14 DAY TRIAL // Network-attached storage devices usually look like big blocks of plastic and metal equipment, like undersized desktops, but Synology decided to stray from the norm for once.
Instead of the regular look (or even the less than regular blade server shape), it settled for something smaller, palm-sized.
So behold the Embedded DataStation EDS14, network-attached storage device whihc, instead of having two or more bays side-by-size or horizontally, uses external HDDs/SSDs (which you have to get separately).
The EDS14 can transfer 111.7 MB/s of data in Windows, and even has two LAN ports instead of one (with failover support).
The temperature endurance is of -20˚C to 50˚C, according to Synology Product Manager Chad Chiang.
Moreover, the EDS14 possesses a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 connector.
All in all, it measures 125 x 125 x 31 mm / 4.92 x 4.92 x 1.22 inches (70% less space than a normal 2-bay NAS).
Add to that 3G/LTE support, dynamic DC input voltage from 7 to 24V and compatibility with PoE splitter (power over Ethernet) and you have a pretty versatile item on your hands. You even get a memory card reader (you can use an 8GB Class 10 SD card to measure power consumption).
Sadly, though Synology has posted the product page of the Embedded DataStation EDS14 bay-less NAS, it didn't provide a price.
Update May 1, 2014: Ammended paragraph 3 to accurately classify the NAS as a drive-less device.
Also, the price is $499 / €499.