Earlier this summer, Verbatim revealed its MediaShare home network storage system. A new mini version coming soon affords all the same functionality, except it's meant for those who already have an external hard drive and don't need the integrated storage space.

MediaShare allows users to view a computer's contents, including everything from photos to music, from virtually any Internet-connected computer in the home. Files can be easily downloaded or uploaded from one computer to another using the device as a conduit. Connect an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or memory card reader, depress the Easy Transfer button, and the device's contents will immediately transfer over to the MediaShare's 1 TB (terabytes) of internal storage.

The idea behind MediaShare mini, explains Becky Morrison, Senior Manager, Marketing Communications at Verbatim Americas, LLC, is to afford the same functionality for those customers who already have an external hard drive (or two, or three) and don't necessarily need, nor want, to fork over the $200 for another terabyte of storage space. The much smaller (and lighter!) mini, which will sell for half the price at US$99, does not, as noted, have a hard drive. But it does come equipped with four USB inputs, an Ethernet port, and a DC 12V port. In terms of capabilities, it functions identically to its larger sister device.

MediaShare supports Apple Time Machine (for Mac computers running OS X), or Windows Backup for networked PCs. Music stored on MediaShare can be streamed to any networked Mac or Windows using iTunes. The device (both full-sized and mini versions) is DLNA-enabled, and thus can communicate wirelessly with other DLNA-enabled devices; from TVs to smartphones. An eSATA port allows for the quick transfer of files from another external hard drive. "Transfer files," explains Morrison, "and the MediaShare will essentially mirror that drive."

A really neat feature is the ability to also stream files from a smartphone, like the iPhone or BlackBerry. However, this will require a yearly subscription fee of $20. A 30-day trial is offered, for those who wish to try out the service. Up to three users can also be programmed into the MediaShare devices, while the premium subscription allows for an unlimited number of persons.

Those who are impressed with the features of the MediaShare, but aren't quite ready to fork over two-hundred bucks for the hefty device, will appreciate this miniature version. It'll especially come in handy for customers looking for an easy way to transfer and stream files; and for those who managed to pick up an ample terabyte drive or two at that last blow-out sale.

For those who don't yet have an external hard drive, and have plenty of videos, photos, music, and other content on their computers, Verbatim will be sweetening the deal by launching a 2 TB full-sized MediaShare device next month. That model will sell for $199.99.

While Verbatim is known for PC peripherals of all kinds, from flash USB memory cards, to CD/DVDs, and mice, the company will be focusing a lot of its efforts going forward on portable external hard drives. Part of this focus will include a tie-in with the fight against breast cancer. Verbatim has teamed up with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as the Canadian Cancer Society, for a one-year contract that will see US$8 donated to the organizations for every hard drive sold. Look for the promotion to hit its stride with specially-packaged pink products come October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, at retailers like Staples and London Drugs.

Becky Morrison, Senior Manager, Marketing Communications at Verbatim Americas, LLC, poses with the company's new MediaShare mini home network system.

Verbatim will be donating a portion of the sale of hard drives, as well as other products, to help in the fight against breast cancer. Shown here is the 1 TB Acclaim drive, which will be available over the coming weeks (pink version in October.)

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