Need help choosing a Readynas for Home

Cmaker3 wrote:
Here are some of the things I'd like to do with the NAS: 1. Backup storage 2. Media storage to share with my devices and stream to my HDTV. I have a Roku and I have no idea what options I have available with regards to media streaming, etc. 3. Provide DLNA services.

All of the NAS' will have these options. (I have a Duo and an Ultra2 at home doing the same thing.)

Cmaker3 wrote:
Some questions come to mind like: 4. Will I be able to backup some of my data from the ReadyNAS to an online backup server? 5. Can I access my iTunes Library while I'm on the road? What about stored videos?

There are many backup options that some people refer to as cloud backup or online backup. The two common online back ups that I see are Egnyte or ReadyNAS Vault. I know there are others, so keep us posted on one that you may have looked at to see if the ReadyNAS will work.

There are a few things that you can do with the ReadyNAS for your "on the road" concept. There is ReadyNAS Photos II that will have remote access to viewing your photos, but it sounds like you may want more than that... The ReadyNAS Remote will allow remote access to the ReadyNAS (internet connection required), and you can download what you need and play your music or videos. Haven't seen a remote steaming option for that part.
http://www.readynas.com/remote

Cmaker3 wrote:
And then I've got technical questions: 6. Upon looking for the Ultra 4 Plus to purchase, I see RNDP400U and RNDU4000. What's the difference and which one should I go for? This is the same for other models: [Ultra 2 Plus: RNDP200U, RNDU2000, RNDU2120]

The main difference with the Ultra and Ultra Plus is the processor. You will have an upgraded processor with the Plus for an extra boost. You will get a little better performance and helps out with resources with the addons.

Cmaker3 wrote:
Having a limited budget, I am thinking or hoping to 1st go for the Ultra 2 Plus with 2 hdd of 3TB each and just get another Ultra 2 Plus later. 7. Will I be able to nest the two? What are my options for this? 8. Will I be better off to get an Ultra 4 Plus with 1 hdd of 3TB and just add on later? 9. Which would be the most economical way of going at this?

There is a few ways to view this part. I like the two 2-bay units so I can have a backup. If you have an issue with one unit you will have a backup to the second unit and not have to worry about the data down the road. Some people say that RAID is not a backup, but only one extra measure to prevent a failure. Since disks do fail it is nice to have the second unit for the backup.
On the other half... If you would like to have more storage and the Ultra 4 Plus would be the best option. You would not have to worry about two disks being lost for redundancy. You can always back up your critical to an external USB drive.

I did notice you would want one disk in the Ultra4Plus... I would recommend to have a redundant drive in the unit, so you don't worry about the disk failing.
Either way, the disk expansion is both vertical and horizontal with this units. If you did not have the money for the 3TB now and you get 2x 2TB you can add more 2TB drives or upgrade to the 3TB.
XRAID2 expansion: http://www.readynas.com/?cat=53


I hope these comments were helpful in making your decision.