Multiple Slots, Quick Input and Output
Sonnet’s Qio (pronounced Cue-Eye-Oh) is a multi-tasking marvel. Qio reads from and writes to just about any memory card—P2, SxS, CompactFlash®, SDHC, and SATA storage systems with an eSATA interface, all at high speed. Replacing multiple standalone card readers, Qio’s dual P2, SxS, and CF slots enable you to offload files more efficiently(1), and the included adapter handles SDHC cards. Qio copies files between any cards, attached drives or host computer with aggregate bandwidth up to 250MB/sec., much faster than FireWire® or USB adapters are capable.
E4P SATA Host Controller Inside
Qio contains the heart and circuitry of the acclaimed Sonnet
Tempo SATA E4P SATA controller card. Four eSATA connectors on the back of Qio enable you to connect two Sonnet Fusion F2 portable 2-drive RAID SATA storage systems to easily copy files between them. Qio’s support of port multipliers and integrated hardware RAID controllers also enables you to connect four drive enclosures like Sonnet’s Fusion D400QR5 and Fusion D500P with access up to 20 drives!
ExpressCard/34 and CardBus Adapter Compatibility
Qio’s SxS slots double as ExpressCard/34 slots, and the P2 slots are compatible with CardBus cards. If you’re a notebook user, this effectively sextuples the number of expansion card slots available to you. If you’re a desktop computer user, Qio enables you to swap adapter cards without cracking open the case. This added compatibility enables you to utilize WiwFi, FireWire, USB, Gigabit Ethernet, and other adapters as well(1). How is this possible? Qio’s included interface card extends the PCIe bus outside your computer—Qio effectively adds expansion slots to your computer! Qio is available with either a PCIe adapter card for desktops or an ExpressCard/34 adapter for notebooks. Additional interface cards are available separately.
Travel and Desktop Companion
Qio is small—about the size of three stacked CD cases—and takes up so little space, you can use it just about anywhere. Sharing the same 15cm by 16cm footprint as Sonnet’s
Fusion F2 storage system, the Qio measures just 3cm tall. It’s rugged, too—its robust aluminium case withstands heavy use. For desktop use, a universal 12V output AC power supply with wall plugs for US, Japan, Europe, UK and Australia use is included that will power the Qio plus two attached F2s. For battery-powered operation(2), the included XLR 4-pin adapter cable can route battery power to the Qio plus attached Fusion F2’s. No matter where you use it, Qio will quickly become an essential tool.
Technical Notes:
(1) Many devices and some memory cards require additional drivers to operate or have full functionality. Software should be included with the device or card, or available to download from the manufacturer’s Web site.
(2) Battery-powered operation requires a third party external battery, not included.
- Replaces Multiple Card Readers—Comprehensive memory card compatibility with support for Sony® SxS, Panasonic® P2, CompactFlash, and SDHC cards (with included adapter)
- Built-In SATA Connections—Integrated, fast SATA host controller based on Tempo SATA E4P with four eSATA ports supports and powers two Fusion F2 SATA storage systems, or supports SATA drive enclosures with up to 20 drives(3) total
- Fast—Uses PCI Express® bus interface to deliver superior performance; aggregate bandwidth of 250MB/sec.
- Small and Rugged—Strong aluminum case measures just 5.9” x 6.2” x 1.22”
- Ships with either Sonnet PCIe Bus Extender PCIe or Sonnet Bus Extender ExpressCard/34 interface card
- Package includes Qio, PCIe or ExpressCard/34 interface adapter, interface cable, SDHC adapter, universal power supply, XLR 4-pin power adapter cable, software CD, carrying case
- Security - Kensington slot
(3) Support for up to 20 drives requires the use of drive enclosures employing either an FIS-based port multiplier, such as Sonnet's Fusion D500P, or a hardware RAID controller such as Sonnet's Fusion D400QR5 or R400QR5.
Package Contents: QIO-E34
- Qio universal professional media reader/writer
- Sonnet PCIe Bus Extender ExpressCard/34 adapter
- SDHC adapter
- Universal 12V power supply with 10-foot cable
- 1-meter external PCIe x1 interface cable
- 1-meter XLR 4-pin power adapter cable
- Carrying case
- Software CD
- User’s Guide
Package Contents: QIO-PCIE4
- Qio universal professional media reader/writer
- Sonnet PCIe Bus Extender PCIe adapter
- SDHC adapter
- Universal 12V power supply with 10-foot cable
- 1-meter external PCIe x1 interface cable
- 1-meter XLR 4-pin power adapter cable
- Carrying case
- Software CD
- User’s Guide
Mac Compatibility
- QIO-E34 – MacBook Pro (15" and 17", with ExpressCard/34 slot)
- QIO-PCIE – Mac Pro
- Mac OS X(4) Version 10.5+
- Snow Leopard tested(5)
Windows Compatibility
(4) Sonnet Tempo cards are compatible with most external SATA storage. However, external hard drives with USB 2.0/eSATA dual interface based on the Oxford Semiconductor OXU931DS storage controller chip may not be compatible with Mac OS X when connected via SATA. Known issues are kernel panics occurring when the drive is connected, or the drive not being recognized by the operating system.
Summary of external SATA storage
- Storage with eSATA alone - Compatible
- Storage with triple interfaces - Compatible
- Storage with quad interfaces - Compatible
- Storage with eSATA plus Firewire 400 and/or 800 - Compatible
- Storage with port multiplier support (multiple drives) - Compatible
- Storage with RAID 0, 1, or 5 (multiple drives) - Compatible
- Storage with eSATA plus USB (based on JMicron 20366) - Compatible
These compatible drives include, but are not limited to:
- OWC Mercury On-the-Go USB 2.0/eSATA 2.5" portable
- Storage with eSATA plus USB (based on Oxford OXU931DS) - Not compatible
These incompatible drives include, but are not limited to:
- Western Digital My Book™ Premium ES Edition™
- Seagate Technology FreeAgent™ Pro
(5) Advanced users note that Qio is not yet compatible in full 64-bit kernel boot. Snow Leopard default boots in 32-bit kernel, except in an Xserve.
