I'm building an HTPC (new Mac Mini) and want to add a good NAS. I've spent hours researching the internets, but I need the help of you experts!

Here are my goals:
1) Function as massive storage for MP3s, video, pictures (and really every other type of file I currently have on my laptop)
__a) RAID storage providing redundancy in case of HD failure
__b) TimeMachine backups of Mac Mini to NAS (local files)
2) Stream media to Plasma TV via Boxee on Mac Mini (hard wired)
3) Stream media to HP laptop via WiFi (and access all media stored on NAS via same method)
4) Streaming / File access to other computers via Cat-5
5) (not a deal-breaker) Remote access into NAS via secure method when away from home.
6) Power settings (sleep/wake up schedules; inactivity power down)

Two solutions that are of interest to me are the Netgear ReadyNas NV+ and the HP MediaSmart EX475. It seems they have some similarities but also somewhat major differencees, although as a noob, it's hard for me to distinguish what would be best for what I want to accomplish.

HP MediaSmart EX475:
Pros: Hardware: Faster processor / more RAM; cheaper
Cons: Not true RAID; Microsoft software; mixed reviews; annoying HP software solutions? (ie, photo sharing, etc)

ReadyNas NV+:
Pros: More networking features? great reviews; hot-swap drives; been around for a while
Cons: More expensive; what else?

Is there anybody out there that can attest to and expand on the pros/cons of either system? I know there are some other threads on the NV+, but seemed dated.

As always, I appreciate the insight and knowledge provided by the ever-helpful members on this forum!

As you said, the MediaSmart servers do not use true RAID and their ability to provide data redundancy has been called into question. Maybe that issue has been addressed, but I'd research them good and hard before trusting that my data is protected.

I'd research them good and hard before trusting that my data is protected

Agreed, especially on the Mac compatibility angle: if you're considering the MediaSmart 475 and Time Machine is important to you, you may want to read through this:

http://www.mediasmarthome.com/article/11615/Using-Mac-s-Time-Machine-with-HP-MediaSmart-Server-EX470-475/

sorry I don't have time to address every goal, but I have had a ReadyNAS NV+ of over a year, and have two minis, a powermac g5 and a mac pro 8-core accessing it. I've had no troubles with it, and think you'll be happy with it too.
--Sheldon.

sorry I don't have time to address every goal, but I have had a ReadyNAS NV+ of over a year, and have two minis, a powermac g5 and a mac pro 8-core accessing it. I've had no troubles with it, and think you'll be happy with it too.
--Sheldon.

Thanks for the input.

Sheldon, how do all of your computers access the NAS? In my case, if I have the NAS connected to my wireless (w/ four wired ports) DLink DI-524 router, will both my Mac Mini (connected via wire to router) and HP laptop (connected via WiFi) have access to the NAS and all files, etc? Or, do I need to set up some elaborate network by purchasing more hardware?

The ReadyNAS Pro performs automatic disk scrubbing, The ReadyNAS NV+ does not. Do you wonder what you are giving up in the way of data integrity with the NV+? According to a Google paper a couple of years ago, all disk drives start failing at about three years without regard to duty cycle. Will any of your RAiD disks purchased at the same time begin to show errors when one drive fails completely? Will you be able to rebuild your RAID if that happens?

ZFS can't get here fast enough, and I hope it's a good implementation.

Thanks for the input.

Sheldon, how do all of your computers access the NAS? In my case, if I have the NAS connected to my wireless (w/ four wired ports) DLink DI-524 router, will both my Mac Mini (connected via wire to router) and HP laptop (connected via WiFi) have access to the NAS and all files, etc? Or, do I need to set up some elaborate network by purchasing more hardware?

I have a ReadyNAS NV+ as well. Everything works through the network whether wired or wireless. You already have all the network hardware you will need and don't need anything more "elaborate" than what you have. Mac support on the ReadyNAS is really good so don't discount the importance of that in making your decision.

One thing to bear in mind, though a NAS box configured as a RAID does offer an extra measure of data protection over a stand-alone disk drive, bad things can still happen to your data (theft, fire, concurrent multiple failures) so it is always a good idea to have the really precious stuff backed up separately, preferably off-site, for good measure.

So I emailed the vendor I bought the NV+ from (eaegis.com), and this was their response:

"We test all machines before we send them and update each one to the latest firmware. Your machine is being updated at this very minute to version 4.1.4. So you will only have to install your new drives and configure them how you wish. Let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks again for your order."

I was pretty impressed with that response, thus making the Samsung purchase a moot point.

I was also looking at, instead of purchasing 2 x 1 TB Samsung drives, 3 x 750 GB Western Digital drives.
1) Does anyone think the WD WD7500AACS WP Caviar GP is ok? It's a "green" drive - would it perform well in a NAS, or would that hurt video-streaming performance to my HTPC?
2) About that drive, ReadyNas.com's compatibility chart says the following: "Use only with Pro and Pro Pioneer. All other ReadyNAS products will need release 4.1.5 or newer." Isn't the NV+ eligible for the 4.1.5 firmware upgrade? Wouldn't installing 4.1.5 on the NV+ make this drive compliant? I guess I'm confused, because why would eAegis (vendor) install 4.1.4 when 4.1.5 has been out since February 9th?

If I am not mistaken, 4.1.5 is NOT officially out. It is in beta form at version 37T and is meant to allow an easier configuration for Mac OS X TimeMachine. The forecast I read indicated sometime in April for 4.1.5 officially. I have tested the beta and there are a couple of issues on the Mac side of the house still. I do not stream so I cannot offer any info on that.

I have had a ReadyNAS NV (uses the same firmware as the NV+) for a long time and Netgear seems to always make the latest (official) firmware available for download. It is a piece of cake to install - use a browser, download the file, use RAIDar to launch the web console and select System/Update.

Regards,
George

I have a pre-Netgear NV+ (2006-ish?) and it has been great. Connected ethernet to an AEBS> ethernet to a PS3 and wireless going to a MacBook and two Airport Expresses. My old Windows laptop will connect to it too.

I have 3 Seagate Barracudas purchased at different times. I followed the recommended hardware list on the ReadyNas website when buying drives (why risk not doing that?).

I stream music, photos, and movies all stored on the NV+ ( I keep nothing on the MacBook drive). I also use it as a web server for family to access my kid's photos.

I was using power management to shutter the NV+ at night but that became a hassle when I started running Handbrake at night or if I powered the Mac up when the NV+ was down, I would have to manually reconnect to the shares.

I know nothing about the HP, but my ReadyNas has been rock solid.