Linksys EFG80 EtherFast Network Attached Storage (80GB/PrintServer)
From Linksys
Insert eighty gigabytes of storage space into your network with the EtherFast Instant GigaDrive from Linksys. Compact and powerful, this Network Attached Storage (NAS) device adds gigabytes of storage to your network without adding the cost, space, and maintenance hassles of a typical file server. The Instant GigaDrive provides solid data transfer for multiple client connections. It is also equipped with a built-in print server for the quick and inexpensive addition of a network printer and an extra drive bay so you can add an additional drive as your network needs demand.The EtherFast Instant GigaDrive's 10/100 port will automatically adjust to your network's speed. Equipped with a self-repairing feature, the Instant GigaDrive's comprehensive, web-based utility software offers a wide array of management options. The Instant GigaDrive also functions as a standalone DHCP server for easy installation.
Brand: Linksys Model: EFG80 Platform: Windows XP Dimensions: 17.00 pounds Hard Disk: 80GB
Insert 80 GB of storage space into your network with the EtherFast Instant GigaDrive from Linksys. Compact and powerful, this network-attached storage (NAS) device adds gigabytes of storage to your network without adding the cost, space, and maintenance hassles of a typical file server. The Instant GigaDrive provides solid data transfer for multiple client connections. It is also equipped with a built-in print server for the quick and inexpensive addition of a network printer, and an extra drive bay so you can add an additional up to 120 GB IDE hard drive as your network needs demand. The EtherFast Instant GigaDrive's 10/100 port will automatically adjust to your network's speed. The Instant GigaDrive's comprehensive, Web-based utility software offers a wide array of management options. The unit also functions as a standalone DHCP server for easy installation.
Not perfect but still a great NAS! I agree with some of the criticisms leveled against the EFG80. Yes, its not exactly cheap (but quality has a price), the fan is a bit noisy (but there's no chance this baby will ever overheat), and it would be nice if it supported some RAID functions like mirroring (though the built in backup does essentially the same thing). However, after installing the EFG80 in my home network, I am now firmly convinced that the positives far out-way any negatives. First, quality, reliability and stability: this unit is built to last and, with its firmware Linux OS, it's practically bulletproof! Second, performance: Its fast! Boots up fast, shuts down fast, and file transfers are actually faster than to a PC. The supplied hard drive is so quiet (Seagate Barracuda V) that the fan is the only thing you hear. Third, ease of use: the administrative controls are very straightforward and functional. I just plugged it in and had full interoperability with my network. Since I'm running W2k, I haven't noticed any of the connectivity problems reported by XP users (just one more reason to avoid XP IMHO). Finally, it just looks cool: it's consistent with the Linksys color scheme and looks great sitting next to the rest of my Linksys network stack! All in all, I am extremely pleased with this NAS. Buggy, unreliable firmware, horrible customer support The firmware of the EFG-80 is based on a hack of some open source code, mainly linux and samba. It is not properly tested and even moderate use I have discovered a few bugs, one of them critical.The documentation is very shallow technically, and gives no insight as to how to best use the device or good troubleshooting tips.I have discovered a crippling bug in the firmware (among others) and couldn't get Linksys customer service to escalate it to engineering. All they did is repeat the same troubleshooting steps listed in the user manual. When I suggested they escalate the bug to engineering, they answered that they "would mention it to their training department"!!!In a nutshell, dealing with Linksys customer support for this device is a nightmare. For those interested, the bug exhibits itself when more than 5 or 6 shares are created from the "default location". The web-based administration module crashes for good, and the administrator can never login after that. I cannot recommend this device for any serious business use. Great item, LOUSY DISTRIBUTOR I own an EFG80, which is an outstanding device to use on a SOHO network for backup. I bought extra drive trays from Linksys toeasily be able to exchange drives. The device was so useful,I decided to add a second, bringing my storage capacity to 1/2 terabyte. That was when the hassles began.Amazon listed the item as being in-stock, but sold through theirmarketplace (troygift.com). Apparently there is some ambiguityabout what "in-stock" means. My understanding of "in-stock" isone has direct control of at least one item and is ready todeliver it. If YOU have that same expectation of what the termmeans, find another distributor who shares your opinion, becauseapparently Amazon and troygift.com (should be TRYgift) don't.
