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Can't speak with first-hand knowledge, but from what I have heard from those who have a Drobo, nothing is close.
 
Now that the 2nd Gen Drobos are coming out, the 1st Gens are getting marked down.

Either that or start building your own NAS...........
 
I've owned many entry level RAIDS and NAS devices.

Drobo is underpriced compared to what it does over these. It's virtually silent compared to many others, easier to manage, damn fast, reliable and has a cool name. (The names important, it must be said in a voice like Morbo from futurama)
 
"Expensive" is a relative term.

value_chart.jpg
 
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