Categories
Entertainment

Amazon’s updated grocery delivery program has some strings attached

[ad_1]

After asserting itself as an overshadowing presence in retail, Amazon is still experimenting with ways to leave a similar mark in groceries. The company’s latest tweak to its service lowers the minimum price for free grocery deliveries to $35. However, most customers using the service will also need to pay a $10 monthly subscription in addition to having a Prime membership ($15 monthly or $139 annually).

To participate, you must live in one of the 3,500 supported cities and towns in the US. (When signing up, it will let you know if your primary shipping address isn’t supported.) The service offers unlimited grocery deliveries from Amazon Fresh, the Amazon-owned Whole Foods and various local and specialty partners. Those include Cardenas Markets, Save Mart, Bartell Drugs, Rite Aid, Pet Food Express, Mission Wine & Spirits and more.

The subscription includes one-hour delivery windows where available, unlimited 30-minute pickup orders and priority access to the company’s Recurring Reservations. This feature lets you pick a guaranteed weekly grocery delivery window. To use it, you’ll need to pick your weekly two-hour slot at least 24 hours in advance.

An Amazon Fresh worker in a neon green vest loads Prime Fresh groceries into a hatchback with a child grinning in the backseat. The person loading the groceries smiles back. An Amazon Fresh worker in a neon green vest loads Prime Fresh groceries into a hatchback with a child grinning in the backseat. The person loading the groceries smiles back.

Amazon

People using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other government assistance programs can get the same grocery delivery benefits for half the price ($5 monthly). If you fall in that camp, you can get those perks without needing a Prime subscription on top of the subscription fee.

It remains to be seen if this latest iteration of the program will stick since Amazon’s strategy has been all over the place. Early last year, the company increased the minimum checkout price for free grocery deliveries from $35 to $150, then dropped it to $100 (while voiding the Prime requirement) about 10 months later. If you like this version of the program, cross your fingers that Amazon doesn’t change it again in a few months.

Before rolling out the program’s latest version on Tuesday, Amazon tested it in Columbus, OH, Denver, CO, and Sacramento, CA, in late 2023. The company says over 85 percent of survey respondents who used the service were “extremely” or “very” satisfied, leaving high marks for its convenience and savings on delivery fees.

You can see if the program is available in your area on Amazon’s groceries sign-up page. If it is, you can try it free for 30 days before paying.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Categories
News

Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite network attached storage NAS with dual 2.5 Gbps ports

Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite network attached storage NAS

Asustor has this week introduced the Drivestor 2 Lite, an entry-level NAS designed for home or small office use. The Drivestor Pro Gen 2 NAS, is powered by a Realtek RTD1619B Quad-Core CPU with a 1.7 GHz frequency, which enhances both CPU and GPU performance. The Pro Gen 2 offers network speeds up to 2.5 Gbps in compatible networking environments.

Both models support Btrfs file system, allowing users to create snapshots for real-time data protection and recovery, particularly from ransomware attacks. Asustor emphasizes the importance of data safety and security through these features. Additionally, both NAS storage devices come with a three-year warranty.

At the core of the Drivestor 2 Lite is a Realtek RTD1619B Quad-Core CPU, which operates at a speed of 1.7 GHz, supported by supported by 1GB of RAM of DDR44 RAM. This processor is the powerhouse behind the device, ensuring that both the central processing unit and the graphics processing unit perform at their best. What this means for you is that you can expect smooth multitasking and media playback, without any hiccups or slowdowns. Whether you’re streaming videos or backing up large files, the Drivestor 2 Lite is designed to keep up with your workload.

Drivestor 2 Lite NAS

In the digital world, speed is everything. The Drivestor 2 Lite shines in this aspect, with network capabilities that support data transfer speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps. This is especially important when you’re dealing with large files or need quick access to your data. With such rapid transfer rates, you can rest assured that your operations will run efficiently, saving you time and frustration.

But speed isn’t the only priority. The integrity of your data is paramount, and the Drivestor 2 Lite takes this seriously. It uses the Btrfs file system, which is known for its robust approach to data protection. One of the key features of this file system is snapshot technology. This allows you to take a ‘snapshot’ of your data at specific points in time, so you can easily roll back to a previous state if something goes wrong, such as accidental deletions or a ransomware attack. It’s like having a time machine for your data, providing peace of mind that your information is safe.

Backing up your data is crucial, and the Drivestor 2 Lite has you covered with a range of comprehensive backup solutions. These options ensure that your files are not just protected but also easily retrievable in case of an emergency. It’s like having an insurance policy for your digital assets, giving you the confidence that your data won’t be lost even if disaster strikes.

Asustor stands behind the quality of its products, and this is evident in the three-year warranty that comes with the Drivestor 2 Lite. This warranty is a statement of the company’s belief in the durability and performance of its storage solutions. It offers you an extra layer of security, knowing that your investment is protected for years to come.

