The 4TB LinkStation Quad Network Hard Drive from Buffalo is a high-capacity hard drive array with a Gigabit Ethernet interface. It can be configured in a variety of RAID schemata, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10; the drive ships in a RAID 5 configuration.
In addition to providing simple network storage, the array can serve as a network server for USB 2.0 storage devices. You can even use the included backup software to schedule data backups to USB drives.
The array is easily integrated into your network, making it easy to share files among users. You can even integrate it into your wireless network by plugging it into your wireless access point or router. The included Memeo AutoBackup software lets you back up data from your network. These features make the drive an excellent solution for media streaming, data backup or general storage in small networks.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4TB |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Processor | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Memory | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Interface | 1x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 port |
| Ports |
2x USB 2.0 1x RJ-45 Ethernet |
| Drivers | |
|---|---|
| Supported | Not Required |
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Mac |
Mac OS X 10.3.9
1
Please Note:Windows is required for initial setup close |
| Windows | Windows 2000, Server 2003, XP, Vista, Server 2008 |
| Hardware | Ethernet network |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting Orientation | Desktop |
| Power Requirements |
AC: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz Consumption: 45W |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 41-95°F (5-35°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.9 x 5.9 x 9" (15 x 15 x 22.9cm) |
| Weight | 12.5 lb (5.7kg) |
Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Buffalo 4TB LinkStation Quad Network Hard Drive:
Good drive, very simple
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Buffalo 4TB LinkStation Quad Network Hard Drive:
This NAS has opened my eyes to the media possibilities around my house. Once I discovered that this Linkstation had a built-in media server that would effortlessly connect to my LG BD390 Blu-ray player, and that I could then stream movies and music right to my television, stereo, computers, and even my iPhone...well now I'm consolidating my entire DVD collection and music library over to the Linkstation. The DVDs can get out of the family room and go in a box in the garage. The Linkstation is connected to my DIR-655 wi-fi access point. My MacBook now backs itself up wirelessly to the Linkstation using Time Machine on Snow Leopard...fabulous! Setup (except for Time Machine...see below) was very simple...it's practically plug-n-play, as long as you accept the default RAID 5 format that is preconfigured. Since that's exactly what I wanted, I had it connected and working on my network in minutes!
Would be 5 stars...except: The WebAccess interface is kinda slow, and could definitely be improved, but I love that I can get to my files from any web browser. Would also like to see Buffalo provide an iPhone app dedicated to this device, since having to go through Safari is a little tedious and inconvenient, and requires that the web folder permissions be "allow anonymous". Should be able to at least use a username and password. They do tout iPhone compatibility on the box...so it should be a priority to simplify the connection to iPhones. And I didn't get the https/ssl stuff to work either. Encrypted transmission would make me feel much more secure. And the Time Machine backups took a while to get working, presumably due to changes in Mac OS X 10.6 (not listed on the box yet...updated drivers needed?). There were a few tweaks I had to discover on my own on the Mac forums to get it working with this NAS, and it would be nice if Buffalo would provide a cheat sheet to help Mac users get this working rather than leave them to discover the tweaks on their own. They do provide backup software on a CD, but most Mac users probably will want to go with Time Machine.
But even though the software side of this device could use a few improvements, the hardware is just amazing...fast, quiet, sleek - love it! It's made me rethink my entire home network, and opened my eyes to the world of streaming wirelessly. And the peace of mind knowing it is always there, backing up my Mac as I go along...well that's priceless! ;-)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Buffalo 4TB LinkStation Quad Network Hard Drive:
Ok, Im sure that someone with extensive computer experience will have relatively no problem getting the most out of this. I unfortunately am not one of those. Fiddled with it about 2-3 hours before giving up and calling Buffalo support. Spent another 2 hrs with support going through various firmware updates, Vista fixes, reboots, etc, etc. Still not working the way I want it. Have reconfigured numerous times...takes forever to reconfigure drive and change RAD configurations...takes about a minute to start up and about 30 seconds to shut down. Not user friendly for the average person in my opinion. I havent even starting tackling using it remotely via my network.
Anyway, if your very proficient with computers, you will probably enjoy this product to its fullest. I am what I would call more familiar with computers that the average person and am pulling my hair out trying to get it set up the way I want.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Buffalo 4TB LinkStation Quad Network Hard Drive:
4 TB for less than $600. Great choices for configuring RAID based on needs. Very flexible.Great features for accessing via web (http/https), FTP, VPN (if you have one). The media server is amazing for music and movies on a LAN, but haven't been able to stream it via WAN or to my iPhone (both supported) because it's only supported via http, not https.Drawbacks (which are totally manageable) are:1. The documentation is sparse (you can download more complete manuals)2. Configuring takes figuring out (the help isn't all that intuitive for newbies)3. Online access via [@] isn't immediate when configured (but once it is, it's flawless)4. Lights as status (other than normal operation) aren't intuitive5. Slow to spin up if used in automatic mode
Displaying reviews 1-4