The Iomega StorCenter IX2-200 NAS drive is
billed as cloud storage, which means you can access the drive from anywhere
with an internet connection. It’s not anything hugely new, but Iomega has
provided a good web interface for adequately accessing your stored data online.
Iomega
StorCenter
Unlike some of the other devices in our
test, we had to install software to make it appear on our network. However,
after the software is installed, every feature of the StorCenter is clearly
explained with colourful and bold icons, and the essential tasks – such as
setting up your system backups – are highlighted.
There’s a range of useful tools too, from
email updates to let you know if anything’s changed on the drive itself, to the
rather useful ability to download torrent files. You can also view hardware
statistics, such as how full the drive is and its current temperature. It’s
ideally suited to a RAID setup, too, and we found that this can be implemented
quickly and easily.
Swapping the drives is also fairly straight
forward, although you will have to loosen a couple of screws on the underside
of the unit.
Our biggest concern with the drive is its
form factor. Although it’s one of the most compact in our roundup, we worry
that airflow and heat may become an issue over time, especially during heavy
use. The front grill may let in a lot of air, but the small exit vent means
heat has nowhere to dissipate.
We would recommend using it for home media
only – overload it by turning it into a web server and it might wear out those
hard drives a bit too quickly.
Verdict
iomega
StorCenter - Ideally suited for a RAID setup
A solid storage device that benefits from
excellent software and good looks. Ideally suited for a RAID setup.
Statistics
Price: $285
Web: www.iomega.com
Hard drives: Two 2TB hard drives
|
