Hardware
Buffalo NAS Allows Browser Access, Officially Supports iPhone
One of the main complaints about the iPhone is its inability for storage space expansion. Buffalo just released a solution to this problem with their LinkStation Pro NAS at MacWorld. With the LinkStation Pro, iPhone users can access up to 1TB of storage remotely by using the iPhone’s web browser. With AT&T’s 3G network, I can see how this is a wonderful possibility for viewing movies, pictures, music, etc. from almost anywhere.
Being both Mac and Windows compatible, the Buffalo seems to offer a good solution for people looking for remote accessible NAS. Since the only requirement to access the NAS seems to be a web browser, I think any mobile device with a web browser will be able to take advantage of the connectivity. I’ll try to confirm this inference with Buffalo at CES. The 1TB LinkStation Pro will set you back 299.99 while a 500GB version costs 209.99. The drives also come with a full compliment of auto-backup software from Memeo as well as user defined security access for multiple users.
Along with the LinkStation Pro, Buffalo also announces the Cobalt line of portable external hard drives. These portable hard drives feature Buffalo’s TurboUSB technology that boosts data transfer rates up to 20%. Capacities range from 160GB-500Gb. Prices are as follows:$79.99 for 160GB, 89.99 for 250GB, 119.99 for 320GB, and 169.99 for 500GB.
Sumocat
01/06/2009 at 9:54 am
I’ve been using the LinkStation Live for about a year and it works as advertised, allowing read access to all my files via a web browser, not just my iPhone. Actually, it’s only the new LinkStations that have iPhone-friendly interfaces. The old LinkStations, like mine, are iPhone-accessible, but the layout is for standard PCs. Maybe you could ask them about a firmware update for the old LinkStations to make them iPhone-friendly.
You might also want to double-check if the Pro has media streaming. While all the LinkStations allow file access, at last check, it’s the Live series that allows music streaming (and no video streaming yet). Web streaming is decent but plays by folder, must build your own playlists with files in folders. The music server also allows local sharing via iTunes.
One more thing about the interface, some customization is possible if you create your own HTML pages. For example, I set up HTML photo gallery pages using Picasa and a framed menu page so I can browse my entire photo library over the web.
Truc Bui
01/06/2009 at 10:23 am
Thanks for the clarification, Sumocat. The official press release states that videos can be downloaded to the iPhone, so I apologize if there was any confusion regarding media streaming. I will ask them if there is any streaming available and if there is a firmware update available for the older LinkStations.
Kevin
01/13/2009 at 4:42 pm
I assume there is no RAID support or any other fail-safe?