Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

devincco

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 19, 2006
77
1
Hi all. I’m in the market for a new router. I’m also looking to pick up a NAS unit so I can back up 3 Windows PC’s (1 desktop running XP, 1 laptop running XP, 1 laptop running Vista soon to be 7) and my Macbook Pro. I hope to be getting rid of the XP desktop and getting an iMac or mini for the wife in the next year or so. Currently I have an old SMC wifi router that is starting to get flakey. I’m looking for a router that does gigabit speed and wireless N. Remote access to the NAS unit would be nice so I could access files remotely if needed. My options are below.

Routers:
Netgear WNR3500 Router
D-Link DIR-655
D-Link DIR-825

NAS units:
D-Link 323 NAS + 2 HDD’s
HP Windows Home Server + 1 spare drive

All-in-one Unit:
1TB Time Capsule

I know the Windows Home server isn’t really a NAS unit. But I do like how it handles backups with Windows machines. It can also be expanded fairly easily if I ever need more storage. Plus it does have quite a few other features that are pretty nice as well. The HP unit supposedly has a Mac plugin that lets it work with Time Machine.

I do like the looks and specs of the Time Capsule, but it only has 3 LAN ports so I’d have to buy another gigabit switch for another $50. Plus it’s only a 1 drive system so there isn’t much redundancy unless I buy another USB hard drive.

The D-Link 323 NAS does seem to get solid reviews. It does use its own file system so I can’t just take a drive out and plug it in via USB into another computer if something happens. Plus I haven't seen too many reports how it works with Time Machine.

And if anyone has other suggestions I’m all ears. Thanks in advance!!!
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.