Top NAS Recommendations Please?

patwa_2

Hello,

Well after some time away I'm back on the project to get my home network up to par. Now I'm looking at NAS network attached storage devices, but the problem is that I'm looking for an all-in-one but can't find one.

I was thinking of going with the Asus WL-700gE as it has the added advantage of supporting file downloads, which is great as i don't have to leave computers on overnight, but I've read a lot of reviews that complained that the interface was very user unfriendly, with long lag times for status updates and complicated user options.

I want something that I can connect to to stream music and video, I want something I can connect my printer and other hard drives/pen drives to that I can use a one-touch duplication on (for backup), I definitely want to be able to use RAID, up to RAID 5 would be great, I want a large capacity, or the ability to add my own drives (I'm definitely going to need over 1TB) and I'd like the download option I mentioned above if possible.

I'd reallylike to just be able to buy something as a single unit that I can stick at the back of the desk, rather than going down the from scratch server route, and would appreciate some recommendations on the market leaders and the best featured units at the moment. I've been ill off and on for a while now and havn't been able to keep up with the latest gadgets on the market.

Thanks.

H.

amcluesent

IMHO most NAS as now seen as being underpowered for use as a media server. Maybe the Thecus range have the necessary power and flexibility? Otherwise look at FreeNAS with your choice of kit or wait until Windows Home Server appears later in the year.