance and adaptability”, says Jason Ziller, Intel’s director of Thunderbolt Marketing, “End-users will now have the ability to extend the capabilities in their computers like never before.”

The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter supports Sonnet ExpressCard adapters starting from CompactFlash™ and SDXC™ UHS-I Card readers to FireWire® 800, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, and choose eSATA adapters. It also supports ExpressCard adapters provided with specialty devices like Sonnet’s new line of Qio™ professional media readers, and the AJA® io Express.

The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter (part number ECHO-E34) is compatible with all Apple computers with Thunderbolt ports running Mac OS® X. It can be expected to be available on the end of October at a suggested retail price of $149.95.

Additional information concerning the Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter is obtainable at Sonnet’s Website at .

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About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a global leader in computing innovation. The corporate designs and builds the fundamental technologies that function the basis for the world’s computing devices. More information about Intel is accessible at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.

Intel, Thunderbolt, and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation within the U.S. and/or other countries.

About Sonnet Technologies
Sonnet Technologies Inc. is a frontrunner in providing storage systems and media readers for pro users of Macintosh®, Windows®, and UNIX® systems within the film, video, and broadcast industries. The company’s product line incorporates a range of high-performance, cost-effective, and reliable desktop and rackmount RAID storage solutions starting from two- and 4-drive and SSD RAID units, to eight- and 16-drive solutions with advanced RAID controllers, to 16-drive, 16-port, 8Gb Fibre Channel shared storage systems which are expandable to 384 TB. Celebrating 25 years in business, Sonnet has pioneered and taken to market numerous innovative solutions that enhance the performance and connectivity of Macintosh, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Additional information is out there at www.sonnettech.com. Echo is a hallmark of Sonnet Technologies, Inc.

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