(Jun 22, 2009)
Dong Ngo
Senior Assoc. Technology Editor
If you have multiple PCs on your network, you're a candidate for a network-attached storage device. Some NAS devices simple act as a shared volume for backing up and sharing files across your network, while others let you share a printer among your networked PCs. Some devices include an iTunes or a BitTorrent server, and some offer online storage or even work with USB web cams or network cameras to make a surveillance system. You'll find NAS devices with a single drive and those with multiple drives that allow for greater data protection or higher capacities. Here's a list of our current favorites.
MediaSmart Server LX195
The HP MediaSmart Server LX195 is a great network storage and backup device for home users. The device offers stellar performance, and great backup and remote access options for a reasonable price.
Price: $367.53 - $399.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 26, 2009
Excellent
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Synology DS209+ NAS server
Although expensive and difficult to use for networking novices, the Synology DS209+ offers awesome throughput speed and nearly all the features you could ever need in a NAS server.
Price: $298.99 - $579.99 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 24, 2009
Excellent
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QNAP TS-109 II NAS Server
The QNAP TS-109 Pro II is a single-volume NAS drive that offers a lot more than just network storage. It's a little pricier than its peers, but its many features--including PC-free downloads--are well organized and easy to use.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 21, 2008
Very good
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HP Media Vault MV2120 (500GB)
The HP Media Vault MV2120 is a two-bay NAS drive that novice networkers will find simple to set up and use. While it offers flexible expansion options with a free internal drive bay and two USB ports, the intrusive Media Vault software and lack of a print server dampen our enthusiasm a bit.
Price: $221.85 - $299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 27, 2008
Very good
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Zyxel NSA-220 NAS
If you don't need remote access and can look past sluggish RAID 1 performance, the Zyxel NSA-220 NAS drive offers a useful set of basic features, solid performance, and best-in-class Web-based management.
Price: $124.83 - $231.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 9, 2008
Very good
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Iomega StorCenter ix2 (2TB)
The Iomega StorCenter ix2 is a two-drive NAS device that offers Bluetooth support but no remote access via the Web. We don't like the fact that you can't access its two hard drives, but it still holds appeal for novice users looking for a dead simple NAS drive.
Price: $339.99 - $479.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 5, 2008
Good
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Synology Disk Station DS-107+
The Synology DS107+ is the most sophisticated NAS device we've tested to date. Its more advanced features require some networking know-how, but the included software and Web interface go a long way in helping you tackle the various offerings. You can't beat all the features you get for the price.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: May 8, 2008
Excellent
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