Drobo Beyond Raid 4-Bay USB 2.0/FireWire 800 SATA 6GB/S Storage Array with Drobo PC Backup

You looking to find the "Drobo Beyond Raid 4-Bay USB 2.0/FireWire 800 SATA 6GB/S Storage Array with Drobo PC Backup" Good news! You can purchase Drobo Beyond Raid 4-Bay USB 2.0/FireWire 800 SATA 6GB/S Storage Array with Drobo PC Backup with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $999.99   

Product Feature

• FireWire 800 (FireWire 400 compatible)
• Enhanced USB 2.0 performance
• Redundant data protection
• Hot expandable up to 16TB
• Mix n match drive capacities

Product Description

The safe, expandable Drobo storage solution protects your data against a hard drive crash, yet can expand dynamically at any time in just seconds. With nothing to configure or manage, Drobo is now the ideal solution for primary storage as well as backup.

Drobo Beyond Raid 4-Bay USB 2.0/FireWire 800 SATA 6GB/S Storage Array with Drobo PC Backup Review

Normally I don't write reviews for all of the products I buy, but based on the bad reviews that people have given the drobo, I felt I needed to offset some of the unfair & misleading comments.

I have had this drobo for about a month. I have had very little interaction with the drobo itself. That is becouse once it is set up you forget it. That is wonderful for this kind of storage device.

It really is as simple as putting the drives in, install the software, and begin using it. I first saw this at Macworld in January 2008, but held out for the firewire version. I am using on a mixed environment network with no compatibility problems. It is very fast, and very easy. I am using mine for all of my videos streamed to our TVs. IT ABSOLUTELY WORKS WONDERFULLY! It can simultaniously stream mp4 videos to 2 TVs while having data copied to it.... all without any hiccups. That is impressive for a device like this.

For those of you have have read (or are about to read) some of the negative reviews here, allow me to comment on them:

First complaint: Add (4) 1TB Drives - only get 2.7TB of useable data space. There are two reasons why. First the equivalent of the largest drive is being used incase or drive failure or to be able to do drive expansion.

Second, the device says that you can put up to 16tb of storage in it. This means that WHEN 4tb drives are available, you can put up to 4 of them in this device. Does that mean that you will have 16tb of useable storage. NO. Why? Becouse hard drives are sold based on an inaccurate counting system.

While EVERY SINGLE HARD DRIVE MAKER (or company selling storage space) counts how much space you have based on 1gb =1000mb, this is totally false! The truth is that 1gb = 1024mb. This means that they are shorting you 24mb for every GB you buy. I realize that on 1 GB, it is only 24mb lost, but on a TB that starts adding up.

Also the system uses some of the storage to index your drive so it knows how to find the data on your drive. This is why when you buy a computer with a 80gb hard drive and look at usable data it will say about 75GB.

Second complaint: "This is a RAID system" while the drobo does not use raid 5 per se, it does use something very much like it. To get a raid 5 array, you need 3 or more drives that are all the same size. Regardless of how many drives you use, you lose the amount of storage space equivelant to one of the drives. This goes to the protection of the array. In other words, if one drive fails you replace it with another identical drive which will rebuild the array and to prevent data loss.

Most implementations of raid 5 do not allow the storage space to grow, and if they do, it is very expensive for the raid controller card and very difficult to implement. What makes drobo different, is you get the benefits of raid 5 protection, with out of lot of its costs and complications.

For example, you can put in any 4 sata drives, and it works, regardless of there sizes. Also, if you replace a drive you can replace it with any sata drive, not the same ones you used before. Both of these are a big deal because it is what makes what drobo does very unlike raid.

Third complaint: "Drive rebuilds/expantions can take 2 to 5 days". OK, this one is true. But lets think about this, there is a good reason why this is true. You have data on all four drives. But it is writen to those drives in such a way that if any one drive is removed from a system and replaced with a new drive the drobo can rebuild all of that data.

Look, that is pretty impressive. And I would imagine if you had a drive crash you would rather wait a few days to get your stuff back as opposed to losing it all together. But if you are rebuilding data for several terabytes... yes it is going to take a while. And the same is true for raid 5.

Ultimately, the drobo does what it says. It is a very consumer friendly implementation of raid 5 like protection at an extremely affordable price. I would LOVE for someone to show me a raid-5 device (or something like it other then the drobo) that you can buy empty for under $500 that can connect to both USB and Firewire 800.

In conclusion, I have used many types of raid 5 implementations. So I can safely say: if you want raid 5 without the headaches, get a drobo. If you want a mirrored drive (raid 1), a striped drive (raid 0) or JBOD (just a big disk) - then the drobo is not for you. There are other products that will better serve your needs.

