Tag: NAS

  • PocketCloud Launches Portable Modular Alternative to Personal NAS

    PocketCloud Launches Portable Modular Alternative to Personal NAS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact Design: The PocketCloud features a sleek aluminum alloy body measuring 6 x 3.6 x 1 inches, with USB type-C and type-A ports, and an SD card slot.

    2. Modular Setup: It includes a modular design that supports M.2 NVMe SSDs, with speeds up to 1,625 Mb/s and a maximum capacity of 8TB, along with an optional Magnetic Dock with a 2.5Gb Ethernet port.

    3. Battery and Display: The device lasts up to 6 hours on a single charge, has replaceable dual 3,200mAh batteries, and features a built-in 0.96-inch color LCD with a control knob for easy operation.

    4. Compatibility and Backup: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, the PocketCloud supports backup to Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive, and uses secure software for local access within a LAN.

    5. Kickstarter Availability: Currently on Kickstarter, the PocketCloud starts at $199, and the PocketCloud + Dock bundle is available for $289, with significant savings compared to the planned retail price.

    StationPC has introduced the PocketCloud, a fresh option for those seeking a personal NAS or a compact PC. This device sports a sleek aluminum alloy body measuring 6 x 3.6 x 1 inches, featuring both USB type-C and type-A ports, along with a slot for SD cards.

    Modular Design and Connectivity

    These ports are conveniently placed next to the magnetic pins of the new drive, designed to align with the optional Magnetic Dock that also incorporates a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. Each component of this modular setup can accommodate M.2 NVMe SSDs with speeds of up to 1,625 megabits per second (Mb/s) and a maximum capacity of 8TB, supporting transfer rates of about ~1,000Mb/s when using USB-C.

    Battery Life and Display Features

    When not docked, the PocketCloud is capable of lasting up to 6 hours on a single charge, thanks to its dual 3,200mAh batteries, which can be replaced to possibly extend the device’s overall lifespan. It features a built-in 0.96-inch color LCD and a control knob, reducing the need for additional monitors or peripherals.

    StationPC claims this device is the perfect partner for backing up a smartphone, camera, or laptop in real-time and consistently.

    Compatibility and Backup Options

    The PocketCloud is compatible with a variety of systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and it can be configured to back up data to Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. It operates on its own “smooth” software that prioritizes privacy and security, offering local log-in options within a LAN. However, this setup sacrifices the flexibility and customization typically associated with a personal NAS.

    Currently, the PocketCloud can be found on Kickstarter, with prices starting at $199, which is $100 less than its initial retail price. The PocketCloud + Dock bundle is available for $289, saving $139. However, adding an 8TB WD Black SN850X would set you back an additional $549.99 on Amazon as of now.

    The campaign has raised over 581,000 Hong Kong dollars (HKD), or nearly $75,000, far surpassing its initial goal of 30,000 HKD (around $3,900) on Kickstarter.

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    PocketCloud Launches Portable Modular Alternative to Personal NASPocketCloud Launches Portable Modular Alternative to Personal NAS

     

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  • Aoostar WTR Max: New 11-Bay NAS with AMD Ryzen APU and OCuLink

    Aoostar WTR Max: New 11-Bay NAS with AMD Ryzen APU and OCuLink

    Key Takeaways

    1. Product Launch: Aoostar has revealed the WTR Max NAS, available for pre-order at $699, with shipping expected in May 2025.

    2. Enhanced Performance: The WTR Max features a Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS processor, offering improved performance over the WTR Pro’s Intel N150, and supports an 11-bay configuration.

    3. Storage Capacity: The NAS includes seven physical bays, with six for 3.5-inch SATA drives and one with four M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, allowing for a total of 11 drives.

    4. Cooling System: The system is equipped with the Glacier Pro 1.0 cooling solution, featuring a VC heat spreader and dual cooling fans to manage the temperature of the APU and installed drives.

    5. User-Friendly Features: The WTR Max includes an integrated screen for real-time monitoring, a variety of connectivity ports including USB4, support for dual-channel RAM, and triple-display output.

    Aoostar has completely revealed the WTR Max, which was initially presented in China during the 2025 AMD Greater China Channel Conference. Although the company shared limited information about the system at the event, it has now opened up pre-orders for the NAS. Shipping is anticipated to begin in May, with the barebone model priced at $699.

    Upgraded Performance

    The WTR Max is an enhanced version of the WTR Pro, known for being a 4-bay NAS that features an Intel N150 at its peak. In contrast, the WTR Max is equipped with the Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS, a high-end option from the Hawk Point series. This newer system from Aoostar boasts an impressive 11-bay configuration.

    Storage Capacity

    Specifically, the WTR Max NAS includes seven physical bays, with six of them able to accommodate a 3.5-inch SATA drive each. The seventh bay is designed with four M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots (currently, a 4 TB Samsung 990 Pro is available for $279.99 on Amazon), and an internal PCIe 4.0 slot brings the total drive count to 11.

