Find Whirlpool Deals at Lowe’sBuffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (500GB)
Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology Part number: HS-DH500GL
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Buffalo LinkStation Live has a lot of features and the right price to make it a really compelling home NAS drive, but its slow speeds give us pause.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/02/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (500GB) price range: $95.00
- Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 04/06/2007
- Released on: 01/18/2007
The good: Easy to set up and configure; good price; includes print server and DLNA media server, USB ports for connecting printers or USB hard drives, Gigabit Ethernet, and backup software; comes with 24-7 support.
The bad: On the slow side, especially with reading files; no RAID capability.
The bottom line: The Buffalo LinkStation Live has a lot of features and the right price to make it a really compelling home NAS drive, but its slow speeds give us pause.
The Buffalo LinkStation Live is a network-attached storage drive designed for home users who want to share files over a local network. It includes a built-in print server and a DLNA-compliant media server that allows you to easily stream multimedia files to other DLNA-compliant devices. At $350 for the 500GB version, it's quite a deal, given its bells and whistles. On the downside, it's not the fastest at writing, and it's downright sluggish when reading files. For comparison, the similarly priced Ximeta NetDisk Portable is much faster, but lacks both servers. Also, as the LinkStation Live contains only one disk, you can't set up a RAID array, as you can with the more expensive and faster HP Media Vault MV2020. While the Buffalo LinkStation Live is a good product for the money, its slow read speed gives us pause. If you want the fastest network storage, we say go for the Ximeta NetDisk Portable, even though it's slightly more expensive (in terms of features) than the Buffalo LinkStation Live. If you're willing to spend a little more money for a more flexible drive that offers even more features, spring for the HP Media Vault MV2020.
Design
The Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive is compact and will easily slide in next to your router or hub. The charcoal-gray drive stands 2.4x6.3x8.5 inches. It can only be oriented in one direction. The front of the drive houses the power button and four LEDs. On the rear of the drive, you'll find the power port, an Ethernet jack, and two USB ports for connecting printers or USB hard drives.
Features
The Buffalo LinkStation Live comes in four capacities: 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, and 750GB (for this review, we tested the 250GB version). All versions contain a single, 7,200rpm drive. Setup is simple: just connect the drive to your router or hub using an Ethernet cable and plug in the power cord. Then run the included CD to install the LinkNavigator utility. Upon installation, two icons should appear on your desktop: one will take you directly to the folders on the LinkStation drive, and the other will open the LinkNavigator window. You also can access the drive by going to My Computer; during setup, the drive is automatically mapped to drive letter L (or the next available letter if L is already occupied). The LinkNavigator lets you check on the status of all the LinkStations and Buffalo TeraStations on your network, while the Web-based configuration interface lets you set passwords, change access permissions, manage attached drives, add or delete shared folders, and otherwise configure your LinkStation Live drive.
The Ethernet port supports both Fast and Gigabit Ethernet. Built into the drive are a print server for network printing (it doesn't support multifunction printers) and a DLNA-compliant server for distributing multimedia files over your network to another DLNA device, such as a digital media adapter. The user guide includes clear directions for how to use the media streaming ability (called PCcast). If you want to expand your storage capacity or back up the LinkStation Live, you can attach a USB storage drive (or two) using the USB ports. For backing up PCs on your network to the NAS drive, Buffalo bundles Memeo Auto Backup software (for Windows only). Using Memeo, you can schedule regular backups.
Performance
In CNET Labs' tests, the Buffalo LinkStation Live proved to be an average performer when writing and a bit on the slow side with reading. It took 16 minutes, 15 seconds to write a 5GB folder of mixed file types over a local network, and 26 minutes, 49 seconds to read it back. The Ximeta NetDisk Portable (which lacks both print and media servers) was much faster at both tasks.
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
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5GB read test (min:sec) | |
5GB write test (min:sec) |
Service and support
Buffalo backs the drive with a standard one-year warranty. Toll-free phone support is available 24-7, or you can fill out an online query form on the company's Web site. Buffalo's site also includes downloads and a searchable knowledge base.
User reviews
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Disappointing! Two tries, all failed.
by wongrk on June 21, 2007
Pros: Don't know yet since both units failed
Cons: Hardware plus software problems, very unstable and very slow.
