'Pogoplug' Device Makes Any USB Hard Drive into NAS

CES is the time to unveil nifty devices, and that's what Cloud Engines has done with its Pogoplug. Essentially a USB-to-NAS adapter, the small gadget connects external USB hard drives to the internet through your router.

"Consumers are buying millions of external drives to store their personal content, yet extending this content outside the home is overly difficult.," said Daniel Putterman, chief executive officer of Cloud Engines, Inc. "Pogoplug makes this possible for anyone, with no network setup or configuration."

Cloud Engines claims the setup routine will only take seconds with no network configuration hassles or other installation woes. Just plug the Pogoplug into an electric outlet, connect the Ethernet cable to your router, and attach your USB hard drive, the company says. Once the registration code is entered, end users will be able to access data from anywhere with an internet connection using Windows Explorer or Mac Finder. The Pogoplug also comes with an iPhone application, and an open API for developers to code their own nifty third party programs.

The Pogoplug is available now for pre-order through www.pogoplug.com at an introductory price of $80, with an MSRP set at $100. Shipping expected in March.

Image Credit: Cloud Engine