----------------
UPDATE 11/18/2008:
----------------

When I purchased the drobo, I initially put in two 1TB drives and two 320GB drives. After nearly filling it up I added another 1TB drive. Shortly there after I decided to add another 1.5TB drive. So this means I have done 2 expansion rebuilds. The process in both cases took about 10 hours and was flawless. Just to be sure I did it at night and didn't use the drive while this was going on. So my statement above about 2-5 days is way off and not true. I am sure that this will be a happier solution.

Also, based on the way that the drobo allocates space for future growth, I wish I had purchased two 1.5TB drives. IF someone is interested in learning more about this, I recommend looking at the drobolator calculator at [...]. But otherwise I am still very happy with my drobo.

Someone added a comment to this review that "it fails semi-randomly and takes data with it & that customer service is useless". Well this I can not comment on as I haven't had this problem nor have I noticed that the support was useless. I did have one minor issue and called support. They weren't the best support team, but far from the worst.

Statements like that need to be taken with a grain of salt. Sometimes people get a bad unit or talk to someone at support who is the bad apple of the group... or juts having a bad day. That isn't an excuse for them, but a reality. But again, I don't have any experience with support being useless by any means.

When it comes to data protection, I am about give the secret to security. You will never hear something more true then this: The more you value your data, the more copies of it you should have. For example, priceless pictures on your hard drive are just begging to disappear. Backing them up to a device like the drobo is a much safer solution. Burning a copy of them and putting them in your closet is even better. Making another copy and keeping them somewhere else (outside of your home) really prevents data loss (think fire, theft, etc). Another backup onto the internet... well you my friend can sleep well at night knowing that your data is safe.

Now, I am not saying that you have to be this paranoid about data. But if you have data that can never be lost, remember this simple rule about backups: redundancy, redundancy, redundancy.

Ultimately, I stand by my opinion that this is a great device. I am in the process of getting a few more for our company.

----------------
UPDATE 11/22/2008:
----------------

A few things I have thought about since my last update. I had clarified why 4 drives only yield 3 drives worth of available storage. Incedently, this is also true of raid5 or other raid like storage that is based on raid5 principles.

First the drobo is not for everyone. If you are concerned about having the maximum available amount of your data as possible, this device isn't for you. As their website CLEARLY explains, the drobo uses a fair amount of data to protect you incase of a single drive failure. It also reserves some storage for overhead and for future expansion.

Second, before purchasing this check out the drobolator ([...]). This is a calculator that shows how the drobo will address the hard drives you put into it. You will see exactly how much storage will be used for overhead, protection, future growth and available to use. If people were familiar with this page alone, it could help solve a large portion of the drobo's misconception.

Finally, I have tried to respond to the questions and comments of this review. So, there may be additional information there.

----------------
UPDATE 8/19/2010:
----------------

I updated my explaination about why 4 drives of data only yield 3 drives worth of data. This is labeled as "the first complaint".

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Drobo Beyond Raid 4-Bay USB 2.0/FireWire 800 SATA 6GB/S Storage Array with Drobo PC Backup" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Drobo Beyond Raid 4-Bay USB 2.0/FireWire 800 SATA 6GB/S Storage Array with Drobo PC Backup ...

C2G / Cables to Go 27370 Field Service Engineer Tool Kit

You looking to find the "C2G / Cables to Go 27370 Field Service Engineer Tool Kit" Good news! You can purchase C2G / Cables to Go 27370 Field Service Engineer Tool Kit with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $109.90 $97.00   

Product Feature

• Complete Tool Kit Solution
• Soldering iron, utility knife
• 2-pc alignment tool set

Product Description

Premise Plus Field Service Engineers Tool Kit

C2G / Cables to Go 27370 Field Service Engineer Tool Kit Review

I originally ordered the Cables To Go Field Service Engineer Tool Kit for my team at work based on the included selection of tools and as it has proved its value many times, I recently ordered the same kit to replace an aging, limited PC repair kit at home. The challenge with any of these types of kits is that none of them will likely have absolutely every tool you'll want, so you have to go with the closest match that also doesn't sacrifice quality.

One of the things I love about this Cables to Go kit is the quality and design of the case itself. Most of the PC/Network repair kits available might have a good selection of tools, but have a very cheap, flimsy case. This tool kit's case isn't a hard case, but it does have a pretty solid frame that reinforces the sides and enhances overall sturdiness. The stitching, tool pockets, zipper, and carrying handle all have a solid feel as well. Unlike many of the common PC tool kit cases, you won't open this case to find that all your tools have come loose from their respective pockets to congregate into one unprofessional looking mess -- the tools in this case stay put! Absolutely one of the best features of the case lies in the versatility of the case's main tray. Don't like or need the included tools in main tray or don't like the size of the parts compartments? Don't worry -- the compartment partitions are attached with velcro and completely adjustable! I hadn't even noticed this feature until I got a case for home use and was figuring out how to add some of my own tools and with a minimal rearrangement, the case now packs almost everything I want.

