After it released the
USB 3.0 addon card, which answered end-users' prayers for a way to use their new USB 3.0 flash drives at full power, Sharkoon has kept the universal serial bus spirit alive by releasing a new computing accessory, the USB LANport, a device that allows for the connection of hard drives, printers, flash drives, etc., to a local area network.
The USB LANPort
100 and
400 have an unobtrusive design and a compact build that enables them to blend in with their surroundings and both have a magnetic back plate, which allows them to be easily attached to a metallic surface, such as a PC case. Power is supplied through the included adapter and all settings can be made fast and easily using the delivered software.
The LANPorts are suitable for any USB device (e.g. USB sticks, USB printers, external hard disk drives, etc.) and, thus, come with both USB2.0 and LAN (RJ-45) ports. They are built using a compact design, which includes a power LED and reset button. Both support Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit).
As a differing feature, the USB LANPort 100 has only one USB connector, as opposed to the LANPort 400, which has four. Besides that, both units are largely similar and come packaged with the necessary power adapter, patch cable and tool CD, including the required software and an extensive manual (PDF).
This latest release from the German company will make network access to printers, storage units and other USB devices quick, easy and convenient, especially in the case of networks where the server/host computer has insufficient ports for all the various peripherals. The USB LANPort 100 and 400 will also come in handy for those who own multiple flash drives, but their PCs don't have enough USB ports for all to be connected at once.
The products will become available quite soon and will sport prices of 23 Euro and 37 Euro, respectively.
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