CodeLathe TonidoPlug

Last month we reviewed the Pogoplug, which was an interesting network attached storage (NAS) device that ran Linux and was unique compared to other devices on the market. Today we are reviewing a device similar to this and that is the TonidoPlug. The TonidoPlug is a low-power home server that runs the open-source Tondio software that runs Linux and costs only $99 USD.

The TonidoPlug is powered by a 1.2GHz Sheeva ARM processor and at the heart of the Tonido stack is an Ubuntu Jaunty (Ubuntu 9.04) and shipping by default atop this Tonido stack are applications for torrents, photos, music, web sharing, a personal information manager, a private blog, search, and backup support. Other Tonido applications can also be easily installed. When a USB storage device is attached, the TonidoPlug additionally serves as a NAS.

CodeLathe is the company behind the TonidoPlug that measures in at 4 x 2.5 x 2 inches. Beyond the 1.2GHz Sheeva ARM CPU there is 512MB of DDR2 memory and 512MB of flash storage. For connectivity there is USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet support. However, unlike the Pogoplug, the TonidoPlug only has a single USB 2.0 port so a powered USB 2.0 hub is needed to connect multiple devices. The TonidoPlug is built around Marvell's ShevaPlug.

The official highlights from CodeLathe for this device include:

- Energy efficient green device
- Convert your USB drive to Network Attached Storage accessible as a networked drive
- Access your TonidoPlug using own URL
- Share and sync files, photos and music without uploading
- Drag-and-Drop file and folder uploading to your TonidoPlug from Windows, Linux, OSX from remote locations via WebDAV
- Listen to your MP3s from anywhere
- Download Torrents to your USB drive from anywhere
- Search and download your files
- Manage your calendar, contacts, and tasks
- Keep a personal blog, capture and store web snippets
- Automatic or Manual Backup of all your computers to TonidoPlug
- Stream media to the XBox 360 and PS3
- Access and share files using an iPhone-specific Tonido web app
- Extend your TonidoPlug with new apps from Tonido App store