CMS Peripherals has announced the release of an update to ABSplus. It’s a PCMCIA-based automatic backup system for notebook computers. While this product is presently compatible with Windows PCs only, CMS says that they’re working on a Mac version, too.
ABSplus works with CMS’ Automatic Backup Systems (ABS) for laptops — hard-drive based peripherals that automatically copy the contents of the laptop’s hard disk when connected through the PCMCIA peripheral expansion interface. The new update provides the ability to boot from the ABS, and the user has complete access to all data on the drive.
The ABSplus itself is about the size of a deck of cards, said CMS — it uses a 2.5-inch notebook hard drive, and incorporates a PCMCIA interface that connects to the bottom of the unit. Users unfold the PCMCIA interface, plug it into their notebook, and the software recognizes the drive and begins a backup.
CMS said the files are kept in their native formats when they’re copied to the ABSplus; after the initial backup, the ABSplus only makes incremental changes, saving time and power. The ABSplus is bus-powered, as well.
“Drivers for USB and Macintosh versions are currently under development,” said CMS.
ABSplus is available in capacities from 6GB to 30GB, with pricing starting at US$329.