Buffalo launches new Windows Storage Server series

Buffalo has announced the launch of its latest Windows Storage Server solution, the TeraStation WSS 2012.

Aimed at 'small and midsized businesses' (SMBs), the company is pitching the device as an easy to use, high performance solution that can be integrated into networks and 'bring your own device' (BYOD) setups.

The series is available as either a rackmount or desktop setup and has a variety of storage capacities, from 4TB to 24TB. Under the hood the TeraStation is equipped with one of two Intel Atom Dual-Core processors - either the D2550 or D2700 - depending on the model.

Locking horns

Buffalo's offering, once deployed, allows networks to automatically access and manage storage in a similar fashion to Windows Server. PowerShell and Microsoft Systems Centre are compatible with the TeraStation.

Supported by RAID, the TeraStation also features backup functions as well as hot swap ability, enabling users to change disks without server downtime.

The TeraStation WSS 2012 R2 is available now from £584 ($951, AU$1061).

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Consumer champ asks Apple: 'Why does 16GB of extra iPad storage cost £80?'

According to the popular consumer group Which? the likes of Apple and Google probably pay around £5.95 per 16GB of storage they place in their iPad and Nexus tablets.

So with that in mind, the group is aiming to get to the bottom of why the consumer price jump from 16GB to 32GB models of top tablets is so steep, it could almost be classed as vertical.

Just as we noted heavily in our in-depth iPad Air review, Which? points out that the 32GB iPad mini is £80 dearer than the 16GB model, while Google asks for £70 more for the storage bump on the Nexus 10.

However, the same bump on the new Nexus 7 is only £40, like Amazon, and Which? is also upset with Samsung for only making 10GB of the Galaxy Tab 3's 16GB of storage available to users.

Raw deal

While Which? conducts its probe, the group is advising potential tablet shoppers to opt for models where they can boost storage themselves through much-cheaper microSD slots.

"With tablets in demand this Christmas, buyers will be shocked to discover what a raw deal they're getting on built-in memory," Which? editor Richard Headland told The Inquirer website.

"If you want the best value storage, then buy a tablet with a SD or microSD slot and add a memory card for a fraction of the cost."

We've long pushed this point of external storage being cheaper to buy than upgrading an internal capacity - if the campaign shows that those extra GB are coming at too high a premium, then everyone could save some cash.

We can't imagine the tech giants being too forthcoming on this front, because you know, it's Apple, Google and Samsung and they like money a lot, but we wish Which? well in its endeavours as the disproportionate cost of higher storage models has ticked tech fans off for long enough.