Sonnet Launches Echo(TM) 5+ underbolt(TM) Dock

Sonnet Technologies has begun volume shipments of its new Echo(TM) 15 Thunderbolt(TM) 2 Dock, a full-featured, 16-port docking station for computers with Thunderbolt ports. Featuring an optical drive and an internal drive bay, the Echo 15 offers users a central hub to connect any Mac(R) or Windows(R) computer with a Thunderbolt port to multiple peripheral devices.

"The Echo 15 is the ultimate docking station for users to connect every device they need, including current and legacy devices -- even the latest Ultra HD 4K displays -- and expand their storage for backup or increased capacity in a single desktop device that connects to their computer with a Thunderbolt cable, said Greg LaPorte, vice president of sales and marketing, Sonnet Technologies. "With the option to add internal storage supporting data transfer rates of up to 750 MB/s, as well as the ability to read from and write to optical media including Blu-ray(TM) Disc, Sonnet s Echo 15 Thunderbolt 2 Dock is the go-to station for flexible connectivity."

Using the peripherals supplied cables, a user can plug up to 16 devices into the Echo 15 , including printers, keyboards, mice, cable modems, external hard drives and SSDs, displays, headphones, speakers, microphones, and Apple(R) iOS devices. The user can instantly connect a computer to all of those devices simply by plugging it into the Echo 15 using a single Thunderbolt cable (sold separately). The Echo 15 offers a wide range of interfaces, including four for USB 3.0, two for 6Gb/s eSATA, one for FireWire(R) 800, and one for Gigabit Ethernet, as well as two 3.5 millimeter audio inputs, two 3.5 millimeter audio outputs, and dual Thunderbolt 2 ports to support daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt peripherals. USB 3.0, audio input, and audio output ports are conveniently placed on both the front and back of the enclosure, enabling users to leave frequently used devices connected to the back ports and easily disconnect less-needed devices from the front ports. Each of the dock s USB 3.0 ports can charge an iPad(R), iPhone(R), or iPod(R), even while the computer is disconnected, off, or sleeping; all four ports provide 7.5 watts of power.

In addition to its docking capabilities, the Echo 15 offers customers their choice of a built-in 8x DVD RW drive, a Blu-ray BD-ROM/8x DVD RW drive with Blu-ray player software for OS X(R), or a Blu-ray burner 4x BD-R/8x DVD RW drive. The Echo 15 also provides space, mounting support, and 6Gb/s interfaces for one 3.5-inch or two 2.5-inch internal SATA drives. The 6Gb/s SATA interfaces deliver maximum performance to support a pair of SSDs at up to 750 MB/s or an HDD at its maximum speed -- providing high-capacity storage for use by a Mac computer as a Time Machine drive, to back up the computer s data, or to store an ever-growing media library.

For deployments in which the computer is located away from the workspace, such as when equipment is secured in a centralized machine room, the Echo 15 at the user s desktop can be connected via an optical Thunderbolt cable and Sonnet s Thunderbolt 2 expansion systems. For instance, the user could connect the Echo 15 , equipped with all needed peripheral gear, to a Mac mini computer mounted up to 60 meters away inside a Sonnet xMac(TM) mini Server Thunderbolt 2-to-PCIe(R) expansion system or RackMac(TM) mini rackmount enclosure installed in an equipment rack in the machine room. Sonnet offers optical Thunderbolt cables in popular 5.5- and 10-meter lengths.

The Echo 15 s rugged aluminum case is engineered to effectively dissipate heat and is sturdy enough to support the latest 27-inch iMac(R) all-in-one computer or a large format display up to 34 inches. The dock supports Sonnet s ThunderLok(TM) Thunderbolt connector retainer clip (sold separately), which slides over a standard copper Thunderbolt cable and screws into the back of the Echo dock to prevent accidental disconnects.

The Echo 15 Thunderbolt 2 Dock with DVD RW Drive (part number ECHO-DK-DVD-0TB) is now available for $469. The Echo 15 Thunderbolt 2 Dock with Blu-ray Player (part number ECHO-DK-BD-0TB) is now available for $499. The Echo 15 Thunderbolt 2 Dock with Blu-ray Burner (part number ECHO-DK-PRO-0TB) is now available for $599. More information on this product is available at www.sonnettech.com/product/echo15thunderboltdock.html. More information on Sonnet and its other products is available at www.sonnettech.com.

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About Sonnet Technologies

Sonnet Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of Thunderbolt(TM) 2-to-PCIe(R) card expansion systems; pro media readers; RAID storage systems; and storage, network, and other interface cards for pro users in the audio, video, and broadcast industries. Sonnet s Thunderbolt expansion products enable the use of pro audio I/O and DSP cards, pro video capture and transcoding cards, network and storage interface cards, and other high-performance PCIe cards with Thunderbolt technology-enabled computers. For nearly 30 years Sonnet has pioneered and brought to market innovative and award-winning products that enhance the performance and connectivity of Mac(R), Windows(R), and other industry-standard computers. More information is available at www.sonnettech.com.

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