Sonnet Shipping Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter

Sonnet Technologies Inc. announced that its new Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter is shipping and available for purchase.

The adapter enables users of computers equipped with a Thunderbolt port, including the latest Apple iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models, to connect with compatible ExpressCard/34 cards from Sonnet and other manufacturers. Originally intended for notebook computers, ExpressCard/34 adapters offer users additional connectivity and functionality beyond what is available through their computers’ stock configuration.

"With our Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter, users can now extend the capabilities of their Thunderbolt Technology-equipped Macs like never before. With a single Thunderbolt adapter, they can instantly add connectivity to their computers, whether increasing the number of ports, incorporating new interfaces, or adding peripheral devices that otherwise could not connect through a Thunderbolt port," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "By hot-plugging and swapping ExpressCard/34 cards, users have unprecedented flexibility to change interfaces and devices when needed."

The new ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter supports most PCI Express-based Sonnet professional ExpressCard/34 adapters and specialty adapters from other manufacturers. Supported cards range from CompactFlash and SDXC UHS-I card readers to FireWire 800 and eSATA adapters. The new Thunderbolt adapter also supports ExpressCard adapters supplied with specialty devices such as the AJA Io Express. Sonnet expects other manufacturers’ ExpressCard/34 products to become compatible as their drivers are updated to be Thunderbolt technology-aware.

Since announcing this product, Sonnet has received inquiries about this product’s compatibility with SxS memory cards, because they are designed to interface with an ExpressCard/34 slot. Based on testing in Sonnet’s lab, it is expected that the Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter will be compatible with, and transfer data at full speed from SxS memory cards once Sony makes available an updated driver that is Thunderbolt technology-aware.

Developed by Intel and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt technology supports high-performance data services and high-resolution displays through a single compact port. The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter supports PCI Express 1.1 technology with 2.5Gbps throughput in both directions. The Sonnet adapter connects directly to a computer or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain with a Thunderbolt cable (available at the Apple Store).

The Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter (part number ECHO-E34) is compatible with all Apple computers running Mac OS X and equipped with Thunderbolt ports.

It is available through Sonnet’s distribution channel at a suggested retail price of $149.95.