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Product:
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Vantec NexStar LX NAS Hard Drive Enclosure |
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Price:
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$78 (CDN) / $70 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Vantec
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Author:
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Mars
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Date:
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August 6th, 2006
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Alan from Vantec
for sending the Vantec NexStar LX NAS Hard Drive Enclosure for review.
Introduction:
In today’s progressive society more and more people use their computer for many facets of life, and the number of
computers per household continues to grow steadily. As this upward trend continues, so does the need to share their
resources such as an Internet connection through a router and for some households file and printer sharing is a
common facet of their home or small office network. Window based operating systems provide a means to share files
through a network between computers, by opening “ports” or “doors” in the operating system to allow one computer to
share and transfer files from one computer to another. This can provide an entrance for hackers and unwanted visitors
into your system as well, allowing them full access to do with your system as they wish. One solution for file sharing
on a network that offers more security is with a NAS or a Network Attached Storage Device A rough definition of a NAS
is a hard disk storage device that is set-up with its own network address attached to a local area network (typically,
an Ethernet network) and assigned an IP address. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the new NexStar LX NAS Hard Drive
Enclosure from Vantec.
Specifications:
Capacity meets flexibility with the NexStar LX from Vantec. Transforming any standard IDE hard drive into a NAS (Network Attached
Storage) device, your files become easy to store and even easier to share. Now you can access movies, music, and photos from your
entire network as well as from anywhere on the Internet. With its USB port, the NexStar LX can also be used as a typical enclosure
where a network is not available. No matter where you are, the NexStar LX will keep your data within reach. A NAS device has a few
key benefits such as security, ability to be left always on using much less power that a typical computer would use, and not using
the resources of any one computer on the network to provide file requests. Here are some specifications taken directly from the
Vantec website:
| Model |
Vantec NexStar LX NAS Hard Drive Enclosure - NST 375LX-BK (Black) & NST 375LX-WH (White)
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| Dimensions |
16.51cm x 16.51cm x 5.08cm
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| Application |
3.5¨ IDE (Parallel ATA) Hard Drive, ATA-6 Compatible |
| Interface/Ports |
IDE to USB 2.0 or RJ-45 Ethernet |
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Features |
- Smart Cooling
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| - USB 2.0 / Ethernet
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| - Smart Power
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| - Passive heatsink
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| - FTP & SMB server
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| - Web based management
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| - Micro Security Slot
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| - Supports up to 500GB hard drives
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The NexStar LX NAS Hard Drive Enclosure comes in a glossy black box with an orange outer box sleeve. The writing on the sleeve
provides a good deal of useful information such as system requirements, included components, and the key features and benefits
of the NexStar LX.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The inner packaging is simple and consists of cardboard dividers and cavities to protect the inner contents. Considering the NexStar LX
is made of plastic and gloss painted I was disappointed to see the lack of any form of protection for the main body components aside
from the plastic bag that appeared to cause more harm than good, as you will see in some later pictures.
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Click image for larger view
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The NexStar comes with everything the end user will need to install and use their newly acquired NAS. Included in the box is the power
supply, USB cable, CAT 5 cable, mounting screws, users manual, and a driver CD. The manual is well laid out and easy to follow
for any novice or experienced user.
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