Pros: - Clean design for aesthetically-minded folks. - Fast and responsive (my router's NIC is the limiting factor, not the NAS). - A boatload (100+) of free, supporting "packages" to enhance your experience... from admin-managing s/w and antivirus programs to media, mail, RADIUS, and DNS servers, this NAS is supported like no other company out there! - It resides in my daughter's room--and I can control the indicator lights on the front to turn off during her bedtime... it's AWESOME! (Their s/w programmers thought of everything!) - Silent, quiet, and full speed fan settings (even full speed is not bad). - Access to adding extra RAM simply by pulling out drive bay #4. - 2x SSD slots on the bottom to create a cache for faster I/O transactions... HOWEVER, if you want to add those to the RAID, they must comply with Synology's approved/checked/verified SSD list. Not a big deal, you just need to plan for it. - Rubberized grommets (internal) and rubber feet (external) greatly reduce HDD vibrations. - You can't tell from the pictures here, but there is a small gap between each drive to help with airflow/cooling. Although, if you have large NAS-rated drives (16+ TB), the noise does seep through. - I really do wish I could give 6/5 eggs! :D

Cons: - I had one bug/hiccup where I had green flashing status light (unable to boot internally). After restarting and updating to the latest OS, it purred to life. It did worry me at first. But after searching on the web, I found this was a common issue. Just restart and follow the update directions and you're GOLDEN. - I don't think anyone (but me) would make a mistake like this, but please ensure you don't use Enterprise-level drives (due to the different connection form factor).

Overall Review: Frequently, in this world, we seem to "get what we pay for," and sometimes not even that. I am elated to say that this is one of the rarest-of-rare times that I seem to have received more than that. The responsiveness of the system (both h/w and s/w) is a beautiful thing. Whether you're new to NAS building or a seasoned professional, all descriptions are actually SUPER helpful... not like Microsoft's, etc. help functions.

Pros: Clean exterior; keyboard had all the keys; powered on quickly once I pressed the power button; fits under my desk.

Cons: Pirated copy of Windows! Immediately was notified of non-genuine version running. I have never had a problem with Newegg before, so I don't put blame on them. And, honestly, I expected more from HP. Buyer beware.

Overall Review: I'm sure not *all* of the OSs are non-genuine, but be prepared that this system may end up costing you an extra $50-100 (unless you want to use Linux).

Pros: - It fits into a 3.5" bay. - Beautiful $300+ paperweight... most expensive I've ever owned.

Cons: - So very, VERY loud when I first got it. - Exactly 3 days after the Return Period, the drive failed. - It operates fine for exact 9 seconds, then I get a Semaphore Timeout Error.

Overall Review: - I whole-heartedly recommend each Newegg customer steer clear of this product (Seagate really has gone downhill).

Pros: - At the time of creation, it was one of the faster ones on the market. - All sides covered by plastic (no exposed circuit board). - Black plastic allows for low profile, if internal and visible -- can be easily hidden.

Cons: - Only lasted 5 years... maybe I got one from a bad batch? - Died suddenly at inopportune moment (kids tele-schooling during COVID). - Quite warm to the touch during operation (maybe this shortened lifespan?). --- Had fans blowing on it, so I doubt heat was that much of an issue.

Overall Review: - Solid 4 out of 7. Would recommend -- if on super sale and fits your needs. - HOWEVER, be ready for a sudden death. - I've had good luck with Western Digital in the past, I think I'll try them next and report back in a few years...

Pros: Inexpensive (compared to similar products on market at time of purchase). Extremely simple plug-n-play... just plug and go (needs reformatting for Mac OS X). Single USB port required (no ext power needed). Very small (just larger than my palm).

Cons: Runs warm. Plastic case insulates heat a bit too well (wish it was aluminum). However, it does have four tiny feet to keep it from lying flush against a surface. Included *custom* USB cable is only about 18 inches (45 cm). If this cable is broken, you're out an ext HDD! A bit slow compared to a similar competing product.

Overall Review: -1 egg for plastic case and custom cabling. Just received it in mail (2 days after purchase). Make sure your virtual machine doesn't grab the drive away from the host. I spent ½ hour tracking down why I couldn't access it. USB speeds are slow, but that's what you're buying. Comes with 30-day trial of WD backup s/w.