PocketCloud debuts as portable, modular alternative to traditional personal NAS

StationPC has unleashed the PocketCloud as a new alternative to a personal NAS - or a mini-PC, as its slim 6 x 3.6 x 1-inch aluminum alloy shell has its own USB type-C and -A ports as well as a slot for SD cards. 

They are located next to the new drive's magnetic pins to line up with the PocketCloud's optional Magnetic Dock, which also houses a 2.5Gb Ethernet port.

Either part of the modular system can hold up-to-1,625 MB/s) M.2 NVMe SSDs of up to 8TB each in capacity and supports transfer speeds of up to ~1,000MB/s (over USB-C). 

Undocked, the PocketCloud is rated to stay on for up to 6 hours per charge thanks to dual 3,200mAh batteries that are also replaceable, thereby potentially enhancing its lifespan. Its inbuilt 0.96-inch color LCD display and control knob also limit the need for an external monitor or peripherals. 

Accordingly, StationPC asserts that it is the ideal companion to keep the user's smartphone, camera or laptop backed up in real time and at all times.

The drive is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android or iOS, and can be set up to back up to a user's Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive

The PocketCloud runs on its own "smooth" software which, while backed to stay private and secure with the option of local log-ins within a LAN as well as streamlined and user-friendly, also negates the flexibility and versatility of personally configuring one's own NAS.

It is currently available as a reward on Kickstarter, starting at $199 (or $100 off its initial retail price), or $289 ($139 off) for a PocketCloud + Dock bundle - although installing an 8TB WD Black SN850X would cost another $549.99 on Amazon at the time of writing.

It has accrued just over 581,000 Hong Kong dollars (HKD, or nearly $75,000) despite starting off with a goal of just 30,000 HKD (~$3,900) on Kickstarter.