Synology DiskStation DS210j Nas box

Aesthetics aside, I found setup to be a smooth and rather absorbing experience, due in no small part to the wondrously comprehensive DiskStation Manager 2.3 (DSM2.3) web interface, along with the client-side Synology Assistant. DSM2.3 allows for device management as well as providing browser interfaces for various ‘Station’ apps.

DiskStation Manager: start here for world domination
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Once configured, the DS210j performs exactly as expected with a full complement of streaming services all functioning flawlessly. No matter if you’re streaming music to a DLNA device or using the intuitive web interface for Audio Station, the experience is nothing short of pleasing.

Audio Station offers comprehensive and easily laid out music access
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One of the most novel features in this respect is the DS Audio iPhone app which allows streaming of music straight to any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch on the network – and with the correct DNS configuration should work over 3G too.

 

The iPhone apps include options for audio streaming and image transfers

It goes without saying that 1080p video playback is flawless and DiskStation Manager feels ultimately snappy and responsive. While the DS210j certainly gives the impression of speed, the benchmarks results are mixed.