LaCie Ethernet Disk mini – Home Edition 500GB

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Network-attached storage (NAS) sounds like a scary concept, but is really quite straightforward. However, while most external hard disks require little more than plugging in via USB to be ready to save files, an NAS disk is a bit more complicated to set up. Which is largely why LaCie has won the Gold Award – it comes with a set-up and configuration procedure that is significantly better than any of its rivals.

Initial configuration is done using a simple wizard. Once completed you’ll see the disk appear on all your computers (in the Networks section), and you can tap into further settings through a web-based configuration. You can access this even when you’re away from your network.

The disk comes with personal, family and back-up storage spaces already configured and with back-up software that will automatically synchronise your chosen files and folders (keeping an up-to-date copy of your My Documents folder, for example). You can also keep your music on it, and share it via a pre-installed UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) server.

On the capacity side, you’re getting a good-sized disk for the money and the price tag won’t break the bank. And as NAS disks go, it doesn’t look too bad – so you don’t need to hide it away in a corner.

The only downside is that we found the drive a little noisier than most – not so much that it would be a problem generally, but it was certainly noticeable next to some of its rivals.

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