Caddie or NAS?

bandit · 2 Oct 2007 at 12:09

hi guys, struggling to decide whats the best approach for me.

i have 2 desktops, 2 laptops and a pda, all with wireless functionality

what i want to do is make certain files available to all of them at any time by plugging something into the back of my wireless router, essentially keepsing my music, videos, pictures etc on a central server.

it would also need to be a Print server so that i can print everything to my laser printer

i'm guessing the only real option is to get a NAS, as the caddie would only serve files to the pc its connected to and would not be connectable to the router?

if so i think something like the synology, which seems to be a good product but with only a single HDD space would be a good option.

another option allowing raid of those all important files would be the dLink, although i'm not sure what limitations the phrase "UPnP AV compatible network media players" causes (i assume this means any pc and my dell x52v would be ok though).

i'm leaning towards the dlink, but the synology seems to be a popular product.

Thoughts?

Mr Jack · 2 Oct 2007 at 12:21

Why not go for something like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-028-FC&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=707 ?

That seems to be doing what you're asking for straight out of the box?

badbob · 2 Oct 2007 at 12:29

I'd get a NAS, any PC on your LAN can access files on it, plus that D-Link has a printer server function. Also UPNP media but you'll need a UPNP compatible device.

I have that D-Link DNS-323 btw.

A caddy is basically just portable HD, so if you need to share files the host PC will need to be switched on, or you'll need to unplug it and fit to the other. Bit of a chore.

bandit · 2 Oct 2007 at 13:16

Mr Jack said:
Why not go for something like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-028-FC&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=707 ?

That seems to be doing what you're asking for straight out of the box?

looks good, does video etc as well which is great, however its IDE, has only one slot and has no printer server functionality.

BadBob, what do you think about the 323, is it any good?

badbob · 2 Oct 2007 at 13:28

Fine, switch it on, access files. The fan is a little bit loud though (compared to a quiet HTPC) so store it in spare room, under the stairs..does what it's supposed to do. Wouldn't mind replacing the two 320GB with two 500GB+ later on..

lsg1r · 2 Oct 2007 at 14:11

ok as I've done both a windows server box (with caddy) and a synology nas and I have pda, laptop and pc's to connect to them.

The pda (wm5) is a pita to get to link into the nas (only got ftp working so far) where as its a piece of cake to link into windows, set up a lovely windows share

bandit · 2 Oct 2007 at 14:26

lsg1r, thanks for the comments, i assume the synology is the preferred solution?