The included tools may not be top of the line, but they're no super-cheap children's tools either. I haven't used all of them, but never had any problem with the ones I have used -- they've all held up to the task.

As for the variety of tools, the selection is almost perfect for my needs. Here's what I've added, however:
-Three prong parts retriever tool
-RJ-45 crimp/cut/strip tool
-OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush
-Large tweezers
-Other random but useful items.

Pros:
-Quality, sturdy case that keeps tools in their place.
-Customizable compartments in main tray.
-Near-perfect selection of basic tools for PC and/or network hardware maintenance.

Cons:
-None really. No pre-packed tool kit will likely have every tool you would want for a specific field unless you put the kit together yourself. This kit has a higher price than some other similar kits and that may seem to be a con to some, but you get what you pay for and I consider ~$100 for this kit to be acceptable.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "C2G / Cables to Go 27370 Field Service Engineer Tool Kit" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from C2G / Cables to Go 27370 Field Service Engineer Tool Kit ...

G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory F3-1600C10D-16GSQ

You looking to find the "G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory F3-1600C10D-16GSQ" Good news! You can purchase G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory F3-1600C10D-16GSQ with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $133.99 $132.98   

Product Feature

• Cas Latency: 10
• Timing: 10-10-10
• Voltage: 1.5V
• Speed: DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
• Non-ECC; Unbuffered

Product Description

G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-1600C10D-16GSQ

G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory F3-1600C10D-16GSQ Review

my options for deploying a large amount of 12 nano seconds ram (actually 12.5 ns) in my w530 were the corsair and the kingston both of which happen to be so much more costful than this one. Best option around (even with the recent price increase).

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory F3-1600C10D-16GSQ" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory F3-1600C10D-16GSQ ...

ASUS DDR3 1600 AMD - FM1 Motherboards E45M1-M PRO

You looking to find the "ASUS DDR3 1600 AMD - FM1 Motherboards E45M1-M PRO" Good news! You can purchase ASUS DDR3 1600 AMD - FM1 Motherboards E45M1-M PRO with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $117.99    

Product Feature

• BIOS control via a Graphical Interface with mouse controlled support featuring unparalleled control options, 2.2TB or higher native HD support, and Quick Boot features
• Fax Xpert - Allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speed according to different ambient temperatures
• AI Suite II - Overclocking Features Easily Accessible Via a User-Friendly Interface
• Anti-Surge Protection - This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply
• 100% Solid Capacitor - High-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan and enhanced thermal capacity

Product Description

The E45M1-M PRO Motherboard supports integrated AMD Dual-Core Processor E-450 with AMD Radeon HD 6320 Graphics. This revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines processing power and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in one small, energy-efficient design to enable accelerated performance and an industry-leading visual experience. It features single-channel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 2.5GT/s. The E45M1-M PRO features both HDMI Support and USB 3.0 Support, as well as native SATA 6.0 Support. With 100% High-Quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors, this motherboard is known for its durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. Anti-Surge Protection protects the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply, and ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderates power in real-time, which automatically provides the most appropriate power usage to save power and money!

ASUS DDR3 1600 AMD - FM1 Motherboards E45M1-M PRO Review

I bought this board for my home server. The supplied CD does not run with Windows 2003 for automatic driver installation. The XP driver for the ethernet port is compatible with Win 2003. Once you install the ethernet driver, allow the OS to go online and download the rest of the drivers.

The board is fast enough for my needs. It has 5 SATA ports. All are 6 Mb/s speed. No PATA/IDE. It has IEEE 1394, HDMI/DVI/VGA. Audio is Realtek, but I am not using it. Also, there are USB 2 and 3 ports. There are 4 PCI/PCIe slots.

This board seems to have been designed for HTPC. Anyone out there using it for HTPC? Please post your experience. Specifically, please let us know about the codecs you use and how it stands up to blueray playback. I might purchase a second board to make it my music/video server.

Delivery was 2 days from the order date. The box was sealed and strapped as supplied by the manufacturer. Box content was complete. I will recommend this for low power moderate speed server application.

It's been a good experience so far.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "ASUS DDR3 1600 AMD - FM1 Motherboards E45M1-M PRO" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from ASUS DDR3 1600 AMD - FM1 Motherboards E45M1-M PRO ...

