Monday, November 30th 2009
Sharkoon Readies LanPort ''USB Servers''
Sharkoon is out with a unique pair of devices it refers to as LanPort "USB servers". The function of these devices is to let USB ports being shared by computers across a network. The main unit connects to a wired network over a common RJ-45 port (probably 10/100 Mbps), and takes in a 5V DC power input (to power the ports) and gives out USB ports. The LanPort 100 comes with just one USB port, while LanPort 400 comes with four. Any USB device, such as mass-storage (flash drives, external HDDs, PMPs), printers, scanners, etc., can be shared.
The device comes with its own web-interface that lets users configure it, while the bundled software helps handle the configuration, and sets up a layer between the PC and the remotely connected USB devices. The software supports Windows 7, XP, and Vista. Sharkoon's LanPort 100 and LanPort 400 will become available soon and with price-tags of 23 Euro and 37 Euro, respectively.
The device comes with its own web-interface that lets users configure it, while the bundled software helps handle the configuration, and sets up a layer between the PC and the remotely connected USB devices. The software supports Windows 7, XP, and Vista. Sharkoon's LanPort 100 and LanPort 400 will become available soon and with price-tags of 23 Euro and 37 Euro, respectively.
22 Comments on Sharkoon Readies LanPort ''USB Servers''
I like it. Esp. the picture of the daisy chain to the sharkoon external HDD. You've basically got a NAS right there (albeit without additional services, and zero-security). Oh look, it's got a SD card reader on it too. SDcard over LAN.
I'm sure we can invent uses for it! LOL:pimp:
its a file server, a print server, remote scanner (which you cant do via windows) a remote webcam (ok, thats useless :P)
If it was Gb, it would be better, imo.
-Indybird
:)
*hands you award for thread skimming*
(but he still hasnt fixed it)
back on topic! USB doodad intriguing!
What I want to know is: does it support older printers such as my EPSON SP830, which doesn't seem to have x64 drivers so I can't print from my x64 pc's as the pc nearest to it is using x86.
Choose one, a Server in my mind is a high performance multiple basic I/O device. Like storage, printing, ....serving at rates greater than this will sustain for multiple users.
Thus the question of being able to simple hardware RAID 0 four USB sticks for at least 40MBps read/write for this to be worth much more than $9
You could load updates on it and take it to other sites and plug it in and run your updates to multiple PC's with ease, or mebey boot to a drive on it and install your OS, or run a network file server that is fast enough to stream a few movies at a friends.
But as is, plastic worthtless thingy.