Can I use a print server for my ext. hard drive

[beyondmike]

I want to purchase a external hard drive with network connection but have a option to get an external hard drive with usb only connection for a good price. can i hook this up with a usb print server and hook that up to my router(router does not have a usb connection) so i can have access to the hard drive from all computers hooked up to the network? any other suggestions? i think a usb print server is about $50 and an external usb drive starts at $100+ and file servers start at $300+. any suggestions on what option works best for me. i do not want to carry around an external HD between computers and want to share this storage space. thanks!

[megavolt]

A USB Print Server probably wouldn't do it. Something like the Linksys NSLUS2 is what you need. Princess Auto actually had a few when I was there last week for $75. Memx sells them for $99 but I think they're all out of stock (I think they're discontinued). Memx sells alternatives but I think they're a little more $.

Cool part about the NSLUS2 is that you can load linux onto it and load packages onto it to get it to do pretty much anything you want it to (like I added print server functionality onto mine).

[eblend]

won't work on print server for sure

i would just get the network attached one and call it a day

[beyondmike]

Originally posted by eblend
won't work on print server for sure

i would just get the network attached one and call it a day

thanks! makes sense. no point trying to save a buck if it doesnt work. looks like i'll be getting the networks one.

[megavolt]

The NSLUS2 is a NAS device... plug in a USB drive and network and you're set. All that linux stuff is just cool if you're interested.

Link

[hedge]

I have this enclosure http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...13976(ME).aspx, it works fine but uses the older IDE drives and doesn't support NTFS so you can't put files > 4G on it.

[megavolt]

^^^

Definately the way to go (if the drive you have is IDE). I've never seen that one, wonder why vantec didn't make a sata version?