Sonnet Technologies is shipping its Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter, which enables the use of many Sonnet ExpressCard/34 cards with computers equipped with a Thunderbolt port -- including the latest Apple iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models.

They can now function as an SxS memory card reader. Sonnet supported Sony in its work to create a Thunderbolt technology-compatible Mac O® X driver to enable this functionality. This updated driver also enables full functionality of Sonnet's Qio E3 professional SxS media reader when connected through the Echo adapter to a computer with a Thunderbolt port.

High-performance SxS memory cards are used in Sony's XDCAM EX line of professional HD camcorders and the ARRI®ALEXA line of digital cameras, and share the same form factor and connector as ExpressCard/34 adapter cards. These shared traits make ingesting footage from SxS media a quick, simple task in ExpressCard slot-equipped notebook computers, according to Sonnet CEO Robert Farnsworth.

When used with the Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter, users can connect Sonnet's Qio E3 professional SxS media reader, with its ExpressCard/34 interface card, to compatible computers with a Thunderbolt port. This setup supports concurrent data transfers from SxS memory cards in all three slots for even faster file ingest speeds.

The Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter is compatible with all Mac OS X systems equipped with Thunderbolt ports. It's available now at a suggested retail price of US$149.95 through Sonnet and Sonnet resellers. For more info go to http://www.sonnettech.com/product/echoexpresscard34thunderbolt.html .