Does this network storage/media server appliance exist

Factual Questions
1

I’m looking for a home media device that does the following:

Provides copious network-attached storage for my home LAN

Is able to connect to additional USB external storage devices

Has a web interface through which files can be organised and selectively moved from external to internal volumes and vice versa

Can display photo slideshows, again ideally in a web page, for cross-platform availability (i.e. so I can use the Wii browser on the TV to see the photos)

I’m specifically looking for a media/storage appliance, rather than a full-blown server - and I don’t want to build a server from an old PC, as I suspect an appliance will be greatly more economical in its power consumption.

Does such a thing exist?

2

I have a Linksys NSLU2 that does pretty much everything you mentioned. I had to reflash it with uNSLUng firmware, and that’s not simple, but the little thing is bullet proof. I don’t think they make them any more, but you can pick them up second hand on eBay regularly.

There are many alternatives, and lots of active developer communities for this sort of thing. I believe the latest flavours of the month are (in no particular order) the DockStar, SheevaPlug, PogoPlug, amongst others. Certain Linksys routers can also be persuaded to do things like this too.

I believe all those need reflashing with custom firmware to do what you want, but that’s part of the fun.

3

Windows Home Server will meet all your requirements. But it’s about to be replaced, so I’d hold fire on it for now. If you put it on an Atom-based PC, your power requirements will be small.

4

Iomega has some pretty neato network solutions these days. this one should suit your needs.

5

Look here —> http://www.readynas.com/

I have a ReadyNAS Duo. Might actually get another one. I tied it in with a router that exploits it really well.

6

When I read that list, I figured you needed a LAMP setup. That ReadyNAS Duo sounds pretty slick though. NAS have come a long way.

7

As a former owner of the linked “solution”, I would encourage you to consider [del]something[/del] anything else.