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GoDucks · May 21, 2006, 07:03 AM

Hoping that someone can recommend a solution to my storage problem...

I have a 12 Inch Powerbook with a 100 Gig HD that is down to 2.5 Gigs available. I live in a small condo so I use a laptop with WiFi because I don't really have anywhere to put a desktop. I want to increase the amount of storage I have available for my Powerbook but don't want to have to connect an external Hard Drive as it would really limit the portability.

Is anyone aware of an External Hard Drive with WiFi that I could keep plugged in somewhere in my condo and access with my Powerbook via WiFi? The only alternative I can think of is to by a mini and access that HD over WiFi but that seems fairly expensive. Any other thoughts?

mduell · May 21, 2006, 08:24 PM

You could get a wired NAS (network attached storage) box and plug it into your router/switch/wifi access point.

Here are 5 NAS enclosures in the $50-100 range. I can't recommend any model in particular.
250GB is current sweet spot for price/size (about 3GB per dollar) and Seagate includes a 5 year warranty. Capacities up to 750GB are available if you want more space.
Assembly takes a phillips screwdriver (normal size, not ultratiny like some computer parts) and takes about 5 minutes.

GoDucks · May 22, 2006, 08:32 AM

This awesome - thank you so much for making me aware of this option. I had no idea that this type of device existed

You have made my day

One more question for you before I run out to purchase this equipment. My wireless network right now is set up using an Airport Express. I know that this type of device has a USB port on it. If I purchase one of the USB NAS devices, is there any reason you can think of why it would not work? (I understand you cannot say for sure. Just looking for your thoughts on the matter.)

Chris

tooki · May 22, 2006, 09:29 AM

The USB port on the AirPort base stations is only for printers. It cannot and will not work for any other type of USB device.

tooki

GoDucks · May 22, 2006, 02:12 PM

Thank you for the information. I'm going to replace my Airport Express with another Wireless Base (one with some Ethernet Ports.) Is there a particular brand that people have found works well with Macs? Linksys, etc?

mduell · May 23, 2006, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by GoDucks

Thank you for the information. I'm going to replace my Airport Express with another Wireless Base (one with some Ethernet Ports.) Is there a particular brand that people have found works well with Macs? Linksys, etc?

D-link, Linksys, Netgear: they all work just fine with the web configuration interface.

All three brands have had their ups and downs; buy whatever is cheapest.