143475-iomega_storcenter_ix2_original

Hands-on: Iomega StorCenter ix2-200

By on January 31, 2010 in Hardware, Network Attached Storage, Network Attached Storage Reviews, Reviews, Small Business

External Storage

external thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200

Provides a quick glance at total and free space available on external USB storage devices attached to the ix2-200.

iSCSI

iscsi thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200

Allows configuration of the StorCenter to work with iSCSI support.

Media Services

Enables configuration if the ix2-200’s media server, camera image downloaded and use with IP Video cameras.

media thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 media2 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 media3 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 media4 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200

Network Services

Provides detailed networking configuration options for Apple, Windows and Linux operating systems.

network thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200

Power Management

Allows the spin-down of disks after a set time period to conserve power as well as reduce LED brightness.

power thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200

Firmware Updates

A 110MB firmware update (v. 2.1.25.229) is available for the device at the time of writing, which provides the following improvements:

  • Improved fan error reporting
  • Fixed issue that caused copies to USB devices to not complete properly.

update1 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 update2 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 update3 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 update4 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200 update5 thumb Hands on: Iomega StorCenter ix2 200

The update wizard copies the downloaded update file (from Iomega’s support page) to the StorCenter (automatic download checking and downloading did not seem to be working on the device) and once set off, completes the update automatically with no fuss whatsoever.

Verdict

Having been a little disappointed with some of Iomega’s consumer-grade media streaming and storage devices, the StorCenter ix2-200 is a pleasing return to form. It’s a great looking, robust and capable device that handles the basics of file sharing, streaming and storage very well without trying to be flashy. Its QuikTransfer NAS to NAS backup capabilities are a big differentiator compared to other devices on the market, and its DLNA media streaming, downloading and in box slideshow features mean that there’s lots to interest the prosumer too.

Drawbacks include the noisiness of the hard drives when accessed which can be disturbing, and the software, whilst slick and handling basic configuration well, definitely has room to grow more granular, advanced features to improve the flexibility of solution.

But overall, Iomega have created a great package which balances the needs of both small business and advanced consumer well in a small footprint, powerful network storage device that will benefit all but the most advanced small networks. I’m a fan!

A big thank you to Dave Marchant for the iSCSI and VMWare sections of this review.

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About Terry Walsh

Terry Walsh is the founding editor and owner of We Got Served. Since February 2007, the site has provided detailed coverage and analysis of the emerging home server category, and has subsequently grown into a trusted outlet for digital home news and reviews.
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  • Aaron

    So, you wouldn't recommend this being under the TV in a cabinet with the PS3, serving up music and video due to noise?

  • famousdavis

    I've got this device and I don't find it to be noisy, certainly not to the degree where it would interefere with your ability to enjoy your entertainment console. Just be sure there's enough ventilation! While it has a fan, it normally doesn't operate — only when it gets to be 59 degrees Celsius will it switch on. It's designed to be passively cooled under normal operating conditions.

  • Terry Walsh

    Agreed – your TV will drown out the noise of the unit. The fans themselves are quiet, it’s the clicking of the hard drives that’s the issue.

  • Mike

    Is there any other way to access remotely the NAS without subscription to TZO dns service?

    • Terry

      Hello Mike, I just tried to set up my NAS for remote access and came up with the same question as you. Did you ever find out?

  • Mike

    Is there any other way to access the NAS without subscription to TZO service?

  • Greg

    I just bought this product primarily for automated data back-ups on a Mac and a windows laptop. Backing up just 50 gigs over a wireless network is slow as can be (many hours) and often interferes with the operation of either laptop. As a fallback, the position I have retreated to is only doing full back-ups when directly connected by ethernet cables. I am hoping that maybe once I get a full back-up done, I can do incremental back-ups in less time and can keep using the laptop when backing up. I have not tried any of the other features yet. I would like to use it as a media library as well, once I get the back-up routine settled. So far, I am not real happy with it, but I am hoping I can find a way to make it work. Maybe my expectations were too high.

  • William

    I have been really disappointed so far. With the PS3 as the client it does not show videos (they play fine from the USB stick) and over wifi the management 'tool' disconnects and is basically useless.

  • Anonimen B

    Enable FAN? Black wire of fan on chasis and fan operate. Temperature full working NAS is 43 degrees Celsius maximum.