NAS

Thecus N5500

Thecus' N5500 is, like all of Thecus' lines, best suited to the professional user who doesn't mind tweaking the unit to get the most out of it.

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  Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440

  Although Seagate BlackArmor is difficult to use for networking novices, it is a good choice for small business and advanced users.

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  Promise SmartStor NS4600

  The SmartStor NS4600 ticks the required feature boxes for being a NAS, but is in dire need of an interface overhaul and some features simply don't work.

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  Thecus N7700

  The N7700 is one heck of a NAS box if you need something to take seven drives and have nowhere to put a rack mount unit.

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  Netgear ReadyNAS NVX

  The ReadyNAS NVX is a highly capable network storage appliance that will work equally well in a small or medium-sized business or at home.

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  QNAP TS-509 Pro

  The QNAP TS-509 Pro comes highly recommended — it's a flexible NAS with an interface that's gaining usability as time goes on.

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  Synology DS209

  The Synology DS209 is an excellent little unit, with a more complex than necessary set up routine. Still for those looking for a highly featured, high performing NAS with an easy to use and flashy menu, it's certainly a compelling choice.

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  Netgear ReadyNAS Pro

  With the ReadyNAS Pro, Netgear has proven it's still king of the hill. However, some interface quirks, inelegant recovery from catastrophic volume failure, and poor volume, user and share management may put some users off.

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  Meridian Sooloos Music Server

  The Meridian Sooloos is a modular music server with an easy-to-use interface and one of the best Random modes we've seen. The downside? It's expensive.

  Specs: Music server , Ethernet, Stereo audio, Coaxial , MP3, WAV, AAC, Apple Lossless, CD audio, FLAC