I need external storage for 2 iMacs

[TheWalrus]

We run a small photography and videography business using 2 iMac's. I'm about to upgrade to new iMac and we'd like to improve our storage options to a more professional set up. Obviously we create lots of large files, so its a growing problem...

Until now we've been using 1/2TB drives and just keep them in the filing cabinet. Ovioulsy not ideal and given that we both work from different areas it is not easy/simple to share files, hence the need for some kind of network option...

I looked at a NAS system but my local Apple retailer has put me off due to others having a bad experience, not sure why! A friend told me a dont need a full network as its too elaborate/expensive for what I need...he suggested the NAS!

As my knowledge is limited I'm now at a loss to know what to do or who to speak to. I'm also holding off on the new iMac purchase incase there is something I need to get added to the machine for any future storage set up!

Sorry for the long post but I tried to keep it brief!

Cheers

 

[philipma1957]

your budget is key. 2011 storage options for the 2011 iMacs now have a new option thunderbolt. fast reliable but more money. another advantage is they allow for an external osx drive of the ssd type.


http://twelvesouth.com/products/backpack/


http://store.apple.com/us/search?find=backpack+shelf


does this device with this item

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/GM8QM5S20T16/ 2tb


or with this item


http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10305&cs_id=1030504&p_id=8674&seq=1&format=2


empty unit


look like it may work. you can get fw800 powered 2tb storage with these.




http://www.elgato.com/elgato/int/mainmenu/products/ThunderboltSSD.en.html


this item is also coming out allows for an external ssd osx.



for nas here is a setup that is about 850 for 4tb that can expand to 14tb


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822108090 empty unit cost is 600 put in 2 of these


https://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=HD-ST24TAS



this is very fast setup about 100 mb vs 80 mb of fw800 you can use it with 2 iMacs or 3 or 4 iMacs in different areas.


you can expand with this


http://www.amazon.com/Synology-Plug...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329360164&sr=1-1

lets you add up to 5 more drives on

 

[TheWalrus]

Wow...there's a lot of info there thanks

Ideally I want something that is continually expandable. Anything that has a limit of 4gig or 40gig will eventually be filled up and need repalcing, so I'd like something that you can remove the 1/2 TB drives from the unit to store long term and replace with a new drive and so the cycle continues...do any of these fit that requirement?

Obviously the new machine will have a Thunderbolt connection but not 100% sure the existing 2010 model 27" iMac does.

Budget isnt open ended but not limited either. I'd rather spend more for the right product that will last.

 

[tommot82]

checkout drobo: http://www.drobo.com/

you can keep on exanding the capacity as required and they are SUPER easy to manage. A light even comes on to tell you which drive you should be replacing next and when.

also gives you a redundant backup.

 

[TheWalrus]

These are interesting but it looks like I'd have to have 2, one for each iMac! Unless there is some way for 2 Maxine's to work off the one

EDIT correction, it looks like it does have a network option. Now to see if I can buy it here in Australia!