The Quantum Snap Server 2000 is a nicely packaged, fast file server that meets the needs of small environments without requiring any networking expertise. If you can plug in a toaster, you can plug in a Snap Server.

Note: This opinion is on the Quantum Snap Server 2000, 60Gb. Epinions.com only features two versions here, the 1000, and the 4100. Somehow they missed the 2000. Anyway, all features across all snap servers are about the same except for the number of drives it has, their capacity, and other minor details.

The Quantum Snap Server 2000 has dual ultra-ATA 30Gb hard drives that are RAID 0, 1 and JBOD compliant. RAID 0 is the factory default, and it refers to turning both drives into one huge 60Gb drive. Most users will be fine with this. RAID 1 can be also set which entails setting up one disk as the primary disk, and making the other disk mirror the first. This is the least efficient use of the server as only 50% can be used, the other 50% used as backup. JBOD stands for "Just a Bunch of Drives" where both disks are used, but are treated separately -- two drive letters.

Connection is via Ethernet, either 10Mb/s, or Fast Ethernet (100Mb/s). The hard drives are ultra fast, and able to sustain high data transfer rates under heavy loads. The networking protocols supported by the Snap Server are all standard; TCP/IP, IPX, NetBeui, NFS, HTTP, AppleTalk.

Setting up the Snap Server was a breeze. You plug in the power cable, plug in a network cable, and turn on the thing. Quantum says it will take you a few minutes to setup, but in fact, you will be able to set it up in under 45 seconds, it took me 42 seconds at PC Expo, and because of that fact, I became a winner of a Snap Server -- I'm trying to sell it though... http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1209379593

After you have the server running, you can leave it as is, or configure it over the web or LAN. Many networking devices like printers can be configured this way nowadays, the Snap Server is no different. The simple web-based administrative tool lets users configure the disk options, security options, and networking options. There is also a factory default option that lets you restore the server to its original settings. Additionally, the server provides detailed logs and lists of active users. It is very simple to use, no arcane techy stuff to learn. Don't need to call nick burns from the help desk (snl).

The performance of the Quantum Snap Server was excellent. As compared to similar devices on the market such as Meridian, Intel, and Maxtor, the Quantum snap server was fastest overall in transfer speed over TCP/IP under a heavy load.

NAS have their good points and their bad. They are good because they run right out of the box, come as a small compact unit, are highly optimized to perform as a file server and require limited networking experience. However, NASes are expensive, if you don't need portability, one can simply build a computer with networking and put a bunch of drives in it for the fraction of the cost. If you build your own box, you will require some bit of networking expertise.

As for cost, Quantum Snap Server 2000, 60Gb cost $1700 retail. A few places on the web sell them, its street price is around $1300. If you are lucky, you may be able to purchase this on eBay brand new for around $1000. (see auction #1209379593)

Overall, I found the Quantum Snap Server useful. It is portable, lightweight, and ultra quiet. I think this unit will last until Microsoft comes out with bigger and more bloated products to fill up the server that it will become useless and outdated as 10inch floppy disks.


Recommended: Yes