Lacie’s Ethernet Disk Mini did well in our group test of Nas drives, and this latest version is still a good option for anyone wanting to add some shared storage to their home or office network.
The term Nas stands for networked attached storage and, like most Nas drives, the Ethernet Mini has an Ethernet port that allows you to connect it to a network router. The disk’s 500GB storage capacity can then be shared by anyone that’s got a computer attached to the network. This version of the drive now supports Gigabit Ethernet for faster data transfer.
The Ethernet Disk Mini also has two USB ports. The first one allows you to connect the drive directly to a PC, so you’ve still got the option of using it like an ordinary external USB drive. The second USB port allows you to connect additional USB drives to the Ethernet Disk Mini, which can then also be shared by everyone on the network.
The tricky bit with Nas drives, though, is making the initial connection so that your PC can locate the drive on the network, and then creating a series of shares – a set of folders on the drive that allow individual network users to keep their stored files separate from other users’ files.
Lacie’s IP Configurator software handles the initial connection easily enough; it automatically locates the drive on your network and adds it to your Network Places window. However, the manual doesn’t do a very good job of explaining how shares work, so people unfamiliar with networking could get a little confused here.
The manual could be a little clearer, but at just £259 for 500GB of shared storage the Ethernet Disk Mini is good value for money and one of the more straightforward Nas drives available.
Also consider:
Nas group test
We test out the latest Nas drives on the market
Buffalo Drivestation Duo
Not a Nas drive, but an excellent external hard drive nevertheless
Maxtor Onetouch III Mini Edition
Easy to set up and good for anyone who needs a portable backup drive
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