Home NAS Recommendation

[cjp87]

Sorry if this is a common topic for passers-through to post, but I can't seem to find a good old thread that mentions all of the things I'd like to know about in a recommendation.

I'm primarily looking for a home backup/media serving solution, though the media serving won't be super-intensive. Here's a checklist of the things I can think about wanting to do with it:

• Backup both OS X and Windows laptops (Time Machine, Windows 8+). Being able to backup to the NAS over WAN would be great, but not necessary.
• Store and access files over LAN as if they're local files (so just accessing them via Finder/Explorer)
• Store and access files over WAN in the same manner (if possible-- if this isn't feasible, then no big deal)
• Play stored media (music, videos) on OS X, Windows 8+, Windows RT, iOS, and Android devices (the more of these systems supported the better, I have devices using each of these OSes). This would just be over LAN. I have up to 1080p files, but if transcoding will bump up the price a whole lot, then I can just format the files as necessary before storing them.
• Use Adobe Lightroom's Smart Preview feature (stores catalog with previews on local drive, RAW files on NAS).

I probably don't want to go over a 2-bay drive due to space, price, and power concerns. For the price range, I'm a little flexible, but obviously better value is appreciated. I'm shooting to stay under $300 without drives. Some that I've looked at include Synology's DS213j and DS214, as well as the Asustor AS-302T (there's an open-box model on Newegg for $250). But of course, I'm open to other suggestion as well.

Thanks for any help, and if I need to give more information for a good recommendation, just let me know.

 

[fastman]

I like my Synology's capabilities as it does everything I ask it to do. Although I can't testify as to everything you want it to do, I'd look up it features and see if it meets your needs.

 

[Muse]

I like my Synology's capabilities as it does everything I ask it to do. Although I can't testify as to everything you want it to do, I'd look up it features and see if it meets your needs.

Seems there are a whole lot of Synology NAS's to choose from. What do you have? I've seen offerings from them from ~$150 to ~$500, and I'm sure they expand beyond this range. I'm trying to get a handle on what I want/need/will be satisfied with. Seems like I could buy or assemble a network server machine, but that's more daunting than choosing an NAS, and maybe has more potential problems...

 

[fastman]

Seems there are a whole lot of Synology NAS's to choose from. What do you have? I've seen offerings from them from ~$150 to ~$500, and I'm sure they expand beyond this range. I'm trying to get a handle on what I want/need/will be satisfied with. Seems like I could buy or assemble a network server machine, but that's more daunting than choosing an NAS, and maybe has more potential problems...

The basic DS213j is what I have and it works great with two 2Tb drives. Once they get old I'll up them to what ever is popular in the day.

 

[boomhower]

The basic DS213j is what I have and it works great with two 2Tb drives. Once they get old I'll up them to what ever is popular in the day.

What transfer speeds are you getting?

 

[cjp87]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I ended up going with the Asustor AS-302T. Reviews were positive, and it apparently runs on the same SoC as the Synology DS214play. I also got a couple of 3TB WD Reds to fill it up. Comes in a couple of days, should be fun to play around with and get going!

 

[fastman]

What transfer speeds are you getting?

Did some quick transfers and looks to be anywhere from 30-36 MB/second but I remember a while back seeing it up to 50? Likely depends on the file size etc. This is with two WD Blacks FYI.