Yesterday, 01:06 PM
For your needs as a NAS newbie with a focus on redundancy, backup, and future-proofing, I would suggest a few options that work seamlessly with Apple devices (including Time Machine) and provide good flexibility for growth. Here are my thoughts:
1. Synology DS923+
Why it’s a good option:
Time Machine Support: Synology has excellent compatibility with Apple devices, including Time Machine backups, which would be ideal for your MacBook/iPad/iPhone backups.
Expandability: The DS923+ comes with 4 bays and allows for easy upgrades if you need more storage later.
RAID Options: Synology offers multiple RAID configurations (like SHR, RAID 1, RAID 5) for redundancy.
Future-proofing: The DS923+ supports 10GbE for faster network speeds, and it’s a solid unit with long-term support.
AI Features: While not AI-based directly, Synology has powerful software for managing photos and videos, with Synology Photos being a great tool for sorting and organizing media.
Considerations: The Synology DS923+ is a bit more than a basic NAS, but it’s a great long-term investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you could look at their lower-end models.
2. QNAP TS-464
Why it’s a good option:
Thunderbolt: If you want to use Thunderbolt, QNAP has models like the TS-464 that offer Thunderbolt 3 support, which will give you blazing fast speeds when connected directly.
RAID Options: Like Synology, QNAP offers various RAID configurations for redundancy.
AI and Multimedia: QNAP offers some AI features and applications for organizing photos and videos. Their software also supports automatic photo tagging and categorization.
Time Machine: QNAP supports Time Machine backup as well, so you’d have no problem using it for your Apple devices.
Considerations: QNAP tends to have a more complex user interface compared to Synology, which might be a consideration if you’re looking for something simpler. The price point may also be a bit higher, especially if you want Thunderbolt functionality.
3. TerraMaster F4-423
Why it’s a good option:
Affordable: TerraMaster NAS units are typically more affordable compared to Synology or QNAP while still offering good performance.
RAID Support: It supports multiple RAID configurations for redundancy and protection.
Time Machine: TerraMaster does support Time Machine backups as well, so you can back up your Apple devices.
Considerations: The software interface and features might not be as polished as Synology or QNAP, but it's an affordable, solid option for a starter NAS.
4. Using Thunderbay Enclosure:
While a Thunderbay enclosure could offer excellent speeds, especially if you need to access files quickly, it might not provide the same level of redundancy and long-term protection that a dedicated NAS would. You would still need to look at software for backups and ensure you're manually configuring redundancy (like RAID 1) and backups.
Best for Time Machine & Future-Proofing: The Synology DS923+ would be my top recommendation due to its combination of easy-to-use software, compatibility with Time Machine, and expandability. It’s a good balance of features, future-proofing, and affordability.
If Thunderbolt is Important: The QNAP TS-464 is an excellent choice if you prioritize Thunderbolt connectivity for high-speed access.
Budget Option: The TerraMaster F4-423 offers a more affordable solution, but you may have to compromise a bit on advanced features and future-proofing.
1. Synology DS923+
Why it’s a good option:
Time Machine Support: Synology has excellent compatibility with Apple devices, including Time Machine backups, which would be ideal for your MacBook/iPad/iPhone backups.
Expandability: The DS923+ comes with 4 bays and allows for easy upgrades if you need more storage later.
RAID Options: Synology offers multiple RAID configurations (like SHR, RAID 1, RAID 5) for redundancy.
Future-proofing: The DS923+ supports 10GbE for faster network speeds, and it’s a solid unit with long-term support.
AI Features: While not AI-based directly, Synology has powerful software for managing photos and videos, with Synology Photos being a great tool for sorting and organizing media.
Considerations: The Synology DS923+ is a bit more than a basic NAS, but it’s a great long-term investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you could look at their lower-end models.
2. QNAP TS-464
Why it’s a good option:
Thunderbolt: If you want to use Thunderbolt, QNAP has models like the TS-464 that offer Thunderbolt 3 support, which will give you blazing fast speeds when connected directly.
RAID Options: Like Synology, QNAP offers various RAID configurations for redundancy.
AI and Multimedia: QNAP offers some AI features and applications for organizing photos and videos. Their software also supports automatic photo tagging and categorization.
Time Machine: QNAP supports Time Machine backup as well, so you’d have no problem using it for your Apple devices.
Considerations: QNAP tends to have a more complex user interface compared to Synology, which might be a consideration if you’re looking for something simpler. The price point may also be a bit higher, especially if you want Thunderbolt functionality.
3. TerraMaster F4-423
Why it’s a good option:
Affordable: TerraMaster NAS units are typically more affordable compared to Synology or QNAP while still offering good performance.
RAID Support: It supports multiple RAID configurations for redundancy and protection.
Time Machine: TerraMaster does support Time Machine backups as well, so you can back up your Apple devices.
Considerations: The software interface and features might not be as polished as Synology or QNAP, but it's an affordable, solid option for a starter NAS.
4. Using Thunderbay Enclosure:
While a Thunderbay enclosure could offer excellent speeds, especially if you need to access files quickly, it might not provide the same level of redundancy and long-term protection that a dedicated NAS would. You would still need to look at software for backups and ensure you're manually configuring redundancy (like RAID 1) and backups.
Best for Time Machine & Future-Proofing: The Synology DS923+ would be my top recommendation due to its combination of easy-to-use software, compatibility with Time Machine, and expandability. It’s a good balance of features, future-proofing, and affordability.
If Thunderbolt is Important: The QNAP TS-464 is an excellent choice if you prioritize Thunderbolt connectivity for high-speed access.
Budget Option: The TerraMaster F4-423 offers a more affordable solution, but you may have to compromise a bit on advanced features and future-proofing.