LaCie 2big Network 2 NAS

Specifications

Interfaces for connection	1x Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/10001x USB 2.0 (type B)
Expansion Ports	1x eSATA1x USB 2.0 (type A)
Burst Transfer Rate (ethernet)	OS with 64KB I/O – Read up to 50MB/s; Write up to 35MB/sOS with 1MB I/O – Read up to 60MB/s; Write up to 40MB/s
RAID Modes	Raid 0, Raid 1 (hot-swappable)
Network Protocols	SMB, AFP, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, DHCP, Apipa, Bonjour, BitTorrent, NTP
Remote Access	FTP or HTTP.  Dynamic DNS Optional
Administration	Direct Access to NAS using LaCie Network Assistant; Customizable “wiget-based” interface
Backup Solutions	PC to NAS: Encrypted, compressed, scheduled, remote (FTP)NAS to DAS: Incremental using rsync
Special Features	Hard Disk quota management; Time machine compatible; Print Server; Torrent ClientNTFS Write Support
Security Access	Users, groups, and shares management.  Private and Public Access.Active Directory support
Multimedia	UPnP A/V and DLNA certified; Remote Photo Thumbnails; MP3 File Streaming; iTunes (DAAP) Server
Bundled Software	LaCie Network Assistant for Windows, Mac, and LinuxGenie Backup Manager Pro software for Windows; Intego Backup Manager Pro software for Mac
Environment and Power	Automatic Standby mode; Scheduled On/OffWOL (Wake on Lan)UPS Support
Cooling System	Heat Sink aluminum body; Thermoregulated fan
Weight	2.63kg, 5.9lbs.
Dimensions (WxDxH)mm	91 x 200 x 172
What’s Included	LaCie 2big Network 21x 3m CAT5e Shielded Ethernet Cable1x USB 2.0 Cable (for USB administration)1x External Power Supply1x Drive Stand; Utilities CD and Documentation; Drive Key; 3 Year Warranty Documentation

 

 UPDATE (as of 3/20/12):

From the posting of this review LaCie has now released this update:

LaCie NAS OS 2, which was launched in January, and includes: NAS-to-NAS backups Automated data protection Seamless integration into multi-platform environments Easy remote access with the MyNAS iPhone/iPad app An upgrade for existing users can be downloaded at no cost at www.lacie.com/NASOS2. The LaCie MyNAS app can be downloaded at www.apple.com.

 

Deboxing

Lets take a look at how LaCie has shipped the 2Big Network 2 and what accessories they have included.

 

The included packaging and protection is stellar.  Foam on each side and a box for all accessories that keeps everything from moving.  It’s awesome to see such secure packaging for a high-importance such as this one.  I have no doubt that this package could withstand shipping without a problem.

 

 

 

Getting our first look at the product I’m amazed by the weight of it (almost 6 lbs).  The all aluminum casing and “Heat-sink” style design make for a really cool look and feel.  The front has only the power orb which looks nice a sleek but is annoyingly bright.  Lets just say this can double as a flashlight if needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving around to the back we see how versitile LaCie has made this NAS.  Starting at the top we see the fan exhaust, power switch, LAN port, eSATA port, USB Type B, USB Type A, and finally power.  This is quite the vast amount of connection options for a NAS.  The eSATA and USB type B ports allow you to allocate part of the drive capacity to an external drive.  The USB type B port also allows for wired administration of the NAS via included software.  Our USB type A port can be use for another external drive (which can be shared via software but not included in RAID) or setup the NAS to also offer a print server.  Whew, that’s alot of options.

We also see our drive bays here and their locks which can be toggled with a fingernail or coin.  The actual PCB stays between the drives.  We’ll get a closer look at that in our “Under the Hood” Section.