New User Seeking Simple Advice

[mikerosoft]

I am a brand new user with a simple list of requirements and am hoping to receive some recommendations of the best available NAS options based upon my needs.

My intention is to use the device primarily as storage for multimedia files (videos and music).
I would like to be able to access the drive for playback of media on my networked xBox360.
I do watch some digital HD content (mkvs converted to mp4 to facilitate playback on Xbox).
I would also like to be able to access the stored files from remote locations.
(If I were away on business, I could access and use the files.)
A quick explaination of the best remote access method (ftp?) would be greatly apprecaited.

I have purchased a 2TB Western Digital My Book World Edition II (White Light) which I have yet to open.
I have read a number of conflicting review which has me hesitant to put the device into use.

I am looking to spend ~$300.
Based upon that budget, I hope to attain a 2TB NAS that would support future storage upgrades.

I have read a lot about Synology NAS options however a lot of the discussion is above my current level of understanding.
Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.

 

[thiggins]

Did you read:How To Buy a NAS - The Short(er) Version

 

[mikerosoft]

Yes, I have. And I have read the reviews on the SNB website. Was looking for real world advice.

Maybe someone who has used a Western Digital My Book World Edition II (White Light) and knows if it can meet my needs.

From doing some more research it looks like I could get a lot more from a Synology DS210j for only a little more.
Might have to return this one and wait for them to go on sale.

 

[thiggins]

Why do you think the WD won't meet your needs?

 

[mikerosoft]

All of the reviews I have read are full of people complaining about the speeds and the software it comes with.
If I can spend a little more and get something that will be way better (looking at the price vs performance chart) then would that not be the better option?
Or are you suggesting the Synology DS210j would be overkill based on my requirements?

 

[thiggins]

All of the reviews I have read are full of people complaining about the speeds and the software it comes with.
If I can spend a little more and get something that will be way better (looking at the price vs performance chart) then would that not be the better option?
Or are you suggesting the Synology DS210j would be overkill based on my requirements?

The product is plenty fast for what you need. The main question I would have is whether it will play nicely with the XBox360. UPnP / DLNA support is not consistent from product to product, even with "certified" DLNA products. I can't answer this, because I haven't tried it. But one user has posted a comment in the review that it works ok.

It has a bundled secure remote access service, Mionet, that has you go to a web portal to connect to the product. So you don't have to worry about opening ports in your router or using a dynamic DNS service, which you will have to do with the Synology.

The DS210j or 110j will be faster and both have way more features than you need. But if you feel better spending the extra money, then go ahead. Either will also do the job for you.

Unless you can't return the product if you open it, I'd give it a shot.