IOGEAR’s ShareStation costs $80 and allows you to share USB devices. Smart, huh? You can share just about any USB-based device across multiple computers that are connected to the same network.
IOGEAR cautions that “Users may not achieve optimum audio/video streaming performance when connecting to the USB Net ShareStation through a wireless Ethernet router,” if you were to share, say, a USB hard drive, but it looks like most other devices that don’t require lightning-quick reflexes should do just fine — printers, scanners, and whatnot. You can plug the device into a 4-port USB 2.0 hub, too, and do a little four-way sharing. Very nice.
Press Release from PRNewswire.com,
IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation Enables USB Device Sharing Across a Network
Allows access to hard drives, flash drives, printers, speakers or Webcam as if they were directly connected to the users’ computer
IRVINE, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire/ — Small office and home users now have a simple, cost-effective solution to share USB devices, such as external hard drives, flash drives, printers, speakers and Webcams, across a network with IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation.
Workers can use the product to access external hard drives to save files that are readily accessible to other employees on the network. They can print, scan or fax from any connected computer, as the USB Net ShareStation supports Mutli-Function Printer sharing. Connecting the product to a wireless router also allows users to wirelessly share USB devices, while reducing cable clutter.
IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation lets audio enthusiasts access USB speakers connected to the network and stream audio throughout the home or office. The product provides high throughput rates, ensuring that the sound transfers in optimal quality. Individuals can also use the device to access a connected Webcam as a low-cost surveillance solution if they want to monitor activity in an alternative room.
“With multiple users in a home or small office, individuals need a simple, cost-effective way to share USB devices if they can’t access them directly,” said Miranda Su, executive vice president at IOGEAR. “Our USB Net ShareStation lets consumers access any flash drive, hard drive, printer, speaker or Webcam on their network, greatly increasing productivity as they can work off of USB tools as if they were connected directly to their computer.”
The product can support up to four USB devices simultaneously by connecting an AC-powered 4-port USB 2.0 Hub. It complies with all USB 2.0 specifications and is compatible with Windows(R) 2000, XP and Vista operating systems. IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation is priced at $79.95 (MSRP) and available immediately from all major catalog and online resellers, as well as select retail outlets. It comes with IOGEAR’s standard three-year warranty.