Drobo Review (Gen 3)

Like most DROBO GEN 3 units before it, the new Gen 3 features the easy-to-use BeyondRAID storage technology, which protects data against a HDD crashes and failures and with a very user-friendly interface. The BeyondRAID technology also enables first and second generation owners to switch over to the Gen 3 by simply removing the disk pack from their current Drobo and moving it to their new one, allowing for seamless and hassle-free data migration. All Drobo models are bundled with Smart Volume technology, which are thinly provisioned volumes that automatically use capacity from a common pool of storage when needed. Once data is deleted, free capacity is returned to that common pool, instantly increasing the available capacity.

Another handy feature of the Drobo is their battery backup technology, which protects all data in memory or in cache. When it unexpectedly loses power, the Drobo moves any in-flight data to onboard flash to protect it. Data will then be moved to users’ disk drives once power is restored. In addition, the battery recharges itself and Connected Data boldly claims it is designed to last for the entire lifespan of the Drobo.

The Drobo Gen 3 is priced and is backed by a 2-year warranty.

The Drobo Gen 3 has a familiar look-and-feel of the previous gen Drobo devices, which is a complete black build enclosed in solid metal to help keep the DAS cool. Drobo also uses plastic for several other parts, including the door and the bay enclosure. Though the exterior enclosure feels solid, some of the glossy plastic pieces may be scratch prone depending on usage. That said, this is a really slick looking device.

The front of the Drobo is very simplistic looking, only displaying the logo at the top and two sets of four drive status LEDs, which are located on the right side and bottom.

The Drobo Gen 3 provides completely tool-less access to its carrier-less bays, which is found by removing the magnetic front bezel (or faceplate) from the device. Once removed, there are four bays that each have a drive lock. We found the locking mechanisms to have a nice, snug feel to it when drives are secured in place. To the right of the drive bays are the drive bay indicators on the right (green for active) and a power indicator on the bottom.

What is the Garmin Vivoactive?

The GARMIN VIVOACTIVE is a fitness watch that cuts all the fat, and some of the muscle, off the higher-end Garmin Forerunner runner’s watches. It delivers a GPS tracking device in a package that looks and feels like a lifestyle smartwatch.

Typically priced between £141 and £159, it’s around the same cost as cheaper Android Wear watches, and a little less than the Pebble Time. It’s also less than the more recent Fitbit Blaze. While the Blaze has the advantage of including an optical heart rate monitor, the Garmin Vivoactive has the edge where it comes to GPS tracking being built in. As the Vivoactive supports ANT+ sensors, you can still at least bolster and augment its capabilities if you find it lacking with accessories such as heart rate monitor chest straps.


But can it really compete with fully-fledged smartwatches? Yes, but only if you’re a bit of a fitness freak. It lacks the wealth of apps available with watches that run Android Wear and PebbleOS, and isn’t quite as hot for notifications either. However, excellent battery life and a side order of smartwatch smarts enable it to cover both bases well enough for most people. If you’re in the market for a new fitness tracker, or even a keen golfer, the Garmin Vivoactive is worth considering.



Garmin Vivoactive – Design, Screen and Battery Life

The Garmin Vivoactive could be described as the Pebble Time’s ugly sister (granted, it actually came out first). Its watch face is square and flat, lacking the gadgety flair of the many showy smartwatches out there.

It isn’t going to turn heads, but there’s a charm to its fairly low-key style. It’s slim and far smaller than many a full-on runner’s watch, or any Android Wear watch. While Garmin probably envisioned the Vivoactive as being the cooler cousin to its more obvious fitness-obsessed wristwear, in this class it’s rather unobtrusive. And we like that.

Design-wise, Garmin could have made a little more effort. While we’re not too put out by the basic rubber strap in a sub-£200 watch, does it really need to have strap holes running so far up it that even a mouse’s arm couldn’t fit into the tightest setting? Of course not – and in tandem with the square face, there’s a slight calculator-style geekiness to the look.


Luckily, it will be easy enough to tart up the Vivoactive a little with a replacement strap. Garmin offers several styles: a leather one costs around £20, and a softer silicone strap is available for around £10-12.