Network Hard Drive Questions

[bigjon0107]

Ok, so, i want to set up a networked hard drive. I would like to have it wireless and have the ability to be hard wired. But if it can be only hardwired that is totally ok. As you can tell i am totally lost on the topic. I think all you need is a NAS drive and a router, but i could be way off. I guess what i am asking, is what do i need to do to make this happen?

Also, would a Mac system and a Windows system on the same network? Thanks for yall's help!

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Jon,

There are several ways to accomplish what you're looking for. The EASIEST way is to connect an external (or even internal) hard drive to an existing computer on your network and set that drive up as a shared device. If that computer is on a wireless network... then voila... you've got a wireless storage device.

Good luck,

- Wil

[AndrewCCM]

I just picked up a Lacie 1TB NAS with Media Server, Gigabit, USB 2.0, and Aux USB (for additional HD)... Works great with all OS's.

Newegg - Lacie Big Disk - $259 (I believe I paid).

BTW: Media server is pretty cool... Stream Audio/Video/Photos to your aware appliances.. (Playstation 3, Xbox 360, ITUNES, etc...)

[Davidtxs]

i bought an iomega 500gb network drive at frys for about 139
thats all you need that and a network hub

[bigjon0107]

Awesome, thanks y'all for the information.

So would something like this work for what i want? Or would one like this be better? Or would a different HD work better? And i would just need a hub to go with it?

[Rson]

The newegg one is exactly what you want.

It plugs into your wireless router and creates a file server on that network. You won't need a "host computer" at all. Just plug it into the router and know the IP address of the device. (you probably can browse for it too.) once you find it or know the IP address, right click on it and select "Map Network Drive"

follow the prompt (I name my remote drive letter Z: or X:) once you are done it will show up on my computer as a drive like your installed drives.

[bigjon0107]

Which newegg one? There is 2 up there, a Western Digital and a LACIE.

[Rson]

Wd....

[AndrewCCM]

Or the Lacie.

I got the 1TB model due to the media server and Gigabit ethernet port.

[bigjon0107]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Or the Lacie.

I got the 1TB model due to the media server and Gigabit ethernet port.

According to NewEgg the 500gb model does have the gigabit Ethernet. But what is the "media server?" I don't see it as a spec on the page. Would i be able to stream music over the 500GB model? On the specs of the 1TB it says you can, but does not on the other.

I think i am going to stay away from the WD though. I read some reviews and you would have to suscribe and pay them to access your HD from the web.

[AndrewCCM]

You could access the data/music... But it won't show up in ITunes/PS3/XBOX/ETC. As I understand it, only the BigDisk (1TB model) has the media streaming server built in. Also, the extra USB expansion port was a nice addition. You can get another USB based HD later (whatever brand) and have the Lacie see it as an additional volume (and share it across the network). Keeps you from having to buy an additional NAS based product to expand.

I have only had my Lacie for a short while, so the jury is still out... but so far, I like it for the price.

[Bartman01]

Another thing to consider is:
Drobo + Drobo NAS adapter (can hook 1-2 Drobos to a LAN) + wireless bridge if you need wireless ability.

The advantage of Drobo = dummy proof RAID and expandability. You can start with 2 equally sized drives and then add more as needed (and once full even swap existing drives out for larger ones). The disadvantage of Drobo is that it is the 'smart', 'dummy-proof' RAID definitely comes with a file write speed impact - not a huge issue for backup use only but could be if you wanted to use it as a working drive for video files.

[AndrewCCM]

Don't forget cost.

Drobo is cool... But will run you at least triple if not more to get the same storage. It just depends on what you need it for. I use mine as a backup spot...not main storage...

[bigjon0107]

Ya, drobo is a bit more than i wanted to spend. But i think i am going to get the 1TB Lacie. Thanks for th help!

[AndrewCCM]

It really is a good deal when you think about it. Crazy how much space you get for the $ these days...

BTW: The Lacie is very well made... Almost looks like it could be kin to a Macbook Pro. Sturdy brushed aluminum (could be plastic or another material, but feels solid). I was surprised at how robust it felt when I received it. Now if the insides just hold up as well, I'll be happy. :)