LACIE 301257U 1TB 2big Network (2-disk RAID)

Pros: Extremely easy to setup and manage. Very quiet, attractive design. So far the speeds over the network (and even over the internet) are great. The built in http file browser is also great for giving clients access to our server if they need to grab files. Before buying this I also called LaCie directly to ask questions. I got ahold of someone in sales very quickly, who also was able to get technical answers in minutes.

Cons: The only major con I can think of is the price given how cheap some other NAS products are (the Cavalry unit comes to mind). One other small issue is the fact that you can't define folder-level shares. For example, we want to work out of one folder per client. Inside each client folder (share) it would be nice to designate a folder that they could access remotely. As it comes from LaCie you can only define individual shares that have to be mounted individually. Again, not a big deal, and easy to work around.

Pros: This thing works!! Unlike previous commenters. I haven't had any issues setting these up for 3 customers. I have used Tech Support for 2 occasions and they were very quick with a answer...and not overseas either! +++++

Cons: LaCie Ethernet Agent - if you use the one that came with your disk you will be alright. If you upgrade to the version on line dated June 19th, 2008 you will have a problem with the client remembering your login and mapped drive you are routed to.

Overall Review: A response to others on a LAN and it periodically drops...I highly suggest a STATIC IP Address, as mapping would prove to be a problem with a DHCP Address. I have not used the Lacie 1 click backup software that comes with this equipment as I use SyncBack.

Pros: Easy to manage, attractive design and form factor. Speed is good in RAID1.

Cons: Minor miss in the user interface, which fails to mention that the unit needs a restart for a change in the workgroup name to take effect.

Overall Review: Unlike the previous commenter, mine started up and reconfigured to RAID1 without a hitch. My prior terabyte box, a Maxtor, sometimes failed to start up properly, and finally wiped out hundreds of Gb. of data into oblivion when it croaked after only two years of use. I agree that it's hard to find units in this price range that work.

Pros: Nice packaging, big capacity, hot swap drives a plus, good transfer rates.

Cons: System fails to install updates. Will not reformat as RAID 1 at all, though it works mostly ok in it's current state. System gives md errors in syslog which makes me think it's a software issue. It also drops off the network randomly too. I have changed my switch out and it still happens. Software crashes on start up on windows Vista half the time, the software for the Mac didn't work at all.

Overall Review: How hard is it to make a backup device and supply software that works. I've owned a slew of these things and not one has managed to deliver on reliability, performance and good software yet. Somebody please make a backup device that doesn't suck and will keep my data, all my data, safe and re-readable.

Pros: 1. Design: great heat dispatching without huge and loud fans 2. Powered by Linux: source code available 3. So easy to use as a share drive

Cons: 1. The fact that it comes in the BIG (RAID 0) mode and the quick start guide does not cover SAFE 100 (RAID 1) mode. Yes, I am lazy :-) 2. Design: who needs this huge blue light on the front side?

Overall Review: I still need to test Auto Mode. Manual does not cover it.

Pros: Nice case helps keep drives cool. Runs smooth easy to setup on gigabit speeds ran fast. response time is great! I keep it on powersave mode (turns off drives when not in use) and powers up and go the second I click on a drive. Been using it for about 2 years and never had a problem.

Cons: FTP server use can not go over internet...

Overall Review: USB on the back, Can I use it for print server? For that person that gave it a negative for the issues with RAID did he even read instructions? I bet that person forgot to turn the switch on the back with the small key.

Pros: Another great product from LaCie. I don't know why people say this and that about LaCie but I have over 10 of their products and they have worked absolutely superb to date. As an IT professional for many years and someone who uses enterprise-class NAS and SAN storage - this is one of the best consumer-grade NAS devices you can buy. Negative 5 stars for Netgear products they truly make garbage and have let us down time and time again. Buy this if you're in the market for a great NAS.

Cons: None.