ASUSTOR AS-304T Multi Media Storage Server Review

We have been using the ASUSTOR AS-304t for a couple months now and actually struggled to figure out what to include in the review.  On the surface the AS-304T is a typical network appliance with hardware data redundancy and a powerful dual core Atom 1.6Ghz processor.  The four drives can operate in all of the major RAID levels.  When it comes to software the ADM Linux based OS comes with a powerful web interface that not only allows you to control things like users and access levels but can auto update the firmware whenever there is a new official release.

The challenge comes in talking about the ASUSTOR AS-304T App Central and the inherent nature of having custom applications hosted remotely rather than having them embedded with the firmware.  Overall we actually like this approach since it will ensure the applications will run on the AS-304T and allows ASUSTOR to add more applications as they see fit.   There are currently 19 application categories in the App Central with an average of nine applications in each category. 

Many of the applications are different versions of the same thing, such as Wordpress and Drupal but gives the user a choice on what platform they intend to use and the ability to try them out before committing.  We noticed a trend in the applications they offer which either focuse on media consumption, like video players and downloaders, or on content management like Wordpress and SugarCRM.  Obviously the applications are chosen based on popularity but we would eventually like to see more development applications like Subversion and maybe a messaging system or email server.  Given that the ADM OS is Linux based just about any open source application can be adapted.

We are well versed in the ways of media streaming and there are a variety of devices that support media streaming from inexpensive blu-ray players to high-end televisions.  Most of them come with a handful of apps so they can hook into YouTube or Netflix but stop there.  The media center aspect of the AS-304T fills the gap between retail products and custom servers.  For this the AS-304T can be used in two ways.  In the instance that you are using the HDMI connection you can stream files directly through the HDMI and use the remote to control the interaction.  The second uses the built in UPnP which can stream files over the network to a television (or other device) and be controlled using that device.

Speaking of control, in addition to the App Central you can also download the ASUSTOR mobile app which gives you remote monitoring and control direct from your iOS or Android device.  This basically gives you   

However you decide to use the ASUSTOR AS-304T you will not be disappointed.  There is a plethora of applications available and the overall form factor and ease of use makes it a perfect device for the home when you need to remotely store or share data with multiple systems. 

Be sure to check out the ASUSTOR website for a full list of specs, features, options, etc as there really is too much stuff to list.

Powerful Atom 1.6Ghz Processor
Four Drive RAID Support
HDMI Out
Lots of Applications
Linux Based OS
Shell Access
Media Server

App central installs are not fully automated
No source control apps, yet