Best network attached storage
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.
Synology Disk Station DS-107+
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 5/8/08)
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.
Read review of the Synology Disk Station DS-107+
Thecus N3200
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 9/9/08)
If you can get by the lackluster bundled software, the empty three-bay Thecus N3200 offers much to like, including lightning-fast throughput (even in RAID 5) and a useful feature set that will appeal to home and small office users alike.
Read review of the Thecus N3200
QNAP TS-109 II NAS Server
7.4 Very good (reviewed 10/21/08)
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.
Read review of the QNAP TS-109 II NAS Server
HP Media Vault MV2120 (500GB)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 6/27/08)
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.
Read review of the HP Media Vault MV2120 (500GB)
Zyxel NSA-220 NAS
7.4 Very good (reviewed 10/9/08)
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.
Read review of the Zyxel NSA-220 NAS
Iomega StorCenter ix2 (2TB)
6.8 Good (reviewed 11/5/08)
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.
Read review of the Iomega StorCenter ix2 (2TB)
Maxtor Central Axis NAS server
6.9 Good (reviewed 8/22/08)
The Maxtor Central Axis is a simple, compact, and fast NAS device that offers 1TB of storage at a fair price. Be warned, though, that it runs hot and comes with confusing desktop software, a sluggish, unintuitive Web-based interface and a limited backup application.
Read review of the Maxtor Central Axis NAS server