Buffalo Linkstation Pro Duo 2TB Nas
Putting in a performance
Review Apart from the silver-on-red “V” sticker, Buffalo's V-Series Linkstation Pro appears identical to the original LinkStation Duo Nas box. Even on the inside there are many similarities, such as Buffalo’s remote WebAccess, DLNA and iTunes DAAP media streaming along with a BitTorrent client and are standard. Likewise, the V-Series box comes complete with RAID 0 and RAID 1 support, not to mention the identical on-board system software.
Speed bump: Buffalo's Linkstation Pro Duo
At this point it’s all sounding rather much the same, until you get to Buffalo’s performance claims. Recalling that the original LinkStation topped out around 35MB/s, Buffalo is now claiming 72MB/s but doesn’t say if this is a read or write figure. Such performance boosts are attributed to a new 1.6GHz CPU of unspecified origin.
Easily one of my favourite features of the original Linkstation Duo’s design was the innovative quick-release rail mounting system, which allowed the user to change both drives within 30 seconds. It seems Buffalo was pleased with this one too, and rightfully so, as it features in the LinkStation Pro. Simply pull the ring-tab whilst depressing the plastic catch and the drives slide right out!
The build quality is also just as good this time around. Clocking in at 2.3kg in an 86 x 204 x 127mm frame, the V-Series feels equally as solid and physically reliable. This is one Nas box that won’t fall apart on your desk.
As far as the user interface goes, it is once again – you guessed it – the same. Not that there was anything much wrong with it before though. I found the web interface to be uncomplicated and easily navigable, albeit somewhat slow to load when moving to the next page. This was one aspect I had really hoped Buffalo would have improved upon.
COMMENTS
Static IP
Thanks AC - I've had a quick look at the website and it looks interesting. If I can summon the energy I'll go another round with the kit.
Regards,
HG.
Title Schmitle
As mentioned use dyndns (its free). My D-Link 320 can be set up to use it as can my Netgear router. The main problem I had with the D-Link was the routers firewall, sorted that by using static IP and putting the NAS in the DMZ. Not ideal but it works.
RE: No CIFS or NFS support?
Where did you get that from? I've just looked at the datasheet on the link provided in the article and it clearly says CIFS is supported.
Good thing about Linkstations..
..is that they are very hackable. First thing to do with them after you take it out of the box is get rid of Buffalo's OS and install Debian. Or if that is too much for your needs then there is a choice of custom firmware if you want extra functionality. Community support is excellent, dare I say better than Buffalo's.
Static IP
Can you use something like dyndns.com for a static IP ? I'm running Tonido myself, on a netbook with an external usb hd and a 3g connection. It's oh so slow but I still have remote access and Tonido do the relay so I haven't had to worry about the IP at all. I would like a proper NAS but since I'm stuck with slow 3g I'm just not gonna bother.
