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for Iomega StorCenter Network Hard Drive (500GB)Click here to see CNET editors' review for Iomega StorCenter Network Hard Drive (500GB)
Setup and ease of use: 7
Features: 8
Performance: 7
Service and support: 6
Ratings explained:
Editors' rating: hard drives
We rate hard drives on a 10-point scale (see "What the numbers mean" below). Any product achieving an overall score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award, though this doesn't necessarily mean it will receive one. The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance within a specific product class. A product review remains live on our site as long as the product is sold; however, our editors continuously evaluate reviews and may update them as the category evolves. Any updates to a product review, its rating, or an Editors' Choice designation are always clearly denoted.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
(20 percent of the total rating)
Rates the out-of-box experience as well as ease of use on an ongoing basis. Specific features we look for include comprehensive, straightforward printed and electronic documentation; quick start setup charts; and all necessary drivers for the drive to function.
Features
(30 percent of the total rating)
We look for features that go beyond the basic device drivers, such as utilities to help make the drive work with older systems, cables, jumpers, ports, and rails or brackets to fit in drive bays of different sizes. For network attached storage drives, we look for features in the firmware, the intuitiveness of the Web interface, the capability to expand storage capacity, and capability to work with other network devices. We expect expensive products to offer more features than lower cost products, but we also look at each device's cost per gigabyte to determine its overall value.
Performance
(40 percent of the total rating)
Gauges the overall performance of the hard drive. Its interface, drive speed (rpm), and access time affect drive performance. CNET Labs tests hard drives with benchmarks that return access time and transfer rate data or by clocking how long it takes the drive to copy files and folders of various sizes. For more detail on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, visit the CNET Labs site. For NAS devices, we also evaluate the performance of the device's functions and responsiveness of the Web interface, and so on.
Service and support
(10 percent of the total rating)
We rate the length and quality of the warranty as well as the accessibility and accuracy of technical support. Comprehensive support options should include free and toll-free phone help, answering customer questions via e-mail, and Web support (including FAQs, downloadable manuals, and downloads).
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
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"Print Server not for All-In-One, Loud, Hot (read more)"
"Noisy, doesn't support my printer, difficult to set up. (read more)"
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