To sum it up, the Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite NAS is a robust and secure storage solution that excels in performance and reliability. With its powerful CPU, high-speed network capabilities, advanced data protection features, and versatile backup options, it’s equipped to handle the storage needs of today’s digital landscape. And with the added reassurance of a three-year warranty, you can trust that your data is in good hands. Whether you’re a home user or running a small office, the Drivestor 2 Lite is ready to serve as the cornerstone of your data management strategy. Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of network attached storage solutions :

Filed Under: Hardware, Top News





Latest timeswonderful Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Categories
News

Building a DIY ARM Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution

how to Build an ARM Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution

Jeff Geerling has published an interesting tutorial revealing how he has built a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system that balances power efficiency with strong performance can be a highly satisfying endeavor. At the heart of such a system, is a ASRock Rack ALTRAD8UD-1L2T Motherboard . This motherboard is energized by an Ampere CPU that boasts 32 cores, similar to those used in AWS Graviton processors. This combination is particularly appealing for those who are somewhat familiar with technology and are eager to construct a dependable NAS setup.

The ASRock Rack motherboard is designed with a “deep microATX” form factor, which provides more room for additional components than a standard microATX board. This extra space is crucial for a NAS that needs to be both expandable and efficient. The motherboard’s 2U cooler is tailor-made to keep the Ampere Ultra Q32 CPU at the ideal temperature, ensuring the system runs smoothly and lasts a long time.

When it comes to a NAS, the variety of ways it can connect to other devices is key to its success. The ASRock Rack motherboard comes with a suite of connectivity options, including PCIe slots for expansion cards, DDR4 RAM slots, SAS and Oculink connectors for different storage devices, M.2 slots for SSDs, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast network connections. These features allow you to customize your NAS to meet your specific requirements, making sure it can grow and adapt as needed.

How to build an ARM NAS

The NAS will be equipped with 64GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, which helps maintain data accuracy by correcting errors. For the system’s boot drive, a Kioxia XG8 NVMe SSD has been chosen for its speed and dependability. The storage capacity is impressive, combining six 20TB Seagate Exos drives with four 8TB Samsung SSDs, offering over 150TB of total storage space.

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of network attached storage :

For the NAS’s housing, the HL5 chassis from 45Drives has been selected for its exceptional quality. Although it comes at a premium, the chassis is expected to provide lasting durability, making it a worthwhile investment. The motherboard, while intended for enterprise use, is a cost-effective option when compared to typical enterprise solutions, offering a good balance between price and performance.

The installation begins with mounting the motherboard inside the HL5 chassis. Next, you’ll connect the power supply, which is essential for providing consistent power to all the components. Then, you install the RAM and the cooling solutions, including the 2U cooler for the CPU.

Once the system is powered on for the first time, it’s crucial to troubleshoot to ensure that the RAM is detected properly and that the system boots without issues. With these steps confirmed, you’ll move on to install Rocky Linux, an operating system compatible with ARM64, which sets the foundation for your NAS.

This guide has provided a walkthrough for creating an ARM-based NAS that is not only power-efficient but also robust and versatile. It offers a wide range of connectivity options and a significant amount of storage capacity. Stay tuned for a follow-up article where the network storage performance of this build will be evaluated in detail.

Filed Under: Guides, Top News





Latest timeswonderful Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Categories
News

UGREEN NASync DX480T Plus NAS network attached storage

UGREEN NASync DX480T Plus CES 2024
At the renowned CES 2024 event in Las Vegas, UGREEN has introduced its new network attached storage NAS device, the NASync DX480T Plus, and an array of vehicle accessories that cater to the modern consumer’s needs. The tech community gathered from January 9-12, where UGREEN’s booth became a hub of interest for those eager to see the latest advancements in technology.

The NASync DX480T Plus stands out as a compact yet robust NAS device, boasting an impressive 16 TB of SSD storage and 32 GB of RAM that can be expanded to accommodate the growing data demands of users. At its core, the device is powered by a 12th gen Intel Core i5 10 Core processor, ensuring swift and efficient performance. The inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports on the NASync DX480T Plus allows for rapid data transfer, making it an ideal solution for individuals and businesses with substantial storage needs.

UGREEN didn’t stop there; they expanded their NAS offerings with the introduction of the NASync DXP8800 Pro and DXP4800 Plus. These additional models are equipped with the latest Intel CPUs, expandable memory options, and multiple storage bays, ensuring that there’s a suitable option for a variety of user requirements.

UGREEN NASync NAS network attached storage platform

UGREEN NASync specifications

Turning to the automotive world, UGREEN’s new line of vehicle accessories demonstrates their dedication to innovation and practicality. Among the standout products is a portable tire inflator equipped with a digital display that provides accurate pressure readings. For those needing more functionality, a larger inflator model includes an LED light and customizable pressure settings. UGREEN also introduced a 300-watt car power inverter, which features an LED screen and transforms a car’s cigarette outlet into a versatile plug-in adapter with AC outlets and USB ports, all while incorporating safety protections.

For emergency situations, UGREEN has thought of everything, including a 10000mAh jump starter that’s capable of starting engines up to 4 liters in size or 2.5L diesel vehicles. Additionally, they’ve unveiled a handheld vacuum cleaner designed for easy vehicle maintenance and a portable EV charger that offers convenience for electric vehicle owners on the go.

UGREEN’s presence at CES 2024 underscores their commitment to delivering products that blend high performance with convenience, meeting the demands of today’s tech-savvy consumers. The NASync DX480T Plus NAS device and the comprehensive range of vehicle accessories are a testament to UGREEN’s focus on creating solutions that enhance the user experience in both the digital and automotive realms. The UGREEN NAS is coming to Kickstarter in March, you can find out full details over at the UGREEN website.

Filed Under: Hardware, Top News





Latest timeswonderful Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.