Cool stuff: Your 2006 holiday gift guide

28.11.2006

Equal parts home network server, data synchronizer and data protector, Seagate's new network storage product is a perfect gift for the geek in your life -- even if that geek is you. The Mirra Sync and Share Personal Server connects to a router and provides easy access to a centralized network storage drive that can be accessed via a home wired or wireless network and -- get this -- via the Internet.

This device is the only network-attached storage drive we've encountered that is capable of synchronizing data across multiple PCs. If you're like us and have a desktop and laptop upstairs and a second desktop downstairs, this is a huge benefit. Not only will you be able to sync up important work files from multiple locations, but you'll also be able to keep your photos, music and other media libraries up to date.

The Sync and Share is available in 320GB ($435-$500) and 500GB ($520-$600) sizes. High-powered network file protection and the ability to restore data to failed drives round out what is an excellent network package.

-- George Jones

Wireless office headset system: Plantronics CS70