mass NAS storage options

[kent1146]

Well, first, please be aware that none of the devices you linked are true NAS devices... none of them have network capabilities. They all require a connection to a computer (vis USB for Drobo, via eSATA for the other 2). Once connected to a computer, they can be shared to other computers on your network. But the fact that they connect directly to a PC makes them direct-attached storage (DAS) devices.

As for transfer speeds, a hard drive can go up to 40MBps-60MBps... with the two eSATA devices, you will be limited by the hard drive speeds. With the Drobo, you will be limited by USB 2.0 speeds (typically around 20MBps-25MBps). If you were to change your mind and go with a true NAS box, you'd be limited by the network speed on WiFi (6MBps) or ethernet (12MBps). If you were to bump up to gigabit ethernet, you'd be limited to the speed of the hard disks.

Typically, when dealing with NAS / external DAS storage in a home environment, you're worried more about convenience than pure speed. If you're looking to just archive some files and stream media off of the storage. In that usage case, both USB2.0 and ethernet speeds will suffice. But if you're looking to run apps, databases, or other software where drive I/O performance matters, you'll need to go with an eSATA solution.

[raider1v1]

Well, first, please be aware that none of the devices you linked are true NAS devices... none of them have network capabilities. They all require a connection to a computer (vis USB for Drobo, via eSATA for the other 2). Once connected to a computer, they can be shared to other computers on your network. But the fact that they connect directly to a PC makes them direct-attached storage (DAS) devices.

As for transfer speeds, a hard drive can go up to 40MBps-60MBps... with the two eSATA devices, you will be limited by the hard drive speeds. With the Drobo, you will be limited by USB 2.0 speeds (typically around 20MBps-25MBps). If you were to change your mind and go with a true NAS box, you'd be limited by the network speed on WiFi (6MBps) or ethernet (12MBps). If you were to bump up to gigabit ethernet, you'd be limited to the speed of the hard disks.

Typically, when dealing with NAS / external DAS storage in a home environment, you're worried more about convenience than pure speed. If you're looking to just archive some files and stream media off of the storage. In that usage case, both USB2.0 and ethernet speeds will suffice. But if you're looking to run apps, databases, or other software where drive I/O performance matters, you'll need to go with an eSATA solution.

excellent information so far. i wasnt really making that much distinction between the DAS and NAS devices. i was just thinking in terms of massive external storage

is there going to be a big impact on performance to have it attached to a computer instead of an actual NAS device? i will be streaming video but im not sure of the required rate for high def movies.