RNDU2000-100NAS ??

You could think of it like that. It does have a larger feature set than the Duo (v1). You can't migrate disks across from the Duo to the x86 ReadyNAS.

Take a look at the old Comparison Chart which includes the Duo (v1): http://www.readynas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ReadyNAS_Comparison_Home.pdf

The Ultra is faster than both the Duo and Duo (v2).

mdgm wrote:
You could think of it like that. It does have a larger feature set than the Duo (v1). You can't migrate disks across from the Duo to the x86 ReadyNAS. The Ultra is faster than both the Duo and Duo (v2).

mdgm,
Thanks for quick reply. Yes, ok; I expect 'feature set' differences.' Yes, faster is good; though I never complained about my DUO-V1!
In the history of my DUO-V1 (4yrs), I have not used many of its' features. I expect to use few of the 'Ultra' features also.

Can you expand a bit more about the 'migrate disks across...?'
I already expect that I can NOT pull my DUO-V1 drive pair out and plug them into an 'Ultra' device of any ilk. This is an issue I will deal with separately as I decide to buy an 'Ultra' 2-bay pair. Yes, I will also buy 4 hard drives from the NG HCL.

NASNoob wrote:
Can you expand a bit more about the 'migrate disks across...?'

You've already done that:

NASNoob wrote:
I already expect that I can NOT pull my DUO-V1 drive pair out and plug them into an 'Ultra' device of any ilk.

Just split off the latter posts in the thread to here as it was getting a bit off-topic: http://www.readynas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=64159

mdgm wrote:
You've already done that: NASNoob wrote: I already expect that I can NOT pull my DUO-V1 drive pair out and plug them into an 'Ultra' device of any ilk.

mdgm,
OK. Let's suppose I buy a pair of RNDU2000-100NAS. I do all the appropriate initial setup and stabilization. One Ultra will become my new primary NAS. The other new Ultra will become my BackUp target (or, become just another sub-Primary NAS). Now, all I need to do is copy/move/xfer the current contents (DATA) from my current DUO-V1 to new Ultra.

Via the LAN connections, I believe I should be able to copy/move/xfer my current DATA manually from the DUO to the Ultra. Is this roughly correct? This xfer of my Data will not be time critical.

Does this seem like a workable plan?

Yes this would work.

You can use Frontview backup to migrate the data across. I'd use NFS for the full backup then change the backup job properties to use Rsync for the incrementals.

The UI is the same UI you're familiar with on the Duo (v1)

If your going to use one Ultra 2 for your primary, I don't see why you don't use your current Duo for the backup. It uses NFS and rsync file protocols. It is a little slower in doing the backups than an Ultra, but once you have converted the backup to rsync, in normal conditions, it only takes minutes to synchronize the files in a share between the two units. Most of my nightly rsync jobs take seconds only (unless I have added a large number of files) so the speed of the Duo should not be an issue.

When I got my first NVX two years ago, I was backing it up to my NV+ for several months until I found a super deal on a second NVX.

The nice thing about the rsync process is that if you are using Windows and have your shares mapped to drive letters so that programs in Windows see the share as a drive, then all you have to do to shift everything from one NAS to the other is change the names. My NV+ was originally NAS1. Then my NVX Pioneer, once I had all the files transferred over was names NAS1 (after I had changed my NV+ to NAS2). All of my Excel and Word defaults now looked to the NVX rather than then NV+. Then I changed the backup jobs so they no longer went from the NV+ to the NVX, but from the NVX to the NV+. I did not have to reconfigure all the defaults in all of my windows programs this way.

The reason for NFS for the initial backup is that it does a straight copy of all the files. Incremental backups using NFS just copy the entire file (for those that have changed) over again. Rsync on the other hand checks for changes within a file and this makes the initial backup dog slow. However, instead of an incremental with the entire file copied over again, it synchronizes the two files by updating the file by copying over only the changes. I have four shares that are automatically rsync'd overnight and it normally only takes seconds to a few minutes unless there are a lot of additions or changes.

You could also go with the Ultra 4 with only two drives initially and spend less than you would with two Ultra 2's and 4 drives. Then when you finally are no longer able to back up your critical/important information to the Duo, add a second 4 bay ReadyNAS to your network and retire or rehome the trusy Duo. A very good friend of mine has my old NV+ which is now in it's sixth year of service, and I have two NVX units. I had planned to wait a while, but when the Ultras were being developed, there were some very good deals on the NVX models.

@mdgm,
Thanks. I begin to see some light now in my tunnel. Will push forward.

@PapaBear,
I thank you for your share. ATM, too confusing for me. I will re-read a few more times. If I am still confused, I will come back again; most likely post new toys in house.

Yes, it is possible I may demote my DUO-V1 to just BACKUP duties. Yet, I think I can find another use for it also.

Yes, I see the $$$ pragmatism of an Ultra4, yet, I fear that if I have the blank 2 slots, I will endeavor to fill them in the future! And, before I do same with my backup NAS which does NOT have 2 spare slots.. :slap:

I do so know my proclivities, LOL! But, I will toss this idea into the mix. The cost of 4 new drives is not an issue. I need to buy new, replacement drives anyway. The 3 500GB drives I use now (24/7) are 4 years old and all are out of warranty anyway. I knew 2012 would be expensive when I bought my Duo-V1...... :D

All,
Just a quick note to end this PreSales thread. I've ordered new devices; and, wait for:
RNDU2000-100NAS Ultra2 (1) {whatever?}
RNDP200U-100NAS Ultra2+ (1) {new primary}
I expect them in-hand on/about 03JUL2012. I also ordered 4x Seagate Constellation ES ST3500514NS 7200rpm 500GB drives from the HCL.
In time, I may move to 1TB drives; just not yet.

Yes, I will demote my DUO-V1 to backup duties. The DUO-V2 goes on the block!

Appreciate all comments, suggestions, and help. I remain in the ReadyNAS herd. :D