Scared of buying WD ShareSpace, looking for alternatives

[paulomario77]

Hi there,

Last Friday I ordered a WD ShareSpace 4TB from an online store, but the payment wasn't confirmed on the same day (should happen this Monday). However, I guess I didn't do my homework before placing the order. I've read several horror stories about the ShareSpace, including the lates buggy firmware issue, unrecoverable data, and now I'm terrified about getting this "bomb".

For similar prices, I have other options on the same online store and I would like your advice:

1) Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 4TB
2) Buffalo LinkStation Quad 1TB
3) LaCie 2big Network 2 3TB (P/N: 301508U)
4) LaCie 2big Network 2 3TB (P/N: 301422U)
5) Iomega StorCenter IX2-200 2TB

Yes, I do realize options 2...5 have smaller capacities. For now I don't care, I just want a reliable product (and yes, I know RAID is not a substitute for proper backup means). I initially chose the ShareSpace because it was so aggressively priced.

Here are my needs:

a) will be used at home, I currently have a desktop on wired Ethernet, a notebook and a smartphone on WiFi. My printer has an Ethernet interface, so I don't need USB printer sharing
b) 2, 3 or 4 drive bays (populated with at least 2 drives)
c) iTunes server
d) volume/share encryption (I'm not talking about backup software encryption) is a plus (is it any good on the BlackArmor?)
e) compatible with an APC UPS (Smart XL 750)
f) backup critical files to an USB external drive (LaCie 500GB)
g) I value reliability over speed

Oh, BTW, what are the differencies between LaCie's newer and older models?

Thanks for your help,
Paulo Mario

 

[thiggins]

You're right to have second thoughts about the Sharespace. It's an old, dead-end product and not a good choice.

Of the products you list, I'd focus on the Seagate Blackarmor and the Iomega, with an edge to the Iomega for its higher backup flexibility.

 

[paulomario77]

Chose the Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220

Tim, thank you very much for your prompt reply. I ended up chosing the BlackArmor, because a 4TB version of the Iomega costs considerably more on the online shop I placed the order.

I did contact the person in charge for WesternDigital ShareSpace RMAs here in Brazil, and he told me that RMAs were rare (well, I wouldn't expect him to tell otherwise). But the BlackArmor is a newer product and in the end your opinion prevailed.

Best regards,
Paulo Mario