New units are the perfect digital companion accessory for professional as well as advanced amateur digital photographers; both are available in four different storage capacities 

Gummersbach, Germany (February 25, 2009) – JOBO AG announces today two new portable image storage devices – the GIGA Vu SONIC and the GIGA one SONIC.

For professionals that need high-end secure back-up of their digital images, the new GIGA Vu SONIC portable image storage device features an ultra quick download speed of up to 1 GB of data in 30 seconds, TRUE RAW decoding of numerous RAW image files, four hard disc capacities up to 250 GB, a large high resolution 3.2” color display and numerous picture functions.

For the more budget-minded digital photographer, the affordable new JOBO GIGA one SONIC features extremely fast picture storage (transfers up to 1GB of data in less than one minute), a long-lasting battery, four hard disc capacities up to 200 GB, a 1.8” LCD display and convenient operation via five easy-to-use buttons.

“On-the-go storage and retrieval of digital image files has become a day-to-day fact of life for busy photographers,” said Johannes Bockemuehl-Simon, JOBO’s CEO. “Not only are these new units extremely fast when it comes to downloading all digital data for safe and reliable backup storage, they are available in various capacities and price points sure to please any photographer looking for the best backup protection their money can buy.”

These new PC and Mac compatible image storage devices accommodate all popular media cards featuring slots for CompactFlash (CF) I/II, Microdrive, SecureDigital (SD), SDHC, (Memory Stick) MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, and MultiMediaCard (MMC). In addition, the GIGA Vu SONIC can store and display digital data in popular file formats such as JPG and even various specific RAW camera formats.

Jobo GIGA Vu SONIC Photo provided by Jobo AG

GIGA Vu SONIC Specifications:

• 80, 120, 160 or 250 GB hard disk
• Display: high resolution 3.2” QVGA color display (320 x 240 pixels)
• Ultrafast data transfer incl. data verification function (1 GB in 30 sec)
• TRUE RAW decoding of numerous RAW image files
• Functions: thumbnail view of pictures, slide show, picture rotation (90°, 180°, 270°), picture deletion, multi-level zoom function, user interface skin options, copying and deleting of files and folders, histogram display
• Supports incremental backup (synchronization between memory card and hard disk, automatic incremental backup to most recent folder, manual incremental backup to user defined folder)
• Memory card slots for: CompactFlash I/II, MicroDrive, SD, SDHC, MMC, MS, MS Pro, MS MagicGate, MS Select, MS PRO MagicGate
• USB 2.0 high speed with OTG function
• Connection to PC: USB 2.0 high speed (backwards compatible to USB 1.1)
• Battery: rechargeable Li-ion battery (3.7 V, 2200 mAh)
• Battery capacity: up to 250 GB data transfer
• System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9.x, 10.x & higher, Linux
• Dimensions: 133 x 75 x 25 mm
• Weight: 280 g
• Included in the package: USB cable, AC adapter (100-240V), car adapter, carrier bag, instruction manual

Jobo GIGA One SONIC Photo provided by Jobo AG

GIGA one SONIC Specifications:

• 80, 120, 160 or 200 GB hard disk
• Extra fast data transfer (1 GB in less than 1 min)
• LCD display: 1.8“ (monochrome)
• Connection to PC: USB 2.0 high speed/full speed, USB 1.0 compatible
• Memory card slots for: CF type I & II, MicroDrive, SD, MMC, xD, MS, MS Pro, MS Duo/Pro
• Data transfer modes: from memory card to GIGA one SONIC, from GIGA one SONIC to memory card, from GIGA one SONIC to computer (via USB)
• Operation: 5 control buttons
• Internal Li-ion battery (3.7 V, 2200 mAh)
• Battery capacity: up to 120 GB data transfer
• System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9.x, 10.x & higher, Linux
• Dimensions: 127 x 73 x 20 mm
• Weight: 240 g
• Included in the package: USB cable, AC adapter (100-240V), car adapter, carrier bag, instruction manual

The new GIGA one SONIC is USB 2.0 compatible, features a battery Status indicator, energy-saving function, large 1.8” LCD screen, and a sturdy aluminium casing. In addition, the new GIGA one SONIC’s LCD screen clearly displays the amount of hard drive disc space available as well as the status of every download.

Available next month worldwide and showing for the first time in the U.S. at PMA 09, the GIGA Vu SONIC is offered with four different storage capacities – 80GB, 120GB, 160GB and 250GB. Retail prices are respectively: GIGA Vu SONIC: € 329,00 (80GB), € 369,00 (120GB), € 409,00 (160GB), and € 449,00 (250GB); GIGA one SONIC: € 189,00 (80GB), € 229,00 (120GB), € 269,00 (160GB), and € 329,00 (200GB).

About JOBO AG
JOBO is a family-owned company now in its third generation of family leadership. Having been founded in 1923, it has built up a reputation for quality, professionalism, and commitment. These core values remain their keys for continuous success in times of vast technological changes, growing markets, and globalization.

Through innovation and ingenuity JOBO has created standards within the imaging industry. For example, JOBO created the product class of small-volume, high-quality photo processors. And NASA pictures of the first flight to the moon (Apollo 11) were processed using JOBO equipment.

JOBO is also one of the first exhibitors of the most important photo trade shows in the world – photokina, founded in 1950. This year JOBO celebrates its 85th anniversary and 30th time at photokina which took place in Cologne, Germany, September 23-28, 2008. Continuous close interaction with photo dealers and end users has been critical in making JOBO an indisputable market leader in the world of photography.

Jobo GIGA Vu SONIC Photo provided by Jobo AG