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Any NAS recommendations?

Posted on January 17, 2008 by Jeremy Toeman

My Maxtor Shared Storage is starting to die, so I’m looking into a new NAS solution (mom, NAS stands for networked attached storage, and it’s basically like computer memory except attached to the network.  it’s not actually computer memory at all, but that’s not important right now).  I have an Infrant ReadyNAS NV+ I use at work, and while I think it’s a great device, it’s a little too loud for my home.  I’m considering the DroboShare option as well, except I use that at the office too and feel that it plus the drives is more than I want to spend right now for a second unit (disclosure: I have consulted for Drobo in the past).

Here are my needs:

  • No software install required for use
  • Mac and Windows support
  • Browser-based configuration
  • 500+ GB HDD
  • Power save mode – I don’t want the drives spinning 24/7 for both conservation and longevity purposes
  • UPnP support – must be able to stream to my Sonos, preferably to my Xbox 360 as well
  • Quiet – it’s going to be out in the open somewhat, I’d rather not have to hear it at all
  • Automated backup – optional, I don’t mind doing this manually

My Shared Storage does all of the above, but from user reviews on Amazon, the modern replacements seem to get terrible writeups.  I haven’t really researched it, but I assume I cannot simply swap out the drive (I will definitely check into this more as well).

The two I’ve found so far that seem to be the best fit are the Iomega 33455 and the Buffalo LS500GL LinkStation Pro.  CNET doesn’t seem to have any clear winners in the category, so that wasn’t much added info.  I tried retail, but Best Buy barely stocks any (there was ONE unit in the local store), CompUSA is busy selling the shelving of their fail, and I am just scared of OfficeMax.  Anyone have any input/recommendations?

ps – per a great conversation I had with Robert Scoble and Rafe Needleman tonight, I’m going to try to write a daily post with no influence from TechMeme whatsoever.  It’s not to say I won’t chime in on some widely discussed topics, but I think I had more satisfaction from the ol’ days.  But that could also be some early senility setting in.  This post counts.

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Posted in Networking | 12 Comments
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12 thoughts on “Any NAS recommendations?”

  1. tivoboy says:
    January 17, 2008 at 6:16 am

    I like the buffalos, and have had one of their NAS for 2+ years now. The pro offers most of what you are looking for.

    Buuut, not really sure whey you cannot clone the drive in the maxtor and replace? It isn’t as if the drive is married to the device.

    Reply
  2. Gold says:
    January 17, 2008 at 8:26 am

    Thank you! It’s almost clear…..

    Reply
  3. kwiry kid 2 says:
    January 17, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    I saw this at the Lacie booth at MacWorld today. I like its small form factor. Not sure how loud it is, but it’s reasonably priced for a 1TB NAS ($300).

    http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10882

    I’ve also looked at the Buffalo’s ‘mod friendly,’ geeky older brother, the kuro box. It’s a fully customizable Linux NAS (which violates your first plug and play criteria), but seems pretty cool.

    Reply
  4. tivoboy says:
    January 17, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    The upgraded version of this is currently on sale, and rebated for a total price of 170$ AR. I would probably just pull that trigger.

    CircuitCity.com has the Buffalo LinkStation Pro 500GB LAN/USB 2.0 Shared Network Storage External Drive for $300 – 10% off $199 with coupon code PUA6J27A7U [Exp 1/19] – $70 rebate [Exp 1/19] – $30 rebate [Exp 1/19] = $170 with in-store pickup only. Hook this up to your network for 500gigs of shared storage. Unit features 2 built-in USB 2.0 ports for expandability, Built-in Print Server, DLNA Certified.

    Reply
  5. CBO says:
    January 18, 2008 at 5:02 am

    Right now it still has some quirks that I read about here and there. But I would suggest Windows home server it is very flexible. In case you want to DIY it just to your liking or buy one from HP right know that support streaming to your xbox also the hp one i think has an Itunes server app tossed in. One article stated thats it not fast compared to most NASes but it very functional. So I guess its a trade off thats worth it.

    Reply
  6. Patrick S. says:
    January 18, 2008 at 6:43 am

    Well, I do admit that I love the Buffalo gear … But for other options, I run 2 good old Linksys NSLU2 that requires hacking (but it’s easier than making toasts in the morning) to fulfill the needs I inherited a HP MV2010 which is surprisingly a great product (too bad HP is dropping it). Does all that is required and is just plain simple to use. My bet is that is going to be dirt cheap since the HP moved to a new line.
    Patrick S.

    Reply
  7. Dave Zatz says:
    January 18, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    I have a 750GB Maxtor USB drive hooked up to my Apple Airport Extreme. Unfortunately, that router is in major need of a firmware update – sometimes the drive is visible, sometimes it’s not and transfer times seem too slow.

    Reply
  8. stephen says:
    January 19, 2008 at 1:12 am

    cheaper and better to build a little pc

    use a motherboard with ich9r…
    raid5 6 disks max…

    many many choices of os’s

    ram is practically free these days… 4gb costs like $70
    a dual core processor… $125

    Reply
  9. Paul Sop says:
    January 19, 2008 at 1:55 am

    The Dlink DNS-323 (I think that’s it) is good:

    – Quiet
    – Power-saver mode
    – Does the uPnP
    – Browser based configuration (formatting, users, shares, time, dhcp, yada yada)
    – Does the streaming (just dump music in a directory — it acts like an iTunes server)
    – Works with Windows and a Mac (although the initial basic setup util is windows only — i ran it on my Mac on an emulator). After 2 seconds with the initial setup, it’s all browser based.
    – I have two 1TB drives in mine (it does the mirroring, striping, two separate disks, etc…) It’s 1.9 TB formatted
    – It has a Gigabit interface. One of the few that do.
    – You can share printers off of its USB (works pretty well)
    – Has many other features. You can put new software on it too.

    I am very happy with mine. Cost about 200 bucks without drives! I’ve bought a few for the office and friends too.

    Reply
  10. Pingback: Jeremy Toeman’s LIVEdigitally » Blog Archive » The Toemeister! Makin’ Copies! Toemaramaman!

  11. Dan Hughes says:
    January 27, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    Netgear’s ReadyNAS line is what I’ve been looking at myself. They recently introduced a Duo model that features gigabit ethernet, UPnP server, iTunes share compatibility and a built-in BitTorrent client. Only downside is that it only has 2 drive bays. Price starts at $500 for the unit and one 500GB drive.

    http://www.netgear.com/Products/Storage/ReadyNASDuo.aspx

    Reply
  12. jamie says:
    August 1, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    Desperately seeking a no longer wanted old Maxtor shared storage plus drive. My one’s power supply board has gone wrong but the drive is still OK, Can’t find any other way of reading data off my drive other than getting a similar old one and putting my drive in it. Please help anyone!?

    Reply

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Jeremy Toeman is a seasoned Product leader with over 20 years experience in the convergence of digital media, mobile entertainment, social entertainment, smart TV and consumer technology. Prior ventures and projects include CNET, Viggle/Dijit/Nextguide, Sling Media, VUDU, Clicker, DivX, Rovi, Mediabolic, Boxee, and many other consumer technology companies. This blog represents his personal opinion and outlook on things.

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