Buffalo Linkstation Duo 4TB High Performance Multimedia Shared Raid Network Storage ( NAS )

I have been using this product now for a few month. to the point no waffle

1. Its very easy to use with the web settings and offers every thing I need.

2. It has not given any errors.

3. piece of mind having backups on the NAS and having them mirrored should a drive fail.

3. allows ftp access and web access

4. simple easy reliable worth the cash thanks.

The Linkstation is my first Buffalo product. In the past 2 months this 4TB NAS has performed in a satisfactory way. The device is smaller, lighter but slightly noisier than expected; it comes with a European plug adapter too. I recommend users to update the BIOS asap and use it in ON, not AUTO mode, with a scheduled on/off timetable. The setup is quick and easy, as well as the software installation on any Windows 7 or Vista PCs that are part of the network.
I use it mainly for backups and data sharing, although it works very well also for music streaming and picture viewing across the home. It works smoothly with a PS3 and my wi-fi enabled AV receiver too, except for AVCHD video streaming, which I manage to achieve only with a PC.
The biggest issue that you could have with the Linkstation is its slow speed during large data transfers, such as a full desktop backup: it might last an entire night, and then some, for tasks exceeding 1TB, making proper planning/scheduling essential.
Overall, I think the Linkstation Duo 4TB is good value for money if it proves to be reliable in the longer term. Buy it for its large and easily accessible storage space, not for its speed.

I'm giving this a 2 star rating because of my disappointment in the ease of set up of the Buffalo Linkstation Duo 4TB High Performance Multimedia Shared Raid Network Storage ( NAS )

Other reviews have said this is easy. I disagree. I bought this because I thought it would be an easy plug and play NAS device. I've worked in IT for 16 years as a SAP programmer and although I don't get involved with PC's, networks or the such like, I have got a technical background and can work these things out. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to with this device. If you're used to setting up a NAS I expect it's straight forward, but if you a non techi I think you might struggle, and if like me you're reasonably technical you might just get frustrated, swear and waste a few hours.

The manual while seemingly comprehensive actually misses quite a few little important details. I wanted to set it to RAID1, it defaults to RAID0, simple enough you'd think. The instructions are correct on how to set it to RAID1 but omit the basic fact that you have to delete the ARRAY first then recreate it. Then when trying to get it to work with the Mac Time Machine, they miss out that you have to tick the 'Disc Backup' option on the folder setup, the screen print shown does not have this option ticked. It also omits to say that your Mac computer name should not be more than 8 chars. These are things a Google search found for me. These are just two omissions, there may be more. It also seems that all their different devices have slightly different screens, so the manual warns you of this, but I think really you should have the correct manual, or keep the front end the same for all your devices.

Also the setup disc is pretty rubbish too. When you run it (it didn't auto run) you think you'll be prompted with a setup wizard etc. but no, you have to work out that you have to logon to the NAS device and start configuring it.

Sorry to be a downer, but I think these days that setup should be much easier.