Netgear ReadyNAS 212
EASY TO USE AND WITH THE MAJOR APPS YOU NEED.
WHERE SOME NAS devices pride themselves on their versatility, offering a huge suite of Linux services to users, others offer simplicity. They just do the core stuff, keeping it simple for people who don’t need esoteric services. The ReadyNAS is of the latter type, employing a simple tabbed interface and a limited suite of services. It still runs Linux (and a hardcore Linux user could indeed go in there and install whatever they wanted on the ReadyNAS using SSH), but the outward interface is kept simple.
Like many older and less-expensive NASs, the ReadyNAS uses an ARM processor, which we feared might limit its performance. However, in our testing the ReadyNAS produced transfer speeds comparable with the fastest others tested here, effectively maxing out the Gigabit Ethernet connection. It also proved capable at live transcoding — 1080p video was perfectly smooth in Plex.
While it doesn’t have anywhere near the suite of tools available to the likes of QNAP and Synology users, it does cover the major services, including media service and Windows file sharing. There’s also an app downloader with some interesting inclusions, like several BitTorrent downloaders, a TV recording tool, SickRage and CouchPotato (for automated downloading of TV shows and movies), syncing, backup and even telephony tools and basic surveillance. Plex is also available for the ReadyNAS, although it’s not in the default store.
The mobile apps available here are some of the best — well designed and intuitive, allowing remote access and streaming of stored media on the device. It’s smooth and easy, providing a polished experience from the get go – even the screwless drive install is easy.