OPEN BOX - Synology 2-bay DiskStation DS223 (Diskless)

I purchased this to upgrade an earlier model Synology 2 bay NAS. I believe the original model was a 212J and it had gotten terribly slow and no more updates were available. The newer model has much faster response and I was able to use the original 2 TB hard drives. The setup and migration of the original drives was quick and easy. I've also used Buffalo NAS devices and find Synology to be the better option. Works well for my home setup.

I put two 4 TB Hard Drives using Synology SHR RAID Type. This means I get only 4 TB but it is tolerant to a single drive failure. This is fine for my home network, but you should consider your situation. Also I realized when I bought this that many folks on the Web recommend a 4 drive unit to give you room to expand in the future, and also because they may have more features than the DS223. But I'm on a budget so I feel this strikes a happy medium of data resiliency and capacity and overall price. Also, as everyone says: RAID is not a backup so I also use 2 sets of 2 TB Western Digital Passport Drives which I backup to quarterly, and keep one set "off site".

I've had this unit for a while now. The setup was easy and quick. Configuration was simple. It's easy to access, runs quiet ( this has more to do with the quality of drives and how you mount them ) and handles all of my backup needs. The feature I love the most is being able to upload my video collection and being able to stream to any TV, tablet, phone or computer on my network. It's fast. It's awesome! Depending on your need, you might want more drive bays, but I'm finding that 2 bays with decent size hard drives is working fine for me. I'd recommend this unit to anyone. If I upgrade, it'll be another Synology device.

Shipping was faster then estimated. Received will packed with no damage. Performing as expected so far.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) I recently had the pleasure of diving into the world of network-attached storage (NAS) with the Synology NAS, and I must say, the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. From its effortless setup to its silent operation and smooth DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface, this NAS has exceeded my expectations on multiple fronts. **Ease of Setup: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)** Setting up the Synology NAS was refreshingly straightforward. Thanks to its intuitive design and well-documented instructions, I was able to get the NAS up and running within minutes. The included quick-start guide was easy to follow, and the web-based setup wizard made the process hassle-free even for someone with limited technical expertise. The fact that I didn't need to fiddle with complex networking configurations was a huge plus for me. **Silent Operation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)** One of the standout features of this NAS is its almost silent operation. Unlike some other NAS systems I've encountered, the Synology unit emits minimal noise, making it a perfect addition to any home or office environment. Whether placed on a desk or tucked away in a closet, the whisper-quiet operation ensures that it doesn't disrupt the tranquility of the space. This is a huge advantage, especially when considering its potential placement in shared living areas. **Smooth DSM Interface: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)** The crown jewel of the Synology NAS experience is undoubtedly its DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface. Navigating through DSM feels like a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly layout and comprehensive features. Whether you're a tech-savvy user or a novice, DSM caters to both ends of the spectrum. I found the management of files, applications, and user accounts to be exceptionally well-organized, making it simple to customize the NAS according to my needs. **Conclusion:** In conclusion, the Synology NAS has proven to be a game-changer in the world of network-attached storage. Its seamless setup process, virtually silent operation, and smooth DSM interface make it a top-tier choice for both individuals and small businesses. Whether you're using it for personal data storage, media streaming, or even as a backup solution, the Synology NAS delivers on its promises. Its blend of user-friendliness and advanced capabilities truly sets it apart, making it a product I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone in need of reliable and efficient storage solutions.