Promise NS4300N
The Promise NS4300N is supplied without hard drives. Online, this NAS housing can be ordered for a price of around $420. When compared to other NAS units with a similar range of functions, this price should be considered comparable.
The NS4300N has four drive bays--the build your own device (BYOD) concept means that users can fit the NAS housing with the storage capacity that meets their specific requirements. The current maximum is 6 TB, made up of four 1.5 TB drives available from Seagate.
Construction
The construction of the NS4300N is good, although the unit does leave room for the opposite impression when unpacked for the first time. The entire housing is made up of a light, thin plastic, which is not very reassuring at first glance. If you compare it to other NAS units, like the QNAP TS-409 Pro, for example, you immediately ask the obvious question: why would Promise want to give the NS4300N a plastic housing ?
If you look a little closer, you will see that the plastic housing is more stable and more accurately constructed than it first appears. The front flap used to cover the drive slots is fixed with a hinge to the left-hand side of the housing, and moves easily. If you are expecting creaks and squeaks, you will be pleasantly surprised.
The same goes for the drive holders, which are also made of plastic. Fears that these might break due to frequent use are unfounded. Inside the unit itself, a metal cage ensures that the drives are seated securely.
The Package
Promise includes the drive holders with associated screws, a network cable with rubber connector, an RJ-45 network cable, manual, and software CD.
Click an image to see more pictures of the NS4300N.