Summary: I purchased the 500GB LinkStation Live from Fry's.com when it was on sale... BIG mistake! The first unit was shipped to me in 7 days and I spent ...
Summary: I purchased the 500GB LinkStation Live from Fry's.com when it was on sale... BIG mistake! The first unit was shipped to me in 7 days and I spent 2 hours setting it up. First backup job ran with error message, second time the unit simply disconnected from the network and the internal fan failed (4 red led blink). It was determined by Buffalo Tech that I needed a replacement unit. Called Fry's and they said I couldn't return it to the store but I must purchase a new unit and ship back the defective one for a refund. I paid another $300 and the replacement unit came after 10 days. Hooked it up and the host name was fine and everything seems to work... for just one day. As soon as backup job started to run, it took 1 full day and stuck at 80% completion. Called Buffalo Tech support and was told to reset the unit...another BIG mistake, the unit went into test mode (according to tech support)and the host name changed from GL something to EM something, tried the firmware and software upgrade, both failed. Here I have the second defective unit and 30 days past Fry's simply won't do anything about it (and I am still waiting for my $300 refund). For Buffalo's warranty service I need to pay for shipping ($15) and wait another 10 days for a replacement unit and there is no guarantee it will work.
In conclusion, if you have a choice please stay away from this product. Maybe it is my bad luck but I have never experienced something this bad. I might post update to this review after I receive the replacement unit from Buffalo.
I hope this help.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Unstable drive, the worst customer service I've ever experienced.
by Alon Kahana on December 1, 2007
Pros: Only theoretical
Cons: Drive doesn't work, calling Buffalo means being on hold, no response to email.
Summary: Unbelievable is the only word that comes to mind. I can't believe that this company is still in business. I'm a patient guy, and I've never written ...
Summary: Unbelievable is the only word that comes to mind. I can't believe that this company is still in business. I'm a patient guy, and I've never written a review like this, but after 3 weeks of trying to get help from BT, this is my only recourse - maybe I can save someone else from the trouble.
I have both Macs and PCs at home, and thought that a network drive that worked with both would be nice to have. Setting up the drive was easy. It worked well for 3 weeks - was very slow, but at least usable. Then, one day, I could no longer mount it. Contacted Buffalo and actually got a response telling me to upgrade the firmware and to reset the drive. Did both. No difference. Since then, I've been trying to get in touch with Buffalo to no avail. I called them, and listened to Beethoven and Gershwin while on hold but after 30 minutes, I hung up. There was no message, nothing!
I went and bought a Western Digital My Book Studio Edition. It's not wireless but works great. I think I'll just chuck the Linkstation and cry over the $300 but I have no choice. It's past the Circuit City 30 day return policy.
My advice - stay as far away from all Buffalo products. And C/Net needs to get with the program too. The technology might look good in a test, but reliability and customer service are equally (if not more) important.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just made a 10 on the scale....
by meteorologisttwc on July 18, 2007
Pros: Great Speed, REALLY REALLY EASY TO CONNECT!
Cons: Says it comes with 500GB but only came with 454GB
Summary: Everything good except it says it came eith 500GB but really came with 454GB.
Summary: Everything good except it says it came eith 500GB but really came with 454GB.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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SLOW but very worthwhile
by ksellstr on November 1, 2009
Pros: Works smoothly, very simple & effective.
Cons: SLOOWWWWW user interface, data transfer could be faster.
Summary: Wanted a simple but defective network storage device, which this does flawlessly. The unit has been rock-solid for the past year, worked perfectly, and automatically backs itself up to a ...
Summary: Wanted a simple but defective network storage device, which this does flawlessly. The unit has been rock-solid for the past year, worked perfectly, and automatically backs itself up to a USB drive.
The user interface is web-browser based and simple to use but painfully slow, literally taking minutes to load/reload/refresh pages. It's not as intuitive as it could be, but fine for someone with a solid computer knowledge.
The web-access to data is a great idea, very useful, but very slow.
Overall, it's a great NAS but could benefit from updating of the hardware. -
Buffalo drives are terrible (Can I give it 0 stars?)
Pros: Tech support is good about shipping you replace disk drives
Cons: in 12 months, with 3 different drives...i've only been able to WRITE data to them, never read data back. Can I just have my money back?
Summary: My saga: I purchased a Buffalo LinkStation Pro Duo Network disk drive on 6/14/2008. That drive (#1) lasted about 5 months. After hours on the phone with tech ...
Summary: My saga: I purchased a Buffalo LinkStation Pro Duo Network disk drive on 6/14/2008. That drive (#1) lasted about 5 months. After hours on the phone with tech support, Buffalo declared it dead, with all data lost and sent me a replacement. Drive # 2 lasted another 6 months, again after hours on the phone with Tech support, they declared that one dead too...and all data is lost. They mailed me replacement disk #3 two days ago, and the fan in the drive is not working, there's a red warning LED light on it, and the configuration tool says "Fan Malfunction" - so drive #3 is DOA. basically in the past year I've done nothing but load up and lose data on Buffalo drives. Now, with days left on my one year warrantee, they want to ship me drive # 4. What do you think? John Santora - john@ViridianTech.com
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works almost ok until it breaks
by ernhamDjinn on April 26, 2009
Pros: Comes with Memeo backup software which makes backing up documents easy. Unit is pretty quiet, 500GB for quite a low price. Seems definitely attractive at the time, especially with DLNA support thrown in (that's what the doc says).
Cons: DLNA support doesn't work (firmware update for PS3 support is a dud).
Reliability is a major concern. After a power outage, the fan died and the unit can't work for more than 5 minutes.Summary: The lack of DLNA support can be overlooked, but reliability issues can't. The unit is only guaranteed 1 year and stopped working after 15 months of usage. The fan ...
Summary: The lack of DLNA support can be overlooked, but reliability issues can't. The unit is only guaranteed 1 year and stopped working after 15 months of usage. The fan is the cheapest you can buy- probably not surprising given the overall price of the unit. The day you buy it, you think you scored a nice deal (other units with the same storage are way more expensive), until you have to deal with the hassle of recovering your files from the unit. The saving grace is it's dead easy to take apart the unit (10 screws or so, nothing hard) and extract the hard drive. At the end of the day, it's an expensive price to pay for an ok 500GB drive.
Bottom line: pay a higher price and get a unit from a brand you can trust. My brother has had an iomega NAS unit for 3 years and it's doing its job. -
I can definitely live with it.......
by saynotodrugs on November 17, 2008
Pros: PRICE! I got mine on sale for $139.00
Cons: Ships in poor packaging with no cushion. Novices at networking will have a harder time with the configuration.
Summary: This unitIt has exactly the features I was looking for and more: now I can access my music and files wirelessly from my laptop from anywhere in the house. It ...
Summary: This unitIt has exactly the features I was looking for and more: now I can access my music and files wirelessly from my laptop from anywhere in the house. It has a host of other features, like letting you access your files from the internet, which I can't wait to try. It is very quiet and compact in size, and you can connect another USB drive to it (or a printer) which you can then share also. I am using it with an N wireless router. (If you buy one pray that the box wasn't dropped on the floor) It is obvious that some people got defective units, and that is a shame. Manufacturers should double-check and triple-check every unit before it leaves the factory. Also, the packing could be better. Mine came in rigid cardboard moldings with no cushion! Drop the box and you might well have a damaged drive (that's what knocked 1 star from my rating).
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Steer clear
by daveandvickie on July 17, 2008
Pros: cheap ... cheap ...
Cons: doesn't work as stated, slooowww and poor support
Summary: I have 2 buffalo 500gb live units. I had to send one back when it arrived. they have been reliable as basic drives on my network, but the media server ...
Summary: I have 2 buffalo 500gb live units. I had to send one back when it arrived. they have been reliable as basic drives on my network, but the media server does not work properly and keeps going offline. also I back each drive up to the other and the back up jobs regulary hang. There have been no updates for over a year (maybe two) to the firmware and overall I am dis-appointed.
Stay away. -
Works Great with Gigabit Routers
by ShaneMT08 on June 27, 2008
Pros: Gigabit Connection
Cons: Slow on 10/100 Networks
Summary: After using this unit in a small business network environment I am impressed with what Buffalo has done.
Pro's:
1. 500 GB drive @7200 rpm
2. Cooling fan to ...Summary: After using this unit in a small business network environment I am impressed with what Buffalo has done.
Pro's:
1. 500 GB drive @7200 rpm
2. Cooling fan to dissipate heat
3. Gigabit (1000 megabits) network connection
4. 2 USB ports for attaching extra storage
5. Print Server works well over network
6. Browser based management console
7. Simple setup using supplied software on CD
8. Jumbo ethernet frame support
9. iTunes compatability
10. Multi User account setup for network access
11. Space saving unit
Con's:
1. Does not work well with a 10/100 megabit connection so using a old wireless G router will cause some frustration.
2. Loses connection to router at times
3. Sporadic read/write errors
Overall, if you are looking for something to use in a small business network or at home I would suggest this NAS "WITH" something like a Dlink 655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router and you will be very pleased. Wireless access connections on wireless N routers are very fast with this unit. I tested opening several different file sizes ranging from 100 megabytes to 500 megabytes and they opened in a flash. Uploading files is quick and efficient also. A 400 megabyte file was uploaded to the NAS in less than 15 seconds.
DO NOT forget to obtain the CAT6 ethernet network cables for this unit, the router and your desktop / laptop. CAT5 is 10/100 megabit and will hold back the potential of this nifty little NAS from Buffalo. -
wasted my time, sent it back
by hs.teacher.1 on April 19, 2008
Pros: looks pretty
Cons: wasted 2 hours of my time
Summary: I wasted 2 hours on this thing.
The documentation uses different words than the actual interface, they give you a lot of choices with no explanation of pros and cons, ...Summary: I wasted 2 hours on this thing.
The documentation uses different words than the actual interface, they give you a lot of choices with no explanation of pros and cons, and the code at BuffaloNAS that was supposed to allow web access didn't work.
I was on the line with support for 45 minutres, and they couldn't get it to work by then, so I gave up and brought it back.
Just a waste of time.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology
- Part number: HS-DH500GL
- Description: The easy to use LinkStation Live Multimedia Storage Server is perfect whenever you need dependable network data storage. All computers on your network can share files on this versatile, flexible, and simple NAS. In addition to its storage capabilities, it can stream multimedia to a PC, a Mac, a Buffalo LinkTheater, and other DLNA Certified media players. The LinkStation Live seamlessly integrates with iTunes and allows you to access your music files on the LinkStation from your iTunes software. Best suited for homes or small businesses who need a central location for files that all devices on the network can share.
General
- Device Type NAS server
- Host Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet
- Total Storage Capacity 500 GB
Storage Controller
- Type Serial ATA - Integrated
- Controller interface type Serial ATA-150
- Storage Controller / Supported Device Type Hard drive
Hard Drive
- Type Standard
- Capacity 1 x 500 GB
- Interface type Serial ATA-150
- Spindle speed 7200 rpm
Optical Storage
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Hard Drive (2nd)
- Type None
Networking
- Type Network adapter - Integrated
- Data link protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
- Transport protocol FTP, NTP, TCP/IP
- Remote management protocol HTTP
- Networking standards IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Voltage Required AC 100 V
- Operational power consumption 17 Watt
Software / System Requirements
- Min Operating system Linux, Apple MacOS 8.6 or later, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
Video
- Video Output None
Product series
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Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (320GB)
Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology
Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Live HS-DH320GL - NAS server, 320 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
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Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (500GB)
Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology
Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Live HS-DH500GL - NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
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Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (250GB)
Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology
Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Live HS-DH250GL - NAS server, 250 GB, PC, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
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Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (750GB)
Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology
Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Live HS-DH750GL - NAS server, 750 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
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Buffalo LinkStation Live NAS drive (1TB)
Manufacturer: Buffalo Technology
Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Live HS-DH1000GL - NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Manufacturer info
- Buffalo Technology
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Buffalo Technology products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.buffalotech.com
- Address:
4030 West Braker Lane, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78759-5319 - Phone: 800-456-9799
- Email: sales@buffalotech.com
- Fax: 512-794-8520
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