Newer offers low-cost Mac Mini-alike network storage box

Mac accessory specialist Newer Technology has rolled out a low-cost network storage box with up to 750GB of on-board file archive capacity that cab double up as an external hard drive.

Newer's MiniStack NAS: 750GB LAN-ready storage

The MiniStack NAS matches the look of Newer's existing Mac Mini-like extrernal hard drive line. The new box has a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port on the back to hook it up to a network router via which up to 20 Mac and PC users can access its storage.

The unit also has a printer-style USB 2.0 port on the back to allow you to use it as a standard external hard drive.

Newer said the unit has an automatic fan control to minimise the noise the box generates, but we note the set of dip switches on the back that allow you to switch the fan to manual and run it at either high or low speed to best balance keep the NAS box cool and quiet.

The box appears to contain a single drive, so there's presumably no RAID data security provision up front.

In addition to the 750GB model, Newer's also offering a range of other capacities, from 80GB to 500GB. Prices range from $130 to $330. It's also offering a separate, add-your-own-drive kit for $80, or $90 with utility software. All the drives run at 7200rpm. The 80GB and 160GB models have 8MB of cache - the others have 16MB.

The MiniStack NAS is available now from Newer and its many dealers.