| Manufacturer: Iomega | Model: StorCenter ix2-200 |
| Price: £231 (2 TB) | Web: Iomega |
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The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 is designed for the small business owner (or power home user) seeking a simple network storage and backup solution in a compact package. File and folder sharing, printer sharing and data backup features are core staples of the small office NAS device, but the StorCenter ix2-200 packs in a few more goodies to improve your work/life balance including a DLNA media server to allow sharing of music, video and photos on compatible media streaming devices around the home/office and, if no-one’s looking, a Bittorrent client to allow those cheeky downloads (yes, we believe you – it’s just for Linux distros to happen in the background straight to the device without any PC needing to be switched on.
On paper, it seems like a capable device for the home or for work. Iomega provide the following rundown of key features:
- Device-to-device replication for business continuity and file recovery
- iSCSI block-level access for efficient storage utilization
- RAID 1 configurations for optimized data protection
- Windows® Active Directory support
- A new front panel QuikTransfer button for easy copying of selected files
- User replaceable hard drives
- Multiple IP security camera support
- And for the forward-thinking small business, VMware® certification for virtualization installations.
The new StorCenter ix2-200 also has a treasure trove of features for the digital home, including:
- A DLNA® certified UPnP® AV Media Server that makes the ix2-200 the central repository for serving up all your movies, pictures, music and other files to any compatible device on your network
- Serves as a Time Machine® target for Apple® computer backups
- Built-in torrent support for file-sharing without the need for a dedicated PC
- Bluetooth® capability for uploading all kinds of digital content from a smart phone
- Cooliris™ slide show plug-in allows for easy photo viewing
- And remote access to the ix2-200 from anywhere in the world
Let’s take a look at what it’s got to offer.
What’s In the Box?
- Iomega® StorCenter ix2-200 Network Hard Drive
- Ethernet Cable
- Power Supply
- Printed Quick Install Guide
- Solution CD with StorCenter Manager software, EMC LifeLine Software, EMC® Retrospect® Express Backup Software (Unlimited client licenses) and User Help documentation
- Iomega QuikProtect Software (via download)
- Service & Support: Three year limited warranty with product registration.
First Looks
The ix2-200 looks like it’s designed for the professional. You won’t find any of those shiny plastic finishes as seen on Iomega’s consumer media storage and streaming devices – the ix2 is clad in a cool gun metal brushed aluminium finish, engraved with the company logo on each side. Only the front and rear panels are plastic, but they do not detract from what is a great looking piece of hardware. The device itself is compact at the following dimensions:
They say, if you want to feel the quality, feel the weight – I’m not sure if the saying rings true for NAS devices, but with two 1TB drives in our review unit (capacities are available from 1 to 4TB) and that metal surround, the StorCentre certainly feels substantial.
