Customer Reviews

Buffalo Technology DriveStation FlexNet 1 TB USB 2.0 / Network Hybrid Desktop Hard Drive with TurboUSB 2.0 HD-CE1.0TLU2 (Black)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I bought this just to find out its can only be format using FAT32 for both LAN/USB to be working. The OS running this box is Linux. If you format it using NTFS then only USB function, no LAN networking function. I have some files bigger than 4GB so they did not show up when connected via USB using FAT32.

The LAN speed is very slow vesus the LinkStation Duo 1GB I currently have. It's max out around 6.5 MB per second writing vesus 11 MB per second on the LinkStation Duo on 100Mbs network.

Otherwise, everything are as they advertised. The dual mode switching between LAN/USB works flawless. I have this drive hooked up to the Western Digital TV HD PLayer via USB to play, and wired LAN so I can update the contents automatically, very convenience.

The drive's very quiet since it's fanless. Buffalo's design this box somehow that its despense the heat very good even without the fan. I transfered 50GB+ of files and it's just barely warm to the touch.

Pro: very simple to setup and use. You don't need to install anything, just connect as both USB and network, but set to be USB-mode, then run hd_celu2_information.exe found in the \share\buffalo folder to find out the ip address assigned.
You can then configure it via your browser and, after switching to network mode, access the storage immediately.

Cons: None, really. It could be faster, but for under $150 for a terabyte with the flexibility of dual interface I can be forgiving.
It doesn't support user accounts, quotas, schedules,etc like my Qnap unit does, but it was literally half the price with twice the storage.

Notes:
My firmware was six months out of date when it arrived - go directly to Buffalo's webpage and update immediately.

You can always access the browser-based management console, even in usb mode. You can't access the files over the network unless it is set to network mode, however.

Rather than the encryption software that comes with it I'd really recommend downloading and using TrueCrypt (free). I was unable to find any evaluation or meaningful details about the algorithms used in Buffalo's software. TrueCrypt is verifiable secure.

It works as advertized, easy to setup, easy to use, No problems with any of my laptops or home pc accessing it on my home network. this is coming from a guy who is NO computer wiz. I had a harder time setting up a router, than I did this product. Been runnning it for months and has been reliable.

The FlexNet offered a stop-gap solution to the problems of streaming media to my Yamaha RX-V2700 over my 100BaseT network from my PC by directly connecting to the Yamaha via USB. The FlexNet's RJ45 connection would allow transfer of files over the network to update it's content. Switching to "USB mode" would then allow the Yamaha to access the drive locally without much issue.

Unfortunately, the Buffalo FlexNet did not perform. It could be recognized across the network (albeit, a bit clumsily), but the USB port failed to function properly when connected to either a PC or the Yamaha. Buffalo customer support was unable to to make the drive function after about an hour of troubleshooting.

I returned the device.

This unit is easy to setup, it is accessable as either a USB drive or Network attached storage drive. When mapped as a network drive with automatic reconnection, the computers all automatically connect without problems. The only issue I have is in a power failure it defaults to the USB mode, you have to manually push the button to convert it to network mode.

I first bought it because it was recommended by various people. It was very easy to setup as it gives you step by step easy installation with pictures and all. I did not need to install anything, just connect as both USB and network. Just bought it recently so can't say much but at the moment it works well for me.

I purchased this drive as network storage for home. I thought it would work in either usb mode (for initial data copy) or in network mode. However, my MacBook was unable to write files in network mode... I could only read data. (BTW, I have no problem connecting from my macbook to my older network storage WD drive.)

I contacted Buffalo support and was told that the lack of network support for Macs was a known problem. They could not give me any indication of when/if it would ever be resolved. After re-reading the product description, I realized that it only _actually_ claimed Mac support for the Memeo backup software update, not the drive itself...

This is extremely poor product support for network storage (which should be able to communicate with any computers on the network). This is also very misleading advertising, IMO. I certainly won't be purchasing another Buffalo product anytime soon. I would not recommend this company or product to others.

THIS UNTI AFTER 4 MONTHS HAD TO BE RETURNED BECAUSE IT STOPPED WORKING. NOW SOME 12 MONTHS LATER IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT HAS DONE THE SAME THING. CUSTOMER SERVICE CANT HELP. THE COMPANY IS A RIP OFF.

Don't bother buying this product. While the drive seems well designed their support is non-existent.
I tried installing the drive in my network, blindly, as it does not include any documentation for Macs whatsoever. This drive is advertised as Mac compatible.
If you go on the website, it will direct you to input your serial number to download a software, for Macs, to manage your drive on the network. You need to know that your drive is called HD-CE1.5TLU2, which is not that obvious when you look at the box or the manual. Anyway, it doesn't work, it's for NAS, which apparently this isn't, although it says so in the box.
I finally managed to see drive in Finder and access it, but couldn't copy or move files to it except through the terminal, using cp or mv commands. Applications could see the drive and open files but not write to it.
I called tech support several times, but wasn't able to reach any one because of extreme wait times. I emailed tech support and was promised an answer in 48 hours, I am still waiting. I also logged various questions in their forum to no avail, the people there didn't even look at my request.
I believe they are overwhelmed by reliability problems and cannot handle the excessive tech support needed to get their product operational.
I have returned it and since bought a Western Digital My Book World Edition 1 TB Network Attached Storage WDH1NC10000N (White) network drive (a little more expensive), which I plugged in and immediately showed up in my Finder, it allows me to access it through the Internet from anywhere and fully supports the Mac.

This device is completely useless. Worked for about a year and a half with no problem, all of a sudden it asked for a password. I cannot access it from any of my PC's or laptops without the password. I have completely lost everything in it at this point. Still trying to find a solution but will not buy any Buffalo product again. Look into their help forum this is a common problem and their Support system is completely useless. Save your frustration, time, and money and go to a different manufacturer.