In the world of travel, capturing and storing memories is as important as the journey itself. Whether you're a digital nomad working from multiple laptops or an adventurer capturing stunning landscapes with your video camera and drone, managing and safeguarding your data becomes crucial. This is where the Synology DS118 Disk Station, a powerful Network Attached Storage (NAS) system, comes into play.

The Synology DS118 Disk Station is a compact yet powerful single-bay NAS solution, perfect for travellers on the go. It allows you to consolidate all your data in one location, making it easy to access, manage, and share. With its high-speed performance, you can quickly transfer large files from your various devices, ensuring your data is safely stored and readily available. Whether you're backing up your work files from your laptop or storing high-resolution footage from your drone, the DS118 has you covered.

For those needing even more storage and data protection, larger Synology models offer additional features such as automated data backup. This ensures that your data is not only stored safely but also regularly backed up, providing an extra layer of protection. With a Synology Disk Station, you can focus on your travel adventures, knowing that your data is secure and accessible whenever you need it.

I recently purchased the Synology DS118 Disk Station, and I must say, it has been a game-changer for me. This compact and quiet NAS blends perfectly into my small home office. The dual-core CPU with hardware encryption engine provides excellent performance, allowing me to access my files quickly and securely.

One of the standout features of the DS118 is its impressive data transfer speeds. With over 113 MB/s reading and 112 MB/s writing, I can easily transfer and backup my files in no time. The dual USB 3.0 ports also come in handy for connecting external storages and printers.

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

• The compact design and quiet operation make it perfect for small offices or homes.
• The dual-core CPU provides excellent performance, especially when paired with the hardware encryption engine.
• Impressive data transfer speeds of over 113 MB/s reading and 112 MB/s writing.
• The dual USB 3.0 ports allow for easy connection of external storages and printers.
• The Synology operating system is user-friendly and offers a wide range of features.

What Can Be Improved

• The power supply transformer could be of higher quality to avoid buzzing noise.
• The interface could be a little snappier, although it is still perfectly adequate.

Quick Verdict

In conclusion, the Synology DS118 Disk Station is an excellent NAS for small offices and home use. With its compact design, impressive performance, and user-friendly interface, it offers great value for the money. While the power supply transformer could be improved and the interface could be snappier, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the overall performance and features of the DS118. If you're looking for an affordable and reliable NAS, I highly recommend considering the Synology DS118 Disk Station.

PRICED FROM  $229.00

Click here to check it out on Amazon.  

Unboxing - What's Inside?

As an Amazon customer in the USA, I recently purchased the Synology DS118 Disk Station in black. The delivery was surprisingly fast, arriving at my doorstep within just two days of placing the order.

Upon opening the box, I found the following items:

• Synology DS118 Disk Station
• Power adapter
• Ethernet cable
• Quick installation guide
• Screws for hard drive installation

Specifications

Here are the specifications of the Synology DS118 Disk Station:

• Brand: Synology
• Manufacturer: MMT
• Item Model Number: DS118
• Colour: Black
• Compatible devices: Desktop
• Size: 1-bay
• Memory: 1GB DDR4
• Hard Drive Interface: USB 3.0
• Computer Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
• Number of processors: 1
• Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 2
• Hard Drive: 12 TB
• RAM: 1 GB DDR4
• Processor: 1.4 GHz none
• Item dimensions L x W x H: 22.4 x 16.6 x 7.1 centimetres
• Product dimensions: 22.4 x 16.61 x 7.11 cm; 698.53 Grams
• Voltage: 240 Volts
• Power Source: AC

Documentations

The included documentation and user guide for the Synology DS118 Disk Station were extremely helpful in setting up and understanding the features of the product. The guide provided step-by-step instructions on connecting the device, installing the hard drive, and configuring the software. I found it easy to follow and it greatly assisted me in getting my Disk Station up and running.

If you're interested in accessing the user guide, you can find it Click here to check it out on Amazon.  

Features - What We Found

Compact and Quiet

The Synology DS118 Disk Station is designed to be compact and quiet, making it a perfect fit for small offices and home environments. Its sleek design allows it to blend seamlessly into any space without taking up much room. Additionally, the quiet operation ensures that it won't cause any disruption or distraction.

This feature is particularly beneficial for those who require a storage solution in a quiet working or living environment. It allows you to have a powerful and reliable storage system without any noise interruptions. Whether you're working in a small office or using it at home, the compact and quiet design of the DS118 ensures a pleasant user experience.

Pro Tip: To further enhance the quiet operation of the DS118, you can place it in an open area with good ventilation. This will help dissipate any heat generated and maintain optimal performance while minimizing noise levels.

