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January 2, 2009
High Performance Marvell Based ExpressCard
A Review of the Sonnet Tempo SATA Pro ExpressCard/34 installed in the Apple MacBook Pro
Sonnet Technologies is shipping the Tempo™ SATA Pro ExpressCard/34 ($299.95) two port external eSATA adapter for MacBook Pro. This innovative product uses the same Marvell chip found in the high performance Sonnet Tempo E4P PCI-Express card to provide enhanced eSATA performance. This ExpressCard looks similar to other cards. However, the faster Marvell 88SX7042 PCIe to Serial ATA controller chip found inside the card can provide much higher performance than a Silicon Image or JMicron based eSATA ExpressCard. The purpose of this review is to determine how the Sonnet Tempo SATA Pro ExpressCard/34 will perform with the Apple MacBook Pro.
System Requirements
Mac OS X Version 10.4-10.5 and Windows.
Requires a Notebook with an available ExpressCard/34 slot.
Supports up to two external SATA hard disks using direct connect method.
Supports up to ten external hard drives using two, 5-bay PM enclosures.
If your MacBook Pro requires the fastest eSATA ExpressCard on the market then you will want the Sonnet Tempo SATA Pro ExpressCard/34. This new Marvell based hardware can provide 30-40% higher direct connect RAID 0 performance than any other ExpressCard/34 currently available. Mac OS X SMART application support is another great feature provided by the Sonnet "Pro" ExpressCard. This article was updated on February 14, 2009 to reflect improvements available in the Sonnet Tempo Pro ExpressCard/34 version 2.1.7 driver.JOIN AMUG!
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Contact Information:
Sonnet Technologies, Inc.
8 Autry
Irvine, California 92618-2708 USA
Phone: 1-949-587-3500
sales@sonnettech.com
Copyright 2009
Arizona Macintosh Users Group, Inc. (AMUG). Visit AMUG at www.amug.org for news, discounts and friends. JOIN AMUG!
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AMUG writers are unpaid volunteers. Readers should understand that all AMUG reviewers have a specific idea of what makes a product great. This same criteria may not always apply to your specific needs. Product that is sent to AMUG for review is either kept by AMUG for on going educational purposes, used to support volunteer activities, used for raffle, general meetings, sold or returned to the company. Links from the AMUG web site to Amazon, Newegg or other vendors may generate a small commission or credit for Arizona Macintosh Users Group, Inc. Should AMUG receive a commision or credit it is used to help fund AMUG services and operations.