Whilst the DS212 has no significant hardware changes from its predecessor the DS211. We still have great performance and improved power efficiency. Externally, the unit has had a renovation – it now has a slick looking matt outer shell with a new glossy front fascia for getting HDDs inside much, much easier. No longer do we need to prise the unit open and screw HDDs into a cage.

As we have found in the past, Synology’s DSM Operating System is just phenomenal. Its feature-set puts the user in total control and offers numerous useful facets such as Media Server, Audio Station, Photo Station, Download facilities, Mail Server, Surveillance Station via IP cameras and much more.



Earlier in the review I showed the possibilities that DS Audio presents – with this particular feature I was able to sync my mobile phone with the DS212, playing music files found on the NAS. This gives us many options – one such option would be to have the phone attached to a docking station with speakers, playing music on the DS212. Perfect for those occasions when friends or family need entertaining.

Priced at £230inc VAT (GBP) the DS212 is a well-priced NAS unit. It won’t cost the earth, offers all the features you could ever want and delivers great all round performance. The only aspect I think could be improved with the DS212 is the ability to use SATA 3 drives which it doesn’t have support for. Since this unit will populate 2012 and many users are investing in SATA 3, our NAS should really accommodate this standard of drive.