ZyXEL N4100 802.11b/g/n Hotspot Gateway with SP-300E Service Gateway Printer

You looking to find the "ZyXEL N4100 802.11b/g/n Hotspot Gateway with SP-300E Service Gateway Printer" Good news! You can purchase ZyXEL N4100 802.11b/g/n Hotspot Gateway with SP-300E Service Gateway Printer with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $487.22 $453.99   

Product Feature

• Comprehensive wireless Internet access solution
• Web-based user authentication, account monitoring, billing profiles
• "Zero Configuration" IP plug and play
• RADIUS Client, walled garden, advertising URL links and forwarding to portal
• Supports up to 100 users

Product Description

The ZyXEL N4100 is the latest WLAN Hotspot Gateway from a world leader in Internet hotspot solutions. The N4100 enables hospitality businesses the opportunity to deploy the full range of Internet services needed to create new revenue streams, and retain and attract customers. The latest addition to the ZyXEL family of gateways, the ZyXEL N4100 Wireless Hotspot Gateway provides a fully flexible solution supporting the IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless standards. 802.11n technology truly offers enhanced connectivity required for hospitality venues, which in turn provides customers with the fastest connection to the Internet for whether they’re using a laptop, notebook, PDA, gaming device or WiFi mobile handset. The ZyXEL N4100 not only offers this flexible connectivity but also provides increased performance via its 3 transmitter x 3 radio MIMO technology. The 11n-capable N4100 gateway is designed to work as an access controller for service providers and hospitality businesses to deliver Internet services with its own unique built in billing system. It is the ideal solution for hotels, coffee shops, airports and conference facilities to offer instant high-speed Internet connections.

ZyXEL N4100 802.11b/g/n Hotspot Gateway with SP-300E Service Gateway Printer Review

Purchased this for managing the hotel guest network. So far, there's no complaints! Have connected 70+ rooms to the router using 5 switches and have connected 10 wireless APs to this using POE switches and it hasn't gone down (been about a week). It has a limitation of 100 concurrent users and you can purchase a license to get up to 200 users which I won't need.

It has some great features built in like bandwidth management and guest authentication with 'superuser' (one username/pwd for everyone). I haven't tried out the Terms and Conditions feature because that requires you host a webpage on a third party website which I can't be bothered with. Called up Zyxel tech support 800 number and after waiting on hold for 5 minutes, got an English speaking person based in the US who was helpful. Would DEFINITELY recommend this. Also, shop around because the prices vary greatly (+/- $200) depending on if you need the printer (I didn't).

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "ZyXEL N4100 802.11b/g/n Hotspot Gateway with SP-300E Service Gateway Printer" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from ZyXEL N4100 802.11b/g/n Hotspot Gateway with SP-300E Service Gateway Printer ...

McKleinUSA DAMEN 80714 Brown 17 Detachable-Wheeled Laptop Case

You looking to find the "McKleinUSA DAMEN 80714 Brown 17 Detachable-Wheeled Laptop Case" Good news! You can purchase McKleinUSA DAMEN 80714 Brown 17 Detachable-Wheeled Laptop Case with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $175.66 Too low to display   

Product Feature

• Patented 2-in-1 Detachable Wheel and Handle System Front zipper pocket for small miscellaneous items
• Front organizer pocket for media devices, cell phone, business cards, key holder and pens
• A high-tech ABS honeycomb frame to protect laptop from exterior impact and a 10mm high-density foam to help absorb shock
• Smart Attachment Strap and Smart Zipper Attachment allows transport on extended handles of other rolling cases
• Comfortable, non-slip, shock absorbing shoulder strap helps alleviate body strain

Product Description

Exclusive to McKleinUSA! Patented 2-in-1 Detachable Wheel and Handle System Front zipper pocket for small miscellaneous items Front organizer pocket for media devices, cell phone, business cards, key holder and pens Front compartment features a 3-file divider that expands 2� to allow 30% more space Back compartment padded to protect laptops up to 17 �� in size Dual Laptop Protection System uses a high-tech ABS honeycomb frame to protect laptop from exterior impact and a 10mm high-density foam to help absorb shock and prevent moisture intake Smart Attachment Strap and Smart Zipper Attachment allows transport on extended handles of other rolling cases and luggage Bonus! Protective Weatherproof Cover Comfortable, non-slip, shock absorbing shoulder strap helps alleviate body strain

McKleinUSA DAMEN 80714 Brown 17 Detachable-Wheeled Laptop Case Review

Gonna keep it short but let y'all know I had a Swiss Army bag before this that was decent but the handle was not well made (something that you will see on reviews all over the place about those bags) and had to get a new bag.

Well. I decided to splurge and go for the "image" of leather and have now not only gotten that but the quality of this Mcklein bag. This bag is awesome.

Well made. Excellent stitching, quality zippers, great (and silent) wheels and from what I can tell a solid handle.

All around I'm very happy with this bag and I gotta tell you the compliments from clients on its looks don't hurt my attitude toward it.

Buy one and improve your image and quality of life!

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "McKleinUSA DAMEN 80714 Brown 17 Detachable-Wheeled Laptop Case" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from McKleinUSA DAMEN 80714 Brown 17 Detachable-Wheeled Laptop Case ...