Best network attached storage 2011
By Dong Ngo
Senior associate editor
If you have multiple PCs on your network, you’re a candidate for a network-attached storage device. Some NAS devices simple act as a shared volume for backing up and sharing files across your network, while others can do a lot more, such as sharing a printer among your networked PCs, acting as a media streamer or even a surveillance system by supporting IP cameras. You’ll find NAS devices with a single drive and those with multiple drives that allow for greater data protection and higher capacities.
Here’s a list of our current favorites. This list is updated regularly as more devices are reviewed.
LaCie Wireless Space (2TB)
Home users, especially those who want an alternative to their Time Capsule, will find a lot of appeal in the LaCie Wireless Space because of its appearance and simplicity. Advanced users, however, will likely find its performance and features lacking.
Price: $215.00 – $329.00 (check prices)
3.5 stars
Good
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Buffalo CloudStor Pro NAS server
Based entirely on the Pogoplug service, the Buffalo CloudStor Pro NAS server makes a great investment for Pogoplug fans. Its lack of support for general local network features will make others think twice about getting it.
Price: $224.95 – $329.99 (check prices)
3 stars
Good
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Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition – NAS server
The Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition makes a very good simple home NAS server. Advanced users who need more control over their storage and remote access might want to look elsewhere.
Price: $129.95 – $203.40 (check prices)
3.5 stars
Very good
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Synology DiskStation DS1511+ 
The DiskStation DS1511+ is arguably the best five-bay NAS server on the market for both home and office environments. Novice and home users, however, might be intimidated by its setup software and the number of features it has to offer.
Price: $816.99 – $943.99 (check prices)
4 stars
Excellent
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Synology DiskStation DS411slim
Despite a few shortcomings, the Synology DiskStation DS411slim makes a worthy upgrade from its processor, the best-of-its-time DS409slim.
Price: $313.99 – $318.00 (check prices)
3.5 stars
Very good
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Synology DiskStation DS410 – NAS server
The Disk Station DS410 is one of the most affordable four-bay full-feature NAS servers on the market. While it’s overwhelming for novice home users, advanced users will also find it to be one of the best RAID 5-capable NAS servers for their home or small business environments.
As shown: $479.99 (check prices)
See manufacturer site availability 3.5 stars
4 stars
Excellent
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Synology Disk Station DS710+ 
For those who possess decent networking know-how, the Synology Disk Station DS710+ makes an excellent NAS server for any environment. It’s best suited for home office and small-business applications.
Price: $477.99 – $556.99 (check prices)
4 stars
Excellent
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Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 (2TB)
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server makes a good, affordable backup and storage center for home and small office environments where only simple file sharing and data backup are needed. Keep looking for alternatives if you want more advanced NAS features.
Price: $299.99 – $319.99 (check prices)
3.5 stars
Very good
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Synology Disk Station DS409slim
The Synology Disk Station DS409slim makes an excellent NAS server for both home and small business applications, and it fits especially well in offices with limited space.
As shown: $399.00
See manufacturer site for availability
4 stars Excellent
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QNAP TS-259 Pro
The QNAP TS-259 Pro is a dual-bay NAS server that offers great performance and features for a high premium. It’s a device best suited for environments with high networking demand and for those who possess an intermediate to advanced know-how of networking.
Price: $510.99 – $589.00 (check prices)
4 stars Excellent
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