ASUS TS Mini SOHO Server (500GB Storage) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In searching for a server, I wanted something easy on the electricity in order to keep it on all day. If this does indeed use only 27 watts when at max operating, it's perfect.
I use it for file storage, having WinAmp running at all times to be able to remotely (via Ipod Touch) turn on to stream to an Airport Express with Airfoil (iTunes gave me problems, read below), run uTorrent all the time, and stream to a WD TV Live.
It's doing all these things for me perfectly. The only thing I don't run on it that I had planned on is PlayOn to stream Hulu to the WD TV Live. The CPU is lacking for this, so I do run PlayOn from my laptop when needed.
In installing iTunes to WHS via instructions found on the net, I got it to install, but had the "stuttering/pausing" problem with iTunes. I have this happen once in a long while on my laptop, but with the Server, it was pausing every 3 seconds or so, continuously. I found if I had QuickTime player running, this got rid of the stutter for some reason, but QuickTime then consumed 50-60% CPU constantly. I didn't want to subject the CPU to this, so I switched to WinAmp and Airfoil, and the combination is working fine for my purposes. I'm still able to remotely control WinAmp with my Ipod Touch with a iAmpRemote, although with less capabilities that the Apple Remote and iTunes gives you (sort by artist, song, etc).
My server sits in my family room, so I also installed a USB sound card with XP drivers to the server, and can route sound directly from the server to my stereo via the USB Sound card.
So far, I've been very pleased with it. The Atom Processor is capable for what I use it for (and more so if you don't intend to run things like Winamp/iTunes, etc on it). Anything that takes a CPU power, like PlayOn to process video, will run slowly and not so well on it. So consider the trade offs of the small lower power consuming CPU, versus CPU power needed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS TS Mini SOHO Server (500GB Storage)

The new ASUS Small Office Home Office (SOHO) Server TS mini helps you centralize your files to improve data management, enhance media streaming, and better utilize home networks. Designed to simplify a user's digital life, the TS mini centralizes files such as photos, music, and videos from multiple home computers—to enable easy storing, sharing and securing of the files within a home or remotely through the Internet. Equipped with Intel Atom processor N280, the TS mini delivers efficient, 24/7 performance. Operating on the Microsoft Windows Home Server Platform, TS Mini simplifies the management and protection of digital content. The TS mini features up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM memory, Gigabit Ethernet support, supports up to 4TB of internal storage, exclusive 500GB of ASUS WebStorage online storage*, six USB ports, and two eSATA ports to meet future growth requirements. The 500GB version offers 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 500GB of internal storage, 500GB of ASUS WebStorage and much more.


Key Features

Easy data backup and restoration - choose from automated or manual backup
Quick and convenient file sharing with easy remote access via Internet and LAN
Large data capacity with ASUS exclusive WebStorage (500GB HDD + 500GB WebStorage)*
Enhanced data access and file management with 2x eSATA ports, 6x USB 2.0 ports and gigabit ethernet port
Uses less than 30 Watts when fully operational
Windows Home Server with ASUS System Web-based Management Software for maximum compatibility and convenience

Learn More
Enhanced Data Access and File Management
Convenient Content Sharing at Home and Easy Remote Access
Large Data Capacity with ASUS' Exclusive WebStorage*
Enhanced Data Access and File Management
Less Power Consumption than a Light Bulb**
Warranty
ASUS 1 Year Limited Warranty ASUS SOHO Server TS Mini comes with 1 year limited warranty. Please visit Support.ASUS.com for more details on warranty policy.
What's in the Box
TS Mini (500GB version)
Quick start guide
User manual
AC adapter
Power cord
RJ45 LAN cable
HDD screws package
Software installation CD
Recovery CD
Restore CD
Warranty card
Specifications
CPU: Intel Atom Processor N280 1.66GHz
Memory: 1GB DDR2-800
Hard Drive Storage: 500GB @ 7200rpm (1x 500GB)
Cloud Storage: 500GB ASUS WebStorage*
Networking: 1x 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 LAN
Interfaces: 6x USB 2.0, 2x eSATA, 1x Kensington Lock
Buttons: Power on/off button, Recovery button
LED Indicators: System, HDD1, HDD2, Network status indicators
AC Power Adapter (Watt): Output: 19V, 90W,Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimensions: 9.6 (H) x 3.8 (W) x 8 (D) inches
Approximate Weight: 7.26 lbs.
Operation Noise: 28 dBa (near silent)
Operating System: Powered by Microsoft Windows Home Server
Color: Piano Black All specifications are subject to change without notice. Color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos. *ASUS WebStorage service is complimentary for the first 12 months. **Compared to a typical incandescent 60W light bulb

Click here for more information about ASUS TS Mini SOHO Server (500GB Storage)