LG’s N2R1 Wi-Fi NAS Shares 1TB Of Media For $US299
Anyone who owns a Time Capsule can tell you that while Wi-Fi storage isn’t the fastest solution, it’s certainly convenient. And LG’s N2R1 network attached storage device
LG’s N2R1, available this fall in 1TB ($299) and 2TB ($399) configurations, is an interesting alternative to Apple’s infamous Time Capsule. Starting at the same price for the same amount of storage, the N2R1 doesn’t claim to be Time Machine compliant, but it does offer Windows, Linux and Mac compatibility, an easy drive swapping option and what looks to be a DLNA-compliant, network-sharable DVD player/RW.
Our only point of contention is that the N2R1 supports only 802.11g, eschewing faster 802.11n—that’s valuable bandwidth lost for media streaming and quicker backups. Other than that quibble, the N2R1 looks like a reasonably priced, easily integrated, expandable NAS that could make a fine addition to a wireless home network.
LG ELECTRONICS HELPS PROTECT CONSUMERS’ DIGITAL MEMORIES WITH NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE
Provides Easy-to-use, Secure Storage of Personal Multimedia Entertainment Files
ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2009 – LG Electronics introduced a new Network Attached Storage option for consumers looking to protect their multimedia entertainment files, this week at Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2009 (Booth #2623).
To help safeguard treasured family memories, photos and music, LG’s Network Attached Storage (NAS) model N2R1 uses a proven system of multiple hard drives used for sharing and replicating data to prevent possible damage or loss. Called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Discs), this system automatically backs up and restores files for added security in the event of a hardware failure.
With up to two Tera-bytes (TB) of storage, the N2R1 provides a wealth of storage capabilities, allowing consumers to continue building their digital libraries of music, movies and other multimedia files. For an enhanced level of convenience, the N2R1 includes a DVD Re-Writer and Playback feature for additional back up or file sharing options.
“Consumers continue to create digital memories, from photos to family videos and it’s important that these irreplaceable moments are saved in a secure place,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “With LG’s Network Attached Storage, consumers now have a virtual ‘Library on Command’ that allows them unlimited access to their favourite memories, whether at home or on the road.”
Connectivity and Compatibility
For consumers who cannot be tied down by wires, the N2R1 has integrated WiFi connectivity for easy connection to any 802.11g wireless home network. The MyMedia feature allows consumers access to videos, photos and music through a DLNA-certified media player, placing digital entertainment libraries within easy reach of the big-screen. For music aficionados, the N2R1 also has iTunes™ connectivity for a networked music option.
The Network Attached Storage is compatible with a variety of operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, allowing for installation in any home entertainment environment. It also provides remote support with easy access to files from anywhere an Internet connection is available, allowing consumers to show off their favourite pictures or movies even when they are away from home.
The N2R1 will be available online and at national retailers early this Fall for the manufacturers suggested retail price of $US299 for 1TB of storage and $US399 for 2TB of storage.
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
yeah, lack of 802.11n is definitely fail. At least include an ethernet port or something.
Looks good. 300 is a nice price point for big pro-sumer out of the box NASes. I like it.
ubermex
What's under the hood? Is it yet another embedded ARM/PPC/MIPS or Atom?
dingus
@Septhinox: Well, I only scanned the post, but I didn't see any mention of either 100Mbps or 1Gbps ethernet... I guess it would have to though to configure it for joining to a WiFi network?
Ive been wanting a NASd for a while now. I think this will be the one for me. BTW it has an ethernet port dummies.
WaffleTeamStrike
I want. But I planned on going to N soon so I dunno about this. I wonder if it's hax0rable..
Other that that...it actually seems TOO good for that price point..
D0rk
@hypnotik_jello: Wait, how does it NOT have an ethernet port?
Septhinox
If it had 802.11n, I'd be sold. Damn.
@dingus:
If it's an Atom chip, this thing could make a helluva WHS box.
@WaffleTeamStrike: That's how I'd hook it up.
IndustrialJones
Too bad it's an LG product. They screwed me over big time.
@hypnotik_jello:
Doesn't say it specifically, but:
"For consumers who cannot be tied down by wires, the N2R1 has integrated WiFi connectivity for easy connection to any 802.11g wireless home network."
That suggests that it does have an ethernet port. I would be surprised if it wasn't a gigabit port.
Dagda
sweet!
gpzbc
an integrated media player would be nice.
macrumpton
Nice, but I think I'm done with dedicated NAS devices. I think a netbook or a low end $299 - $399 laptop with an $85 external 1TB hdd is a better option (though obviously a little more expensive). You have all the joys of it being a full fledged computer that can support things like bittorent, FTP servers, media extenders, even PVR functions if you add on a $20 TV tuner, with the added advantages of being able to admin it from the unit itself (ie not from a browser or other remote link). Not to mention that you can put virtually any kind of OS on it you like.
Power consumption might be higher, but with the screen off I don't think by much. Depending on the model you might even be able to clock the CPU down since you won't need full processing power for simple file sharing.
AND...if your Linksys modem/router takes a dump (like mine did on monday) and your LAN links die you can either switch to pure wifi, or even just move the external drive to your primary machine until you can drag your sorry self to the Astound office to swap out your modem/router...
Or if you're just not that geeky and don't want to deal with a more involved setup process you can go ahead and go with a NAS...either way :P
OddManOut
@MyPetFly: Life's Not Good?
@OddManOut: This thing does almost everything in your example and RAIDs the drive with lower power consumption and lower failure rate straight out of the box for 100-200$ LESS.
ubermex
@OddManOut: Yeah netbooks do seem like a good alternative. For now, Atom desktops/barebones don't seem green enough to leave on 24/7 not sure why they all have to average 40watts idle while the netbooks can do sub 20.
Anyways, for now I am really happy with my linkstation.
awdark
@appletoad: ditto
Gordon McAlpin
FAIL.
nah, i'm just kidding ;)
devianaut
@FightingChance:
Nooo. Two ignored customer service requests and an ignored warranty claim.
@Dagda:
Yeah, I'd be very surprised if it didn't include a GigE port. And if it does, this thing gets added to my network PRONTO.
I love my current DLINK NAS for how its performed thus far, but the PNP stack isn't fully DNLA compliant which breaks sharing media to my PS3, etc. which pisses me off.
I think I'll be picking up one of these and converting the DLINK to a secondary backup drive.
From LG's German site. Looks like it has eSata and USB ports as well.
- Laufwerk: DVD-Brenner
- Festplattengröße: 3,5"
- 2 Festplatte(n)
- Einzelfestplattenkapazität: 1 TB
- Max. 2 TB Festplattenkapazität
- Schnittstellen PC: e-SATA, Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbit), USB 2.0
- RAID Kompatibilität: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 0+1, RAID 1, RAID 5
- LAN-Geschwindigkeit: 10 Mbit (IEEE 802.3), 100 Mbit (IEEE 802.3u), 1000 Mbit (IEEE 802.3ab)
DarianEscatruck
Damn, got all hot and bothered.. $29 would be awesome.. (title) $299 still a good deal though.. if it was 802.11n
The headline says $29, it's $299. Don't get my irrational hopes up, please.
@ubermex:
Really ?
- Bittorent - CHECK
- FTP Server - CHECK
- Media Extender - CHECK
- PVR Funtionality ?
- User selectable OS ?
- Detachable Strorage ?
- Integrated Display ?
- Integrated Keyboard ?
I guess I missed all that. How about...
- Unlimited* USB Storage expansion ?
- Integrated UPS ?
- (Available) 802.11N Upgrade ?
- DHCP Server ?
- DNS Server ?
- Print Server ?
- (Available) Email Server ?
- (Available) Media Card Reader ?
- (Available) Bluetooth ?
- (Available) Bluray Drive ?
- (Available) DVD Ripping ?
Of course to get those things do come with added cost (which I mentioned). And not everyone wants those things, which is part of reason why I said if you're not that geeky and want a cheaper, simpler set up overall a device like this is fine.
Raiding the drives for power savings is...good, I suppose. Going over a network link you certainly won't see any kind of performance increase. And to be honest, I've worked in QA specifically on RAID systems, and in a 2 drive striping scenerio with NO performance increase it really seems like just one more thing to go wrong. Personally I think a PC capable of going into S4/Hibernation (with WOL) will save you more power in the end because it will essentially be OFF a number of hours a day.
This device MAY do that as well, but I still think a netbook/custom rig offers more bang for your buck...even if at a higher total price.
Just my opinion though...
OddManOut
Aw damn, i read the title and thought "Whoa for 29 bucks?! I'll take 5"
wolfcry0
$29... I wish!
DMF
DAMNIT!!!! I could have sworn that the headline said $29. :/
Wess
I guess the title is wrong. It should read $299 and not $29. I would have bought only the case for $29, since I got a couple spare HDDs hanging out in my closet. I guess it's still a pretty good deal.
What's the point of WiFi though? Just place in next to your router and you're good. Gigabit Ethernet allows me to swap files with my FreeNAS server at 50MB/s, which I believe is the HDD speed.
ya missed a nine in the headline.
I saw $29 bucks and almost wet myself.
Snorbalp
@dukerayburn: And I was going to hold out until it dropped to $25.
@vashthestampede: I was too actually. B|
Whoa, bargain alert!
:(
I just got sooooo excited. Turns out it's $299, not $29 _<
$29? headline typo...
WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO US $29
The Analrapist: Half Analyst Half Therapist
the article title promised $29! that extra 9 makes a big difference
Jimmy Chung
Wow, this article has been up for 11 hours now. Can editors not edit their headlines?
Dallifornia
might want to double check the price in the headline...$29 it says.
sorry for being that guy, im just trying to be helpful.
krazydonutboy