Drobopro or Qnap or other storage device

[kirby7777]

I have been searching for a reliable NAS box for file storage and was nearly going to settle for a QNAP TS-509 Pro.

Then I came across Drobopro http://drobo.com/products/drobopro/index.php
Nice calculator to work out space available http://drobo.com/calculator/drobopro.php

Here are a few links on reviews etc.
http://tech.tbreak.com/2009/12/drobopro-review/
http://www.lafcpug.org/reviews/review_drobopro.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/04/tuaws-review-of-the-drobopro-plus-a-discount-deal-for-readers/
http://www.geekbrief.tv/gbtv-593-drobo-pro
http://www.raoulpop.com/2009/04/07/today-data-robotics-launches-the-amazing-drobo-pro/

Youtube reviews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmX-y7Tds-Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAG5dhTxV34
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4oWrLTuYJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM7It5QEguA

This will cost at least $1900 delivered http://nexus.com.au/myonlinestore/product_info.php?cPath=214_227&products_id=2020

To have a fair comparison, Qnap TS-809 PRO would have to be used because it has 8 bays as well. This cost considerably more at probably $2350 delivered. http://www.instantpcshop.com.au/pcshop/446/index.php?productID=4411

Drobopro read and write speed are
USB
Read: 15.8 MB/second
Write: 13.8 MB/second
Firewire 800
Read: 53.4 MB/second
Write: 43 MB/second
iSCSI
Read: 73.6 MB/second
Write: 78.7 MB/second

Others found
iSCSI
Write: 46.6 MB/S
Read: 73.75 MB/S

Qnap TS-809 Pro read speed 84.5MB/s http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_nas/Itemid,190
And write speed 74MB/s http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/index.php?option=com_nas&Itemid=&chart=12

Queries:

Do you own or use a Drobopro? You might have a Drobo instead?
How do you find it?
Any bad report about it? I have read a few on Drobo but not on Drobopro yet.
How does this compare to your other/previous storage devices?

Thanks.

[BossBorot]

the drobo is ok if you can stomach the cost but a personally built freenas, unraid, or whs box offers more flexibility and rings in a lot cheaper. On top of that these three operating systems are very easy to setup and maintain and usually are networked meaning any computer in your house could access the box not just one connected through usb or firewire.

What are you going to use your nas for? Are you interested in steaming media or are you only interested in simple backups?

[kirby7777]

What are you going to use your nas for? Are you interested in steaming media or are you only interested in simple backups?

I am going to use it as first backup and have folders from various computers syncronise with it with some sort of software eg Karen's Replicator or SyncToy2.

For second backup I am considering building a file server of some sort and then use Microsoft Home Server.
Alternate to this is actually have Qnap TS-509 Pro in RAID 1 or RAID 6.
Second alternative is what you have mention ie FreeNAS but I know nothing about that so will have a steep learning curve.

Third backup would be an online one eg http://mozy.com/ but won't launch into it until I have the above two sorted. It would only for the most unreplaceable files eg photos, video and documents.

[kirby7777]

Anyone else has experience with this storage device?

[Xaotic]

For normal use as a NAS, the Drobo requires a DroboShare:

http://drobo.com/products/droboshare.php

http://nexus.com.au/myonlinestore/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=499

Depending on space and other functional criteria, something like this may serve your needs:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16859117003&cm_re=intel_nas_server-_-59-117-003-_-Product

It handles 4 drives internally and has two eSATA ports for expansion.

I didn't find any AU distributors offhand, but it may be worth a look.

[kirby7777]

I think Drobo/Drobopro would still need a few more years to get their product mature enough to be widely adopted mainstream. Basic design is good but has not been really tested with the pasage of time yet. Lack of being a NAS in Drobopro is a big downfall. Lack of transparency in their forum and poor support in general another. I think I would stay away from it for the moment.

I am considering Qnap TS 639 Pro or the forthcoming TS 659 Pro. It has a high premium price compared to Thecus. Thecus N7700 Pro with seven bays is the same price or less. Thecus' fans will be a lot louder but I have read people replacing them and they are happy afterward. Not sure if that would void the warranty.

Interestingly WD Green seems to be able to be used on Thecus without much fuss. With Qnap there are sooooo many complains about it. WD even mentioned not to use Caviar Green in NAS and Linux http://forum.qnap.com/viewtopic.php?f=182&t=14273&start=20