The ReadyNAS NV+ can be hooked directly to a network via Gigabit Ethernet connection or connected directly to a computer via USB 2.0. You can also use the three USB ports to connect printers, and flash and hard disk drives as backup sources or destinations, or expand the storage by connecting USB storage devices. It can stream media to UPnP-compliant AV devices and function as a file, DHCP, and print server.
It was easy and straightforward to get the ReadyNAS NV+ set up to our test network with the help of the included software. We were able to detect and configure the drive with just a few clicks of the mouse. Once set up, backup can be automated or you can manually start the process by pressing on the Backup button on the front of the device.
| Drive type | Network-attached storage |
| Connector options | Gigabit Ethernet; USB 2.0 (3) |
| Available capacities | 1 TB (2x500GB or 4x250GB); 1.5 TB (2x750GB); 2TB (4x500GB); 0TB (4 empty drive bays) |
| Capacity of test unit | 1TB (4x250GB) |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 7.9 x 5.2 x 8.7 inches |
| Notable design features | Backlit text LCD on front; one-touch backup button; easy-carry handle on back. |
| RAID levels supported | 0, 1, 5, X-RAID (proprietary) |
| OSes supported | Windows; Mac OS; Linux/Unix |
| Software included | EMC Retrospect Pro for Windows (5 licenses); EMC Retrospect Desktop for Macintosh (5 licenses) |
| Service and support | 5-year warranty; toll-free phone support is available for basic questions for the first 90 days; premium phone support is available for advanced issues at a rate of $36.50 for home users (up to 30 minutes) and $75 for businesses (up to 60 minutes); you can also email tech support, consult the knowledgebase, or browse the user forums. Netgear's site also provides downloadable software and manuals. |
The ReadyNAS NV+ performed very well in CNET Labs' timed data transfer tests. It wrote the 5GB test file of mixed file types in 18 minutes, 10 seconds. It read the same file back in 13 minutes, 53 seconds. Its read speed was the fastest we've clocked for a NAS drive, and its write speed was behind only those of the Iomega StorCenter Pro 150d and the HP Media Vault MV2020.
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
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5GB read test (min:sec) | |
5GB write test (min:sec) |
