The Netgear ReadyNAS series is a little bigger: the ReadyNAS Pro Pioneer Edition is an network attached storage (NAS) that is powered by an Intel multicore processor like those found in PCs. It can receive up to 6 drives and use RAID 6, a protocol that can handle two hard drive failures (when using 6) and drives hotswap. Netgear claims that its X-RAID2 technology makes volume expansion much easier than with “normal” RAID system. I have not tried it, but in the past RAID expansion was a pain in the neck, so I’m willing to believe that Netgear has done something better – but I could not find an independent review to confirm this.
Finally, what we should really look for in the future is a thorough test of the software that comes with the box. After all, that’s where the value is. Oh, and did I mention that it work with Mac and Time Machine as well?
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