Connecting Your USB Devices Had Never Been This Easy!
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Get the hottest scoop on the network world today –the ShareStation! ShareStation or USB Net ShareStation model GUIP204 i manufactured by Iogear. This is a tiny but handy device that can share up to four USB- devices to your switch or home router (whether wired or wireless). Once connected with your router, any linked computer can easily have an access to any USB- enabled devices connected on the same network.
What’s so excellent about ShareStation? Its very versatile interface allows connection of any USB-enabled devices such as flash drive, external hard drive, speaker, webcam, multi-function printer (MFP), memory card reader or speaker to a network of different PC users. A multi-function printer, for example is not so capable of printing for multiple PCs or some network attached storage or NAS devices. With ShareStation however, it can easily connect the multifunction printer and USB-enabled devices. You can work anywhere and print wirelessly to a multifunction printer. Plus, you don’t need to worry so much on print settings. It’s as if you’re sitting next to your PC and printer!
Another wonderful thing about ShareStation is its low cost and its ability to cut costs. Iogear priced it at $85 only. Due to its ability to support external drives, multiple users can use the USB drive to back up their systems and to copy their files. USB Webcam support, on the other hand creates a security system that can view someone else’s work via network. This serves as a simple and low cost monitoring gadget. Clearly, the ShareStation, can cut the costs of several PC supports, printer devices and security systems.
What are some of the not so good things about USB ShareStation? There are disadvantages attached to using this gadget. The setup is not so reliable. You might need to install and reinstall the system over again to be recognized by your PC’s operating system. You’ll be needing ShareStation driver and Iogear software if your computer requires access to any USB devices. Other device driver software such as Webcam software and printer drivers may also be needed.
Another lapse is that the system doesn’t support simultaneous multiple users. For example, if one computer is “linked” to a printer, the second user may not be able to print unless the first user disconnects. The disconnection of USB devices follows certain steps also. If you’re working with Windows, you have to do the “safely removal of the hardware” before going to the “disconnect” menu.
There are various methods to access ShareStation basing on your operating system either Windows XP or Vista. On Windows XP, accessing the device would only require the client software. Working with Windows Vista on the other hand will require you to open the network window and to select the particular device.
This four port USB ShareStation is again a good invention that purposely ease the lives of many PC users. Its versatility can be enjoyed by everyone especially those who wants to enjoy their PCs from anywhere in their office and home. Although there are some disadvantages, these outweigh the benefits that can be gained from this very affordable device. Overall, this gadget is a better buy indeed!