Package Content & Compatibility

The multifunctional front panel from RaidSonic is available in to different versions, meaning that the color is different. We actually received the black version of the front panel, although you can order the same item but then in silver color scheme. Quite normal, as most cases do come either in silver or black color, although this has changed a bit to include more color variations. The ICY BOX IB-861-B Panel comes in a firm box which details on the front the strengths of this particular multi-port panel. On opening the ICY BOX IB-861 series box our eye falls immediately upon the black front with the ICY BOX logo on the front. And no, this product is not for the low-level PC enthusiast but rather for those who really know what they want with almost unlimited support.

This unit comes with all rings and bells included; making sure that about everything is supported from connection and memory card perspective. Looking at the content of the package we can say that it is as complete as you can get. A decent bundle with each of the cables well protected and wrapped in a plastic bag. This bundle does come though more expensive then most other multifunctional front panel kits, with the main reason being that it is more complete as a whole. You just get it all, while the other manufacturers have more than one multi-port panel with lewer features. Which in essence means if you want to have all features that the ICY BOX will provide you need to buy at least two front panels...

Features

So, let's check some of the extensive features of the ICY BOX IB-861 series, and what is offered by this multifunctional front panel. In fact this front panel is both a multi-card reader and multi-port panel combined to offer all what is needed to the end user. That is truly making the difference with the other manufacturers and does set this unit apart from the competition.

• Elegant black 5,25" Docking Station
• 50 in One Memory Card Reader
  • Compact Flash Card
  • Compact Flash Ultra Card
  • Compact Flash Extreme Card
  • IBM Micro Drive Card
  • Smart Media Card
  • xD-Picture Card
  • Secure Digital Card
  • Secure Digital Pro Card
  • Secure Digital Ultra Card
  • Secure Digital Extreme Card
  • Mini Secure Digital Card
  • Mini Secure Digital Pro Card
  • Multi Media Card
  • Multi Media Pro Card
  • Memory Stick Card
  • Memory Stick Duo Card
  • Memory Stick Pro Card
  • Memory Stick Pro Duo Card
  • Memory Stick Pro Ultra Card
  • Memory Stick Pro Extreme Card
  • Magic Gate Memory Stick Card
  • Magic Gate Memory Stick Duo Card
• Full 4-port USB 2.0 High Speed Hub
• Mic, Audio Out/In, Video, 1394a Interface
• External 5V and 12V Power Connection
• External Blue LED Lighting Interface
• Supports Windows and Mac Systems

By supporting the USB 2.0 transfer speeds with transfer rate up to 480Mbit/s the ICY BOX is also backwards compatible with the USB 1.1 transfer speeds. On top of that the ICY BOX also features a FireWire 400 interface rated at 400Mbit/s. A pity that this front panel doesn't have a FireWire 800 connection, which is rated at 800Mbit/s and that, would be great for video related transfers. Nonetheless we can't complain about this front panel unit that supports already more than we could imagine.

When you put all the items together that came out of the box you will really have several items at hand. The Instructions Manual will be found first and then you will still find next to those the different cables, like USB 2.0, FireWire, audio, video and power expansion cables. The Instructions Manual features in total five languages, which is essential to install the front panel and the different cables. As it is a rather straight forward process the manual is nice to have but nothing more. Anybody who knows a bit about computers will just know that this just requires you to plug in the required cables and to stick the front panel in an empty expansion slot.

Looking just at the multi-port panel with all the connections, it does feel a bit crowed. In fact, we did ask ourselves how did they manage to get all those features implemented in such a small design? Well, they did and we are glad to see it can be done. This is truly one panel that has it all; with support for almost any memory card that current exists and on top several external data connections. So, in our eyes this front panel is the one that has it all, and we frankly didn't find anything missing on it... At least not for now.