Vantec NexStar FX Gigabit Ethernet External NAS Adapter - Model NST-600NU

Pros: I ordered this because I also bought a printer that is in no way network ready. I first tested this on another printer I own that is in that same boat (as the new one I just ordered and this arrived first). Anyway, it found it and detected brand and model right away. The instructions were very easy to follow and after figuring out the IP of the adapter (which comes with DHCP enabled by default), I remoted into it, set my static IP and it works beautifully! I haven't tried it as an FTP server yet but don't really need it for that as I have a 2TB Seagate GoFlex Home Personal NAS already anyway. The speed is great and it is just awesome! GREAT BUY!

Cons: It does get very hot when running (even if nothing is connected and it isn't transmitting or receiving data). I personally don't care but some people may have an issue with this.

Other Thoughts: I bought something like this a while ago made by a different company and it was an old model but had a bad experience with it. This one has completely revived my hope in these types of adapters. Great buy and would recommend to anyone I know and some I don't if they were looking for this kind of thing.

Pros: FLEXIBILITY- Can serve as a Print and File server. Great solution for those seeking a way to setup a basic network storage device to use for a hard drive. User's can be assigned different logins and permissions.

SIZE- The foot print is small so that you can stack on top of your router or switch. About the width of a credit card.

SETUP- Setup was a breeze as long as you read the manual. CD is used to initially setup the device. After you assign a static IP number, you can use that to logon to the device.

Cons: FILE SIZE LIMITATION- As the previous reviewer stated: FAT32 (Which this device will want to format your drive too) only allows a file size of up to 4GB.

Other Thoughts: This device is one of its kind. As far as long term reliability, I will have to come back and review.

Pros: Not really many

Cons: Too slow, writing rates are of 2 mb/sec on a 100mb wired network. whilst copying to the same disc directly over USB from PC it is about 12mb/sec.
Has to format HDD to FAT32, which limit file saize to 4gb, so no HD video can be stored on the HDD to share using the built in media server.
Itunes media server kidn of sluggish.
It gest real hot just by writing to the HDD
Pinter server setup did not work, tried several times and had to go back to USB connection instead.

Other Thoughts: I would not even pay 20 for it if i knew before what i know now.

Pros: Small form factor, attractive casing, good instructions, attractive Status LED's, Decent web-based configuration options, and it does what it says it will do. I am a total novice when it comes to networking but I was able to set this up with a simple SMB share which I needed. I also set up a spare USB printer, and made it a network printer. I attached a Vantec CX USB external enclosure and a 2Tb Western Digital Green drive without any problems.

Cons: Seems to run a little warm, but the case is vented, and it is not too hot to be of concern, at least for me. I can't really say much about its speed because I have no referece device to compare it to. Also, the drive attached has to be formatted FAT32 which is pretty standard for this type of adapter. It also only supports one drive, and up to a 2Tb limit, it is not really a con, it is just the way these adapters are.

Other Thoughts: I was a little afraid to make this purchase because I could not find any reviews on the web, but I am glad I did now. Sometimes these types of adapters wind up as paper weights, but this seems like it is going to work for what I need it for. Considering, I was out of USB ports, and didn't want to clutter up my desk with a USB hub, I was able to add another external drive and printer without too much hassle.

My Network/Backup Subsystem:
4 Vantec MX Dual Drive enclosures holding a total of 12TB of Westen Digital Green drifves, and
1 Vantec CX External Enclosure w/ 2Tb Western Digital Green Drive attached to a Vantec FX NST-600NU via a Linksys E4200 router. The E4200 router also is populated with one of the Vantec MX encloures via the router's USB port, making a total of 8Tb attached storage and 5Tb of NAS storage. All bought at Newegg with the exeption of the E4200 router, and I would have bought it from the Egg too if would have been available.