Pogoplug: Using Your USB to Access Remote Data

For anyone looking to get remote access to data, there is nothing that can compare to the Pogoplug that goes for $100. The tiny, white Pogoplug is a miniature file server that utilizes software of Linux to propagate remote connections, grab files, as well as save whatever you are working on remotely. Pogoplug will plug directly into your router and works with many USB drives such as external HD and USB keys.

On the negative side of things, Pogoplug will only work with drives that are external and it will not work with your computer's internal hard drive. Thus you have to transfer all of your computer files into a separate external drive or USB key, and then equip it with Pogoplug.

Startup of Pogoplug took all of five minutes. The hardest part seemed to be typing in the license that is 26 digits. I'm glad to announce that their most recent upgrade added a feature for auto-discovery that does away with typing in these long product keys. Now, you just need to put in the Pogoplug to the router, turn it on, and plug in a USB drive to the port. After a few seconds, it is all set for wireless access.

After initial setup, Pogoplug will be able to read and write directly to drives. The support drive formats are the following: FAT and NTFS, EXT3 and EXT2, and HFS+, for Windows, Linux, and Macs respectively. When connected to a USB hub, Pogoplug can be used to work with many drives at once. I was able to use it with both a 120GB external HD as well as a 2GB USB key.

You will be able to retrieve data from Pogoplug with either Mac or PC, and there is also an interface available for use with IPhones. The connections are protected through SSL technology.

While using Internet Explorer as my browser a 3G connection (AT&T), I was able to connect to my 2 GB USB key in only 15 seconds. All of my music, images, documents, etc. were quickly shown in the system's easy to use and well designed interface.

Pogoplug users have the option of manipulating security settings for private or public access. When giving access to private information, simply input whichever e-mail addresses you would like to allow to view the information. Pogoplug will e-mail whichever people you chose, giving them a link to the provided material.