Mac Mini + Synology DS415play vs DS414j

[dapitts08]

I have a 2012 mac mini that i use as a desktop. I just bought a macbook pro and am now looking at ways to maintain files across systems.

I currently use plex media server on the mac mini.
I also have a large itunes library.
I am also graphic designer so I have 1TB worth of workfiles as well.

I want to set up a NAS to share all of these files.
I don't plan on running plex on the synology so transcoding would be done on the mac mini for video files.
I also plan on using the NAS for backing up the laptop, mac mini and all media files.

With this said, is there any real reason to choose the synology DS415play over the DS414j?

How big of a deal will the lower system memory and cpu frequency matter since I won't be transcoding video?

Is there anything I should consider relating to the itunes server and full backup needs?

I am trying to find the most cost effective solution since I just bought the macbook pro but at the same time I want to make sure I get everything I need.

Thanks in advance.

 

[satcomer]

Take a look at this video.

 

[alain651]

If you look at speed my recommendation is to use your MacMini as a server, use the Server Apps and use File Sharing, VPN, than you can have access to your files any where. And use and Thunderbolt external storage - A lot faster than NAS.

 

[am2am]

Is there any particular reason you want to use NAS? If all you need is described in your post then you don't need NAS. In fact mac mini will suits you better.

1. Buy external storage - one/few external HDD or DAS RAID enclosure. In my opinion USB3 is sufficient - you won't use Thunderbolt speed over the network. Anyhow - any external storage you choose.
2. Invest 20$ and buy OS X server app
3. Setup file sharing - you have your first need addressed.
(BONUS - you have network shares spotlight indexing - not available with NAS - only mac os server supports it - you can quick search your network resources)
4. Run your iTunes on your mac mini - put library on external disk/das. Use home sharing. You will get best iTunes server experience. NAS iTunes servers solutions are always crippled.
5. Set-up time machine on mac os server (again use your external drive/drives). You have your backup- the ONLY one reliable time machine is provided by apple. All NAS time machines I know have problems from time to time (usually as soon as apple changes something).
6. You already have plex. You may consider connecting mac mini via hdmi to your TV/Audio set-up having full home theather experience (I mean not only laptop/phone screen )

I'm not saying NAS is bad. I'm saying verify if you really need it.

ps
I did exactly what I described before (plus vpn, open directory, profile manager, caching server, own cloud, ..) - couldn't be happier