Buffalo Linkstation

This external hard drive from Buffalo comes with USB 2 ports on both the back and front.

While networking can be a scary experience for some, Buffalo's supplied literature allows for relatively easy configuration of the Linkstation Network Storage Centre. The compact unit features a stylish white-and-silver design and is supplied with a stand for vertical operation. We looked at the 120GB version, but the drive also comes in 160GB and 250GB capacities.

Buffalo's software lets you connect to and configure the drive using a web browser-based interface. Password-protected configuration pages allow you to assign a name, create shared folders and set up security, and you can elect to share folders with both Mac and Windows users.

USB2 ports on the front and the back provide the option to add another external hard disk, and you can schedule both full and incremental backups of the Linkstation's shared folders to it. A built-in print server also allows you to connect a USB printer. Four LEDs on the front panel display network activity, drive errors, power and drive capacity, while the rear houses a 10/100 Ethernet port, a switch to toggle this between MDI and MDIX settings, the second USB2 port and a reset button. There's also a vent for the Linkstation's fan, which runs with a minimum of noise. The power supply is built into the unit, cutting down on clutter.

Contact: Buffalo 0870 162 4970
www.buffalo.co.uk

Specifications:

• Capacity: 120Gb
• USB 2
• Ethernet 10/100 Base TX
• Size (mm) w x d x h: 170 x 185 x 62
• Weight (g): 1385
• backup software
• Warranty (years): 2