Cut the cable: A network hard drive lets you access your files from any computer in the house.
The MediaSmart Server hits every major feature Mac users would want, including Time Machine support and iTunes streaming. This Gigabit Ethernet server has room for four total internal disks, plus you can connect four more through USB 2.0 or one via eSATA. You can even stream files online to an iPhone. But one aspect might draw boos: It runs Windows Home Server. While you’ll have to initially configure the system from a PC (or in Boot Camp), we think Windows Home Server can actually be a boon because you can keep adding additional features through software.
HP · $699.99 for 1.5TB · hp.com
Network storage can get needlessly complicated, but Promise aims to simplify your files. While you can optionally install a small utility, you’ll mostly just plug the SmartStor Zero into your network and go, configuring it through a web browser. It supports most major protocols--including Samba and AFP--so it works well on Macs and other systems. You can send it Time Machine backups, serve iTunes media, and stream files to living room devices. And you can remotely access it online to use your files and media wherever you are.
Promise · $399 for 2TB · promise.com
In multi-Mac households, plugging the Network Space 2 into your network via Ethernet gives disk access to everyone. You can use it for typical network file storage, including allocating private areas to certain family members. Or let Time Machine connect to it for network backups. You can even plug in a USB 2.0 disk to directly back up this drive. But we like its media features the best. The drive serves iTunes music and can stream media files to network devices, such as an Xbox 360, PS3, or that newfangled Ethernet-enabled TV you just bought.
LaCie · $189.99 for 1TB · lacie.com
lukeforester1
April 24, 2010 at 8:47am
You wrote that there was a 14" Apple cinema display, I got really excited. Then I went to Apple's website to go look at it and it wasn't there. It then occurred to me that 1 and 2 are right next to each other on the keyboard. You might want to fix that. Other than that, loved the article!
