Final Thoughts:
The ASUS TS mini is a great choice for anyone looking for an entry-level Windows Home Server. The unit is good looking, well constructed and is small enough that it won't take up a lot of room under a desk. On the inside, the TS mini is powered by an 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 processor which is more than enough for Windows Home Server's core functions as well as the add-ins ASUS has included. Due to its small size, the TS mini's internal storage is limited to only two hard drives. However, it has plenty of USB and eSATA ports so its storage capacity can be increased by simply plugging in an external hard drive.
It would be remiss of me if I didn't point out that Microsoft will be releasing Windows Home Server 2011 (Vail) later this year. This new version is 64-bit only and will not run on many of the home servers currently on the market, including the TS mini. Then again, with Microsoft dropping support for Drive Extender in Windows Home Server 2011, many people are sticking with the current version until there is a viable alternative from a third party.
In the end, it usually comes down to price. For what it offers, ASUS's home server is relatively affordable. Available with either a 500GB, 1TB or 2TB hard drive, the TS mini can be picked up for less than $400 through Amazon as well as some of the vendors on PriceGrabber.
Highs:
- Windows Home Server
- Good performance
- Includes ASWM, Xtor Manager and WebStorage add-ins
- Six USB ports and two eSATA ports
- Gigabit Ethernet NIC
- Compact and good looking design
- Quiet operation
- Includes 500GB of online storage
- Reasonably priced
Lows:
- Only two internal hard drive bays
- Not capable of running Windows Home Server 2011 (Vail)
