http://www.pcconnection.com/B2C/PM/Brands/SimpleTech/default.htm?oext=1114J For $150 it is a steal. It is a NAS, so it can attach right on the network. A RAIDed version of this is even better (for backups etc) but those are far more expensive. nitro
I've been eyeing getting something like this, but I refuse to get anything that requires you to install extra software/drivers on all of the other computers on the network to access it. This says it has software, but I can't tell for sure if it is required or it is just "helper" software. Do you have one? I may end up just building an HTPC and slapping an extra drive in there to back up other machines to.
The appliance is running Windows Storage Server. Since it supports CIFS, AFAIK it will be seen automatically by windows clients. It also supports NFS, so *nix machines will be able to see it too. No "extra" software needed. nitro
And shipping is FREE! http://www.chiefvalue.com/product-_-productdetails.cv_-_item--22-100-016 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822100016
That's a good deal, damn, wish that was around 4 months ago. As part of my dell package I bought a similar one, but only 120 gig for $90.
I've used 2 simpletech ext hd's, they were both loud. the 2 I had vibrated pretty much and made the table vibrate. I'd go with seagate which are much quieter.