WiebeTech RTX400-QR

The WiebeTech RTX400-QR is a sturdy but portable RAID back-up storage system with a convenient, built-in handle on top. Why a handle? The system was actually initially aimed at forensics photographers who needed the handle to carry it more easily from crime scene to crime scene to archive images.

For the studio photographer, the built-in handle may not be as important, but it certainly does make it easier to move around. We also like the "just the facts ma'am" esthetics of the RTX 400-QR which is clearly designed with law enforcement officers in mind.

There are no fancy bells and whistles or bright flashing lights. All the ports are clearly labeled. A simple LCD screen gives you status. We also like the tray-less bays in this RAID enclosure which can fit up to 4 tb of storage using one Terabyte drives. Adding a new drive is a snap—just open the door, slide the drive in and close the door behind. No screws or trays are needed. Just the facts, ma'am.

We also like the small footprint and the relatively light weight (16 pounds) of the RTX 400-QR. (Not too crazy about the name, however.) The system features two cooling fans which are temperature-activated so they only spin when the drives are hot to make it run more quietly.

With a quad interface—FireWire 400/800 and USB 2.0 or eSata—offering a maximum of 100 mb/s data transfer rates and a variety of RAID configurations including RAID 5 for complete redundant back-up, the RTX 400-QR has just about everything your studio will need for storing your shots. To overlook it because it's made by a company you might not recognize would be a crime.

Cost: $899 (User configurable base model) Further information: www.wiebetech.com