About almost a year ago, I decided to buy a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. A what? Well, a NAS is essentially a harddisk that is connected to a network (instead of connected directly to your computer). My experience with NAS'es, however, is not the primary reason for writing this post. I wanted to share with you my process of buying the NAS device.
So what did I do?
I made a list of interesting devices. Based on reviews, based on names I've heard, that matched my primary criterion: a dual hard drive solution (configurable as RAID 1 (two harddrives in one device, that are exact copies of each in case one disk fails)) with a network interface. As energy isn't free either (and a NAS is at least idle 24x7) and I'm not reckless when it comes down to the effects of energy consumption on our planet, I took energy consumption into account as well. Additionally, I had a few, secondary wishes, features, things that I would appreciate. The end score was made up by dividing the total energy consumption score by the feature score, and so I ended up with this top 3:
As I heard some (sorry, can't be more specific about this anymore) bad stories about the LaCie NAS, I decided to go for the Buffalo Linkstation Mini. It also looked simple, small, and attractive. So I bought it. And I was really happy with it (it actually was simple, small and attractive), until it said 'poof' (and a series of beeps). I lost my data on the dual harddrive NAS (actually I had to trade off guarantee v.s. recovering the data). It turned out that, with all my rationality behind the decision I had been overlooking something quite important: I bought a RAID1 solution for extra data security, but I couldn't access the internal buffalo drives without breaking the warranty. What is the use of having two harddrives, storing the same stuff, if, in case one fails, you can't open up the box and try to recover what is left? The device couldn't be replaced, and so the shop offered me to select a replacement in the same price class. Luckily they were offering my third choice as well, the Synology DS209j. Which harddrives could be replaced. And that one is still up and running. But its not powered on 24x7. Its not functioning as a print server. I use it as a backup, every now and then. Stream music from every now and then...
Anyway. In this attempt of 'rational' decision making, I overlooked some crucial features, and took into account deal changing features that proofed to be of little to no importance to my daily use. So I'm wondering, even with this over rationalization during the buying process, the process was, with hind sight, obsolete. Maybe the spreadsheet I made was just an artifact of me going through all kinds of brands. Something that helped me reflect on things. But it was a time consuming process. I should be able to this better, right?
Enjoyed this? Follow me on Mastodon or add the RSS, euh ATOM feed to your feed reader.
Dit artikel van murblog van Maarten Brouwers (murb) is in licentie gegeven volgens een Creative Commons Naamsvermelding 3.0 Nederland licentie .