TECH Drobo: Network vs. Firewire/USB Models

[verbal]

Thinking about a Drobo S (Fireiwre/USB) or Drobo FS (Network) just can't decide which to get. I'm leaning more towards the network model because it would be easier to share between any PCs.

Any comments on either of these?

 

[xenon supra]

I own the Drobo S and my popps owns the Drobo FS.

It really depends on what you'll be using it for. I chose the Drobo S since I store all my RAW photos on there and work off that drive in Lightroom. Therefore I have it going through FW800 and need it to be fast.

The network drive transfers speeds will obviously be slower; but more accessible from a variety of computers/ devices on your network.

I like the Drobo FS because I can access our media library through XBMC on my appletv without having to go through a computer as a server. XBMC can connect directly to the local IP of the Drobo FS.

However, if you have a mac mini or a box that stays on 24/7, you could hook up the Drobo S to it and just share it through OSX, which is pretty easy to setup.

Basically, if you want fast transfer speeds or only want to use it primarily from one computer, you'll get more for your money with the Drobo S. You can always add the DroboShare (http://drobo.com/products_droboshare.html) if you change your mind.

The Drobo FS will be more convenient from the network but slower transfer speeds.

 

[verbal]

Bah, that makes my decision even harder. I plan on getting a Mini for use as a HTPC/Server. I could easily share it from that, but I'm not sure I want the Drobo in my entertainment center.

I keep going back and forth. Meh.

 

[xenon supra]

Drobo is pretty quiet FYI. No way you'll be able to hear it over a movie playing or something.

If you don't need super fast transfer speeds and $$ isn't an issue, get the FS.

 

[Raider007]

The network drive transfers speeds will obviously be slower.

technically, gigabit is faster than USB2/3/FW400/FW800...

I can transfer files faster over gigabit then I can plugging it to any external drive I have...

not sure where your setup is going wrong... perhaps you're routing it though a 100mb router?

 

[verbal]

I'd just like having the option to use a direct or network connection. If I do get a Mini, I see the Drobo lasting longer than it. Who knows what I'll do after I get rid of the Mini? Sucks they don't make one with both built in.

Yeah, I'm being ridiculous, but still. It's a good chunk of money.

 

[xenon supra]

technically, gigabit is faster than USB2/3/FW400/FW800...

I can transfer files faster over gigabit then I can plugging it to any external drive I have...

not sure where your setup is going wrong... perhaps you're routing it though a 100mb router?

We have gigabit routers/ switches in the house as well as Cat5e cable. FW800 is without a doubt faster in real life. Even if gigabit is supposed to be 1000

 

[verbal]

Does Drobo have remote access capabilities? Can you transfer files from it over the internet or run drobo apps over the internet?

I just found Synology. I'm playing around in the Synology DiskStation remote access app and it's pretty damn sweet. Slow, but that's probably from the site it's on, not the actual hardware.

http://demo.synology.com:5000/webman/index.cgi
admin/synology

 

[DAN513]

There's a ton of apps you can get for the drobo dashboard, I'd be surprised if they didn't have a remote access app you could get for it.

I've got the FS at home on my PC network, speeds average about 35MB/second. Not stellar, but more than enough for me to stream 720p and 1080p mkv's to my wdtv live boxes.

 

[verbal]

35mb/second?

Who has a Drobo S that they share on the network? Can someone please test their speeds over the network?

 

[verbal]

Anyone know of a good place that compares stand alone RAIDs?

 

[mojito]

Anyone know of a good place that compares stand alone RAIDs?

wait for thunderbolt

 

[xenon supra]

35mb/second?

Who has a Drobo S that they share on the network? Can someone please test their speeds over the network?

just did a quick test. copied 1481mb in 141 sec

So thats about 10.5 mb/sec

I don't know if my computer is going through a gigabit switch though. only our media room is for sure since thats where it matters. I can test that computer later if you want.

just for kicks, I copied the same 1481mb to my FW800 Drobo and it took 136 sec
Or about 10.9 mb/sec

wait for thunderbolt

this

 

[3dfx!]

Wait for thunderbolt? That's assuming you have one of the new MBPs, which make this route the most expensive of all options.

 

[mojito]

Wait for thunderbolt? That's assuming you have one of the new MBPs, which make this route the most expensive of all options.

but the best option