LincPlus LincStation E1 NAS review: An impressive 2+2 bay NAS — but the LincOS still feels like it's in development
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/alastair-jennings · TechRadarTechRadar Verdict
The LincStation E1 is aimed at the entry-level NAS with flexible 2+2 storage, essentially two SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots. I found the hardware offers a balance of power and storage that's a great option for small offices and studios. The local NAS performance is decent enough, though limited by the 1Gbps wired connection. This is more than enough for those new to using a NAS. The build quality is good, and features such as the dual-band Wi-Fi and 4K HDMI are decent offerings at the price. However, LincOS still feels in its early stages of development, and the key feature, the person cloud remote access, is inconsistent and frankly just doesn’t work at present. At this price, as long as issues with LincOS are addressed, this will be a phenomenal NAS.
Pros
- +Compact 2+2 bay storage layout
- +Personal Cloud storage
- +4K HDMI direct output
Cons
- -GbE only, not 2.5GbE
- -LincOS is still buggy and incomplete
- -Full features require Windows
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LincPlus LincStation E1: 30-second review
In this review, I’ve taken a look at a Pre-Launch model of the LincStation E1, and the hardware impresses right away, especially given the price. Inside is a 2+2 storage layout, dual-band Wi-Fi, and 4K HDMI output, and the feature set and newly developed LincOS are aimed at the entry-level.
The LincStation E1 hardware features a compact chassis, which, despite being entry-level, is exceptionally well finished and designed. The drive installation is quick, with a combination of two SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots accessed through a plate on the bottom of the drive.
In the early stages of the review, it was obvious that LincOS was in the early stages of development with limited features; however, with the latest update, the true potential of the NAS started to develop with an uplift in local performance and the ability to start setting up the personal cloud storage, although it still failed at the login.
The initial setup can be done completely using the mobile app, or on the PC, you can use the desktop client. On a Mac, however, the web interface is currently limited. Again, a firmware update during the review period resolved the most significant remote access issues, which is reassuring, but if accessing through the mobile or desktop App locally and then switching to remote, the software is still glitchy.
For a Windows-first-time NAS user who wants private local cloud storage, file backup, and remote access, it might not be the absolute best NAS device I've tested, but I found the E1 is a great choice given its price, especially once the software issues have been resolved. For Mac users who need frequent remote access, I would wait until the LincOS issues have been resolved.
LincPlus LincStation E1: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? TBA
- When is it out? Pre-Order
- Where can you get it? Directly from Kickstarter
At present, the LincStation E1 is part of a Kickstarter campaign. If you're interested in taking a closer look and getting involved, head over to the Kickstarter page.
However, I am seeing it on Amazon.com for $219, with a very long shipping time.
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