The Iomega  iConnect Wireless Data Station has no onboard storage capacity of its own, instead it allows users to integrate all their desktop and portable USB storage devices into their network. In our opinion it’s also one of the sleekest and most compact NAS servers ever made, and its features list doesn’t disappoint either.

 

 

Setting up the iConnect proved to be a very simple task. You simply connect the device to your router in either a wired or wireless configuration, working on 802.11 b/g/n wireless protocols.  

 

After the iConnect has been connected to a router simply install the Iomega Storage Manager software on your PC (included on CD), and plug your external USB devices into any of the four USB ports on the iConnect device. Your USB drives will now be automatically connected to and accessible from any computer on your network.

 

The Iomega Storage Manager software works via an easy to use web-based interface from which you can customise individual settings on your iConnect device. If you don’t feel like using the software though you can simply access the iConnect through Windows Explorer in the same way you would access another computer on the network, but then you would have to keep it connected to your router.

 

 

The iConnect supports both the supports the NTFS and FAT32 file systems, and is compatible with PC, Mac and Linux computers, even supporting Apple’s Time Machine software which allows Mac users to easily backup their data. 

 

 

Aside from the ability to easily share files, backup data and access your data remotely, even over the internet, the iConnect has a surprising number of features for such a straightforward device. For example, the iConnect has a “QuikTransfer” button which allows users to easily backup data by copying it from one device to another.

 

Another useful addition is the iConnect’s security feature list. Once enabled, an administrator can assign access privileges for different users on the network. This feature can only be enabled on the device level however, in other words you can set access to each external storage device but not to individual folders within the devices.

 

A UPnP DLNA certified AV media server also provides users with the ability to stream photos, audio content and videos to a variety of media devices. It is compatible with the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, iTunes, digital picture frames and other Iomega products.

 

Another useful add on is the iConnect’s self download feature. With this feature the iConnect can manage your torrent downloads (supports BitTorrent) without the need for a dedicated PC.

 

 

All in all we found the Iomega iConnect to be reliable and easy to use. It executes its function perfectly and for such an affordable device we found it very impressive. If you’d like to keep connected to your external data devices or if you have an extensive network at home the iConnect will definitely come in use.

 

The Iomega iConnect has a recommended retail price of R1099 and is available from Iomega's online store.

 

Technical Specs 

* All dimensions L x W x H and are approximations.