Labs

If we were being kind, we'd describe the Buffalo LinkStation Pro LS500GL's styling as traditional, and this slightly old-fashioned approach extends through to the inside, too.

In fact, this is a solid, capable basic Nas box, boasting the conventional users, groups, shares approach along with a few more adventurous touches. However, an extra £63 would buy you the do-everything Freecom FSG-3 WLAN.

But, then, it depends what your priorities are. While Freecom's jack-of-all-trades device offers a staggering array of features, it doesn't support Apple Filing Protocol (AFP). This

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model from Buffalo, however, does, and is much more focused on core Nas competencies.

It's not quite as snappy as the Adaptec Snap Server 110 when it comes to file transfer, but it's no slouch, coming second in our league table. And its support for AFP means Mac users get smooth, competent server performance.

Configuration is simple enough, but if you've never used a Nas device before, the server-like system of users, groups and shares is more daunting than the simple wizard offered by the Western Digital NetCenter.

Backing up the contents of this drive is easy, and you can use multiple Nas units to backup across the network.

One feature that might come in useful if you do have more than one LinkStation Pro on your network is to ping the current unit being administered; it plays a tune.

External disks connected using the two USB ports on the rear are by default made publicly available through the network, although you can set permissions.

Ultimately, the Buffalo LinkStation Pro LS500GL is an excellent choice if all you want to do is integrate shared storage into a network that includes Macs, but other models here offer more.