14 DAY TRIAL // Network-attached storage devices may not be as large as servers, but they usually aren't all that small either, measuring about as much as a large HTPC or small desktop. The new one from Synlogy is an exception though.
Which is to say, the Synology DS414slim, the latest addition to the DiskStation series, is small enough to be held in a single palm.
The company wanted it to be a sort of network-attached mobile device, even if it still needs to be plugged in a wall socket to work.
To that end, it was designed with four 2.5-inch drive bays, so that you might install the smallest HDDs and/or SSDs within.
Well, maybe not the smallest since the 2.5-inch form factor has nothing on the 1.8-inch one, but it's not like those tiny things are all that suited for RAID setups and network storage anyway.
The Sinology DiskStation DS414slim can handle up to 128 active connections from PCs, storage devices and anything else connected to the network.
There are two Gigabit LAN ports at the back of the NAS, plus a USB 3.0 connector for when you want everyone in the network to have access to a flash drive, external/portable HDD/SSD or whatever.
There's also the QuickConnect feature to consider, integrated in the DSM 5.0 software (DiskStation Manager 5.0 operating system).
It allows assets from the DS414slim to be accessed without you having to muddle through router configurations or the like. Then, there's the ability to store up to 2048 user accounts and 256 user groups.
All in all, Synology made sure that the new network-attached storage device could do everything it needed in terms of media streaming, web hosting, timed backups, and photo management, and then some.
You even get access to Android, iOS, and Windows Phone applications (again, this is what QuickConnect is for).
Add to that DSM's Package Center, which contains things like Cloud Station (you can access and sync files, folders across various devices).
All in all, the Synology DiskStation DS414slim has a price of $300 / €300 and should be up for sale starting the middle of June.
"The DS414slim is really an impressive piece of tech," said Thadd Weil, public relations manager at Synology America.
"From the offset, you wouldn't believe such a small device was actually a server. With DSM 5.0 to bring its components to life, the slim is a fantastic solution for businesses, creative teams, and home enthusiasts looking for compact network attached storage."
