Sharkoon Technologies has just revealed its USB LANPort 100 and LANPort 400, two adapters targeted to aid users in connecting USB enabled devices to a local area network. This couple of adapters support an Ethernet connector and either one or four USB ports for plugging in memory like flash drives, external or portable HDDs or SSDs, as well as printers and docking stations.
Both adapters are delivered with a tool CD, a patch cable so you can connect it right out of the box, as well as a power adapter. With such a compact and unobstructive design, the LANPorts are easily integrated on any needy office desk, without standing out or ruining the overall design.
Even better, thanks to the magnetic backplate (magnetism does not do quite good to USB drives and portable hard drives, so try not to get them close), you can even attach the adapter to the PC case (although not recommended, in my personal humble opinion) or any other metallic surface.
Compliant with Windows XP, Vista, as well as Windows 7, both 32 and 64-bit, the LANPorts are capable of delivering the easiest way of making the necessary settings using the included software.
Getting to real-life usage, I would see this used by lazy people so they won’t have to do a file copy on their own, just plug a USB dongle into the adapter, and let their roommates or office colleagues search for their needed files; as for more serious business, these will accurately serve for sharing an external USB hard disk drive over the network so everyone gets access to a briefing or project presentation.
Last but not least, sharing printers and scanners in a matter of minutes will provide versatility for home offices. Pricing for the LANPort 100 should be at $35.55, while the LANPort 400 should reach $55.58.