Thecus N2560 Network Attached Storage Review

Our computing needs over the last decade has changed significantly; more and more network devices are finding their way into our homes. With Mom, Dad, Dick and Jane each having a computer, laptop, or tablet the storage needs of the household have changed. With this increase in devices the need for central storage has changed too. More households are either sharing files from one computer or choosing to go with network attached storage or NAS devices. A NAS is essentially a small PC that can house multiple hard drives and most include some type of RAID array. Thecus, a market leader in small NAS devices, recently brought to market the N2560 NAS. The Thecus N2560 is a dual bay NAS that supports Just A Bunch of Disks (JOBD), RAID 0 and RAID 1.

[sc:sponsor sponsor=”Thecus” product_link=”http://www.thecus.com/product.php?PROD_ID=96″ product_name=”Thecus N2560 NAS” product_price=”329.00″ ]

Specifications
1. Hardware Platform

2. Software Functions

Features

• 5 Minute Complete Installation
  The N2560 is designed with ease in mind; it is easy enough for anyone to set up. Overlook the several steps which usually are associated with setting up NAS appliances. Simply plug the power supply, insert the Ethernet cable, boot up the N2560 and set up will be completed within 5 minutes. This breakthrough feature truly makes this a plug-and-play NAS.

• Self-RAID Creation
  All Thecus NAS include an innovative Self-RAID Creation tool that analyzes installed drives and, once the user has selected their preferred balance of performance and protection, automatically builds their customized RAID volume.

• Powerful Client Utility
  Thecus® developed a unique way to access your NAS without the need to go through web browsers. The client utility is better known as “Intelligent NAS,” it’s a utility that is packaged in the N2560 to offer ease of use. This powerful utility will directly be installed on your computer and auto-Samba your NAS, thus automatically gives you access to designated folders.

• DDNS
  Have easy access to your NAS via Dynamic DNS (DDNS), this allows users to allocate and access their NAS files via the internet remotely. Since IP digits are often difficult to remember, domain names are utilized to make NAS management much more convenient. When the IP address is changed, the DDNS server will automatically adjust the IP address to make sure that remote access is always available. In short, DDNS provides convenient remote internet access to your Thecus® N2560 by utilizing domain names instead of IP digits.

• Photo Flashback
  A new feature that Thecus® has integrated in the N2560 model is the Auto Flashback Photo Gallery. When the user utilizes the client utility, they will be presented with a feature of photos from the past, hence flashback. For example, if the current date is “Feb xx, xxxx,” Auto Flashback Gallery will automatically display photos of the same date but different year. If a photo of that date is absent, other photos will simply take its place.

• Data Guard
  Data Guard backup solution is the ultimate software as it provides both local and remote parts. Currently, data is backed up across RAID volumes, external USB drives, and eSATA. In addition, Data Guard uses innovative technology to sync data across the network to other NAS and servers. More importantly, Thecus® Data Guard is the total backup solution which makes managing NAS user-friendly and convenient.

• Data Burn
  NAS data can now be burned directly to CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs with Data Burn, this hassle-free module makes burning data to a disk effortless. In addition, burning ISO image file is also supported. Whether you’re managing audio, media or essential files; Data Burn copies information fast while significantly reducing waiting time. The process of burning file to disk is now easy and smooth with Data Burn module.

• Antivirus
  Thecus’ innovative hardware helps prevent failures. But sometimes you have to protect the NAS against itself. Adding an antivirus to the already comprehensive software bundle will provide the necessary software protection by scanning the files on your NAS and defending it against possible threats. McAfee is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company and shares Thecus’ spirit of dedication and quality. By establishing a strong partnership with them, Thecus will allow users the benefit of McAfee’s powerful software on their NAS entirely for free.

• Cloud Backup
  The private and public clouds meet with Thecus’ new DropBox, Amazon S3 and ElephantDrive cloud backup functionality! Guard your data with RAID at home and an additional level of protection in the Cloud. Just drag and drop files into the folder on your NAS and access them on any computer or mobile device with DropBox, Amazon S3 or ElephantDrive.

• HDMI Output
  Make your NAS into the ultimate multimedia hub! The N2560’s HDMI output allows you to connect your NAS directly to your TV for device management, and even HD video playback. Don’t force yourself to watch movies on that tiny little computer screen anymore, take it to the living room!

• USB 3.0 Connectivity
  The next generation of connectivity is here with speeds 10x faster than USB 2.0. Whether connecting digital cameras and smart phones, backing up large external hard drives, or extending the capacity of your NAS, USB 3.0 will make sure it’s done in no time at up to 5 Gbit/s. Backwards compatibility adds the connectivity of a world full of USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices to get the best combination of speed and universal access.

• Acronis True Image
  Thecus brings the best to the table with Acronis’s advanced backup software. Back up all your data with One-click Protection or pick and choose only your most important files. Acronis sports a slick interface, user-friendly design, and comprehensive features to keep your data safe.

• iOS/Android Connectivity
  In the modern world, nothing is as important as reaching your data from anywhere. With T-OnTheGo and the Thecus Dashboard, you can manage your NAS, and upload to and download/stream from your NAS using an iOS or Android device on the go.

• User Quota
  Divide the massive storage of a Thecus NAS among multiple users. Whether there are two users or 100, user quotas make it easy to divvy up and manage disk space.

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