sylv

I've been using a QNAP TS-509 Pro (basically QNAP's 5 bay version - it has a has a faster processor and more RAM than the 4 bay version) as a media server / general storage solution for 5-6 weeks now on a home network with 2 PCs. I recently picked up the new MacBook (aluminum unibody version) and I find the compatibility quite amazing. The MacBook picks up the QNAP every time, has not experienced a random disconnect yet and has good sustained transfer rates with absolutely no tinkering (~30-40 MB / sec write speed in RAID5). The reliability has been quite impressive and there has been virtually no OFAT time. For now, I'm ripping CDs with iTunes on the MacBook directly to the NAS with no problems. The built in iTunes server is a nice addition on the QNAP when I want to pull up music in another room using one of the PCs. My reason for going with the QNAP was to avoid OFAT - that's proven to be the case for now (simple interface that's pretty easy to manipulate). The Mac Pro sounds like a fine option as well - I considered it, but since I travel a lot and use other computers, the flexibility of the MacBook + NAS (probably the same price) was the better option for my needs.

Crion is absolutely right. RAID protects only against single drive failure, but not the plethora of other bad things that could happen to your storage. SmallNetBuilder (IMO one of the better sources for personal NAS building) posted this article on the topic last year: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30060/79/ Personally have been using a QNAP TS-209 that I'm upgrading to a TS-509 in the coming weeks. For now, I will use my 209 for backup. I looked at the DROBO, but have been scared off by its proprietary drive format (i.e., if the DROBO unit fails, data recovery is only possible through another DROBO). Smart on their part to tie you to their technology, but I'm a big fan of flexibility. Will post impressions on the 509 when it comes in.