14 DAY TRIAL // Most computers have USB 3.0 by default, but the same cannot be said about FireWire, especially when it comes to Windows devices, and it's not like USB 3.0 ports are abundant even there. So Sonnet decided to do something about it. The company has introduced the Tango 3.0 PCI Express add-in board, which boasts two USB 3.0 connectors and three FireWire 800 ports. All of them get their bandwidth and energy from a PCI Express slot.
USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 devices are supported as well, but the performance will be much lower for them, as restricted by the older interfaces.
Right now, FireWire 800 is used by Apple Mac-compatible storage devices and professional audio equipment. Scarcely any Windows PC has the technology though, so Sonnet feels there is a market there for Tango 3.0 and others like it.
Another potential market lies in the field of Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express expansion cases, again on the Apple front.
Likewise, those who own one of those old Mac Pro tower systems, which lack USB 3.0, will benefit from one of these Tango cards. There are even pin headers for two more USB 3.0 ports, for panel-mount support (panels sold separately).
"The Tango 3.0 PCIe adapter card gives users a simple way to add USB 3.0 and FireWire 800 connectivity to any compatible computer, and it is great for use in a multi-slot Thunderbolt-to-PCIe expansion chassis," said Greg LaPorte, vice president of sales and marketing for Sonnet Technologies.
"The card's multiple powered ports, plus support for hubs, enable users to connect numerous devices at the same time, and make it ideal for supporting bus-powered devices."
Sonnet should already be selling the Tango 3.0 adapter for $99 / €99. On the Apple side, operating systems from OS X 10.8.4 onwards will recognize and properly run the adapter, as well as OS X Mavericks. As for PC owners, you'll need Windows 7 or 8.