Windows and Mac users who would like RAID functionality in a small, portable (and, under Firewire, bus-powered) package are the target of Sonnet’s latest unit, the Fusion F2QR two-drive hardware RAID storage system. The tiny enclosure — about the size of two stacked CD cases — uses two 2.5-inch 1TB hard drives to offer up to 160MB per second read and 100MB per second write speeds.
Despite its small size, the aluminum enclosure sports a full complement of connections, including two Firewire 800 ports, a eSATA port and a USB 2 port. The FW800 port can supply bus power to the unit even if one of the other interfaces is being used for data, but the unit also comes with an independent 12V (DC) power supply.
The unit also has a built-in hardware RAID controller, supporting RAID 0, RAID 1, Span and JBOD configurations without requiring OS RAID support or a controller card. The aluminum construction dissipates the heat generated, meaning no fan is required for ultra-quiet operation. It features a Kensington-compatible lock notch as well for securing the lightweight, portable drive.
The drive carriers inside the unit are individually shock- and vibration-isolated to protect against rough handling, and cables for all the connections are included. When connected to an eSATA controller and in RAID 0 mode, the drive’s sustained transfer rates are fast enough to support multiple video streams. The dimensions on the drive are 5.9 inches by 6.1 inches by 0.95 inches.
The unit is now available for order and sells for $569 (drives, carrying case and cables included).