    The company emphasizes that the Ryzen APU is complemented by the Glacier Pro 1.0 cooling system. This cooling solution features a sizable VC heat spreader to maintain the APU’s temperature during demanding tasks, along with dual cooling fans positioned at the back to help cool the drives that are installed.

    User-Friendly Features

    Additionally, there’s an integrated screen that works alongside the company’s dedicated NAS control software, providing real-time data for monitoring the CPU, RAM, GPU, and other system components. The WTR Max from Aoostar also includes an OCuLink port, allowing users to expand storage via a hard drive enclosure or boost GPU performance with an eGPU.

    Other impressive features of the Aoostar WTR Max consist of a variety of connectivity ports, including a USB4 port, dual-channel RAM, an aluminum alloy chassis, and support for triple-display output. For further details about the system, you can check out the complete specification sheet linked below.

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    Aoostar WTR Max: New 11-Bay NAS with AMD Ryzen APU and OCuLinkAoostar WTR Max: New 11-Bay NAS with AMD Ryzen APU and OCuLink

     

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  • LincStation S1: Compact NAS with Dual 2.5G and 112TB Storage

    LincStation S1: Compact NAS with Dual 2.5G and 112TB Storage

    Key Takeaways

    1. LincStation S1 NAS features an Intel N97 ‘Alder Lake-N’ processor with four cores and four threads for solid performance.
    2. It supports up to four 2.5-inch SATA drives and dual M.2 2280 NVMe slots, offering a total of 112 TB of raw storage.
    3. The S1 runs on Unraid OS and includes a starter license, but does not support 10 G networking, only offering dual 2.5 G.
    4. It comes with 128 GB of eMMC storage for the OS and 8 GB of DDR5 memory, along with multiple USB port options.
    5. Early backers on Kickstarter can receive a 30% discount off the retail price of $610, but should be aware of crowdfunding risks.

    LincStation has introduced a new NAS (Network-Attached Storage) called the S1. Although it’s not yet in the crowdfunding phase, it has been showcased on KickStarter. On paper, the S1 seems to have solid specifications. The retail price for the S1 NAS is set at $610, but early supporters on Kickstarter can enjoy a 30% discount.

    Core Features and Performance

    The LincStation S1 is driven by the Intel N97 ‘Alder Lake-N’ processor, featuring four cores and four threads. This setup should provide satisfactory performance for the system’s needs. Storage is, of course, a key feature for any NAS, and the S1 does not disappoint. It can accommodate four 2.5-inch drives (SATA 3.0) and has dual M.2 2280 slots (NVMe), totalling a possible 112 TB of raw storage. Actual usable space may vary depending on the parity configuration.

    Operating System and Connectivity

    This system runs on the well-known Unraid OS, and LincStation includes a starter license with each unit. However, the S1 does not offer 10 G networking—it instead comes with dual 2.5 G. For users who primarily need the S1 for archival purposes, the absence of 10G networking likely won’t be a major issue. The S1 NAS has 128 GB of eMMC storage dedicated to the OS and other utilities, along with 8 GB of DDR5 memory. The port options are quite good, featuring dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, Type-C, and USB 2.0 Type-A ports.

    Considerations for Backers

    As with all crowdfunding ventures, it’s important for potential backers to be cautious and aware of the risks before supporting the project. For those who don’t want to wait for the campaign to kick off, they might find the 4-bay Ugreen NASync DXP4800 NAS, which is available for $700 on Amazon, to be a better choice.

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  • UnifyDrive UT2: Compact NAS with 16TB NVMe Storage Coming Soon

    UnifyDrive UT2: Compact NAS with 16TB NVMe Storage Coming Soon

    UnifyDrive has launched the UT2, a convenient backup solution designed for creatives and professionals. It supports up to 16 TB of NVMe storage and includes AI-driven data management features, making it easier to handle large volumes of backup data. This compact NAS has more to offer beyond its core capabilities.

    One-Click Backup Feature

    The UT2 comes equipped with a one-click backup option, simplifying the process of backing up SD, CFe, and TF cards. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor photographers, as highlighted by the company. Additionally, there are other methods to back up your data to this portable NAS.

    Wireless and Wired Connectivity

    With its AP Mode, the UT2 allows wireless access to the storage. Alternatively, you can connect it to your local network using the Ethernet port. The device also supports syncing data from various cloud services. In terms of connectivity, the UT2 includes an HDMI port for local media playback, supporting up to 8K content.

    Specifications and Performance

    Internally, the UT2 is powered by the Rockchip RK3588C SoC, a variant of the chip used in SBCs like the Orange Pi 5 (Pro available on Amazon). It is coupled with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage. Thanks to its 6 TOPS NPU, UnifyDrive claims that the NAS can efficiently manage its built-in AI functions.

    Additional features include a built-in battery for seamless backups, WiFi 6 support, and a data transfer speed of up to 8 Gbps. The UnifyDrive UT2 is anticipated to launch on Kickstarter on September 25.

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