NAS vs. Networked Hard Drive?

[ntepperman]

Hi all. Like many new posters, I'm hoping for some advice/ guidance from forum members. I thank you in advance for the reader's patience (I'm not a complete newb) as well as any assistance provided.

Background Information
- This is for my home use.
- Currently we have a Macbook and a Macbook Pro in use. These are not networked.
- There is the possibility that we will add a desktop to the mix (Mac or PC)
- We connect to the Internet via cable.

My Objectives, Goals & Requirements
- I want the capacity for network storage of media files (music, pictures, video) so that we can create a shared media library on a central device, accessible via OSX, Windows.
- I'd definitely love to have a centralized iTunes storage location (I know this is a configuration point more so than a solution-related issue).
- I want to be able to perform automatic backups over the network using Time Machine preferably, but other 3rd party clients can be considered.
- I have never used or worked with a media server that provides file access from my TVs, but I'd certainly be interested in having this functionality if possible within budget.
- I want a Raid1 storage solution w/ real storage space of 1TB (so total storage space of 2TB on 2 drives)
- I'm expecting that I'll need a BYOD solution- that's fine, but not a requirement so long as I can swap drives myself in case of failure.
- I want user Access control. I am open to different implementation options.
- I want to keep costs controlled; as close to $500 as possible (that seems realistic based on research)

It seems like there are two possible ways of achieving these goals.
A) NAS unit w/ Ethernet, plugged directly into current router.
B) Storage unit connected via USB to NEW router that has both USB and Ethernet ports

Question One:
Which way is better?

Question Two:
What product should I look at re: answers to Question One?

 

[corndog]

Just to clarify - A router with a USB hard drive attached to it is a NAS, so both of your options technically are NASes (NAS= Network Attached Storage).

Anyway, it all depends on the capabilities the router provides with the USB drive attached.

Of course, don't forget that USB is a very slow form of storage, so you might be introducing a major slowdown in the ability to access your data if you go the USB/router way.

You might not think it's all that bad for quite a while, but then a few months or years from now, when you have nearly 2 TB of irreplaceable music/pics/movies on the USB drive and it's starting to make funny noises, you'll have a very nervous 4 to 6 days waiting for all that precious data to copy somewhere else...

 

[ntepperman]

Ok- good point.

Then it sounds like Ethernet-connected NAS is the way to go (and that if I can find something with a Firewire connect thrown in for good measure, that's not a bad thing).

I guess the next step would be to start drilling down into the options. I saw your QNap recommendation, so I'll start there.

Edit: Thank you for the response!

 

[corndog]

QNAP or Netgear, and I think overall I'd lean slightly toward Netgear if you just want something that "works well". QNAP is for nerds who want to tinker and add all kinds of extra functionality.

Netgear ReadyNAS devices have simply amazing backup capabilities. And you won't know how important that is until the day you need it.

 

[ntepperman]

Netgear ReadyNAS devices have simply amazing backup capabilities. And you won't know how important that is until the day you need it.

Between our Macbook and Macbook Pro, we've lost 3 drives in the last 2 years. You're preaching to the choir. One of the 2 main drivers behind my desired NAS implementation is to make it even easier for us to keep our machines backed up than it is today with my direct-connect WD external drive.