Conclusion
...while the hardware can be considered somewhat basic, it's the software that continues to elevate the Synology NAS experience.If you've kept an eye on the NAS landscape and find yourself eager to dip your toe into network-attached waters, the Synology DS216j should be on your radar.
Priced to appeal to network novices, this £140 dual-bay unit is well suited to home users seeking reliable centralised storage, a wealth of handy features and a user experience that few other NAS suppliers are able to match.
Whether you're seeking a powerful DLNA media server, multi-device backups or home surveillance, the DS216j proves to be a capable and efficient performer. The dual-bay unit does miss a couple of niceties - namely quick-release drive trays and front-facing USB ports - yet while the hardware can be considered somewhat basic, it's the software that continues to elevate the Synology NAS experience.
Ready to purchase your first home NAS? Put the DS216j near the top of your list.
The Good The Bad Lots of features for £140
Capable dual-core performance
Energy efficient hardware
Class-leading operating system
User-friendly configuration
Ideal for NAS newcomers No front-facing USB ports
Drive access could be easier
Synology DS216j
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The Synology DS216j is available to purchase from Amazon.
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