Dual-Core CPU with Hardware Encryption Engine

The DS118 is equipped with a dual-core CPU that provides efficient performance and quick response times. This enables smooth operation and ensures that tasks are executed swiftly. Furthermore, it features a hardware encryption engine that enhances data security by encrypting files and folders on the fly. This powerful encryption engine protects your sensitive data from unauthorized access.

With the dual-core CPU and hardware encryption engine, the DS118 offers both performance and security. Whether you're accessing files, streaming media, or performing other tasks, this feature ensures a seamless and secure user experience.

Pro Tip: Enable the hardware encryption feature to keep your data secure. This is especially important for sensitive files and personal information.

Fast Read and Write Speeds

The DS118 offers impressive read and write speeds, with over 113 MB/s of reading and 112 MB/s of writing performance. These fast speeds allow for quick file transfers and efficient data management. Whether you're accessing large files or performing data-intensive tasks, the high-speed performance of the DS118 ensures a smooth user experience.

This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with large files or perform data backups. The fast read and write speeds of the DS118 enable you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time.

Pro Tip: Connect the DS118 to a router or switch that supports Gigabit Ethernet for optimal network performance. This will ensure that you can fully utilize the high-speed capabilities of the DS118.

Dual USB 3.0 Ports

The DS118 is equipped with dual USB 3.0 ports, providing convenient connectivity options for external storages and printers. These ports allow you to easily expand your storage capacity by connecting external hard drives or other USB devices. Moreover, you can directly connect a printer to the DS118, making it a central print server for your network.

This feature is particularly useful for users who require additional storage capacity or want to share a printer across multiple devices. The dual USB 3.0 ports of the DS118 offer flexibility and convenience.

Pro Tip: Use the USB ports to regularly back up your data to external drives. This provides an additional layer of data protection in case of any unforeseen events.

Link to Product: Synology DS118 Disk Station on Amazon.com.au

The DS118 is a versatile and powerful storage solution that offers compact and quiet operation, efficient performance, high-speed data transfer, USB connectivity options, and advanced data security. Its design and features make it an ideal choice for small offices and home users who require reliable storage and data management capabilities.

Whether you need a storage solution for work or personal use, the DS118 provides the necessary features to meet your needs. Its compact and quiet design ensures that it won't disrupt your environment, while its powerful performance and advanced encryption engine guarantee smooth and secure data management. The dual USB 3.0 ports offer additional connectivity options, and the fast read and write speeds allow for quick and efficient file transfers.

Overall, the Synology DS118 Disk Station is a feature-rich and reliable storage solution that offers impressive performance and functionality, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a versatile and efficient storage system.

Concluding Thoughts

Our Score: 91.0

I recently purchased the Synology DS118 Disk Station and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. The compact and quiet design blends perfectly into my small office space, and the dual-core CPU with hardware encryption engine provides excellent performance. With over 113 MB/s reading and 112 MB/s writing speeds, I can easily access and transfer files quickly.

The dual USB 3.0 ports are a great addition, allowing me to connect external storages and printers seamlessly. The setup was a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly Synology software. I appreciate the compatibility with various operating systems, as it allows me to connect my Mac and Windows devices without any issues.

Overall, the Synology DS118 is a great NAS for home use. It offers excellent value for money and provides an easy entry into the Synology ecosystem. Whether you need it for media storage, backups, or remote logins, this NAS delivers on all fronts. I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and affordable network-attached storage solution.

Best combination

Are you looking for a reliable and efficient storage solution for your data? Look no further! I highly recommend considering the Synology DS118 Disk Station as an excellent alternative product to complement the 8TB Seagate 3.5 7200rpm SATA IronWolf NAS HDD.

The Synology DS118 Disk Station is a black 1-bay device that offers powerful performance and versatile features. With 1GB DDR4 RAM, it ensures smooth operations and efficient data processing. Whether you are a home user or a small business owner, this Disk Station is an ideal choice to meet your storage needs.

By combining the Synology DS118 Disk Station with the 8TB Seagate IronWolf NAS HDD, you can create an impressive storage setup. The high-capacity and reliable IronWolf HDD provides ample space to store your files and ensures quick access to your data. It is designed specifically for NAS systems, offering enhanced performance, durability, and compatibility.

With this combination, you can enjoy a seamless data management experience. The Synology Disk Station provides user-friendly software, allowing you to easily organize, backup, and share your data across multiple devices and platforms. The IronWolf HDD ensures data integrity and continuous access, making it an excellent choice for personal or professional use.

To get the best out of your storage setup, I highly suggest considering the Synology DS118 Disk Station as an ideal partner for the 8TB Seagate IronWolf NAS HDD. Don't miss out on this powerful combination - take your data storage to the next level!