LaCie LaPlug ($75)

LaCie announced the LaPlug, a solution to share any USB hard drive or key over a local network.

The LaPlug also offers a way to access data, at home or on the go, as well as share personal files such as vacation or birthday photos with family and friends.

Additionally, the LaPlug can stream multimedia content and backup multiple computers to one central location. All this functionality can be achieved with USB hard drives a user already owns.

Share USB Disks on Network Wirelessly
The LaPlug turns any USB hard drive into a network storage device, sharing files wirelessly throughout the home. Connect the LaPlug to the network then connect the drive to the LaPlug. Instantly the user has a way to make files stored on their USB hard drives more accessible. A user can connect a USB printer to the LaPlug and make it wirelessly available to all computers on the network.

Accessibility at Home and on the Road
LaPlug make USB hard drives supports remote access. Instead of emailing large files between friends, just give them access to the LaPlug – all they need is an Internet connection. The user can even set up a custom web address, so access to the LaPlug is as easy as typing a URL.

Multimedia Streaming
It is easy to access USB drives connected to the LaPlug from any networked equipment that’s UPnP/DLNA-certified, such as the PlayStation3 or Xbox360, as well as the LaCie LaCinema Classic HD. If a user has movies on a USB key they can connect it to the LaPlug then play the movie using the multimedia device on the network. Instantly watch movies even if the LaPlug is located in another part of the house. The LaPlug also plays music files from a USB drive or streams music to computers on the network running iTunes.

Centralize Backup
The LaPlug offers a way to automatically backup all computers in a household onto one central location. Use the included backup software or Time Machine. Either way, configure automatic backups once then rest assured knowing all data is secure. Since the LaPlug supports Wi-Fi, once the computer is configured the user does not need to connect it to the LaPlug in order to initiate backups. It works as soon as the computer is connected to the local network.

The LaCie LaPlug is available through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie PROgram+ Partners and LaCie PROgram+ Resellers starting at the suggested retail price of $74.99 (VAT included).