Which is faster / cheaper / most features 2 drive NAS?

[jetboat]

A mac mini 1.83GHZ+esata modification hooked to a Sans Digital MobileStor MS2UTN+B via esata cable – raid 1 with two 1T 7200 drives.

OR A QNAP TS-209 Pro II


mac mini+esata mod link below:
http://www.erebos.net/articles/macmini_esata/macmini_esata.php

Sans Digital MobileStor MS2UTN+B link below:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sans Digital/MS2UTNPLUSB/

Interesting link:
http://www.amug.org/amug-web/html/amug/reviews/articles/intel/macmini/

 

[fullroast]

The QNAP TS-209 Pro II will be cheaper (unless you get a good deal on a used Mac Mini). I am not sure which would be faster, with the eSATA arrangement. The QNAP is a turnkey solution. The Mac Mini will take some tinkering. I guess it depends on your priorities/objectives.

I have an old Mac Mini that I use for iTunes and serving up music. I'm not sure I would look to it for a NAS alternative.