The AirLive WMU-6500FS BitTorrent NAS gets reviewed

We've seen NAS BitTorrent drives / servers before, but none quite as cheap or ugly as the AirLive WMU-6