Review: Qnap TS-209 Pro network-attached storage

A feature-rich Nas with Dual Sata drive bays

Qnap’s TS-109 Pro scored highly in our Nas group test (PCW September 2007), and the TS-209 Pro is its bigger brother.

The main function of both units it so share files over your Lan, but this new model offers many more features not found on the single-drive TS-109 Pro.

The most noticeable difference is that this version can house two Sata drives as opposed to the TS-109 Pro’s one. These can optionally be installed in Raid 0 or Raid 1 configuration.

Unlike its smaller sibling, TS-209 Pro is fitted with a fan to keep its internals cool, so it’s not as quiet in day-to-day operation. The fan speed is user-configurable or can be temperature controlled by the device itself. A rather loud beep when its switched on and off can be annoying, but since the device is designed to be left on it’s not too much of a problem.

It’s supplied without disks, leaving you to choose your own, and fitting them is very easy. The whole setup, including software and network configuration, is covered in a very clear installation guide. You must follow the documented procedure carefully as the device’s firmware is loaded during setup.

The TS-209 Pro is a very fast device, but it’s Qnap’s firmware which really sets it apart from most of the competition. Its Linux-based operating system includes web and FTP servers as well as a media server that can stream content via UPnP.

The latest update allows streaming of photos, video and music to a DLNA-compliant device, including consoles such as the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. You can also download Bit Torrent files directly on the TS-209 Pro as well as hook-up devices to the three USB2 ports, such as a printer.

With so many features and a reasonable price tag, it’s hard not to recommend the TS-209.