Buffalo LinkStation LS421DE Enclosure Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging & Bundle3. Buffalo LinkStation LS421DE4. Software & User Interface5. Testing Methodology & Performance6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

The Buffalo LinkStation LS421DE device offers a really simple way to add storage to your home network. With two hard drive bays and the option for Raid 0 there is plenty of potential for fast networking performance.

Like many other recently released NAS devices the Buffalo LinkStation is loaded with many ways to access the device. For instance, you can use your Android Phone to connect to the device and access all your shared files, or you can set-up your own free domain allowing you access via a website. The current android app, Web Access, isn't the nicest looking of applications but it is easy to set-up and does work well.

The LinkStation LS421 has a good set of features, including SMB Supprt, FTP access, DLNA Server, iTunes Server and Print Server, but it is missing a few great features, such as HTTP Web Server (with or without PHP Support) and the much used MySql servers. If Buffalo had included these extra features then the LinkStation LS421 could operate as a fully-fledged server, but instead it is somewhere in the middle ground between standard external storage and a full server. This is a shame as the CPU and Ram set-up allow the device to cope with a lot more than we could seemingly throw at it.

Overall we like the simplicity of the device, there is no fancy UI, and most works without a large list of instructions. The device does take a while to boot up, or turn off, but for most users it will be kept on so this is only a minor issue. The performance is good, and the ability to select either Raid 0 or Raid 1 is a welcome addition.

The Buffalo LinkStation LS421DE can be purchased for just £89.99 from Ebuyer.com which for a decent specification NAS device this is a great price. Of course, you do have to factor in the cost of hard drives which will easily add another £100.

Pros

• Simple set-up and configuration.
• Easy access from web/phones etc.
• Good overall performance.
• Good price point for NAS device.
• USB 3.0 port.

Cons

• Didn't seem to power down drives.
• Takes a while to boot up.

Kitguru Says: A reliable NAS device for the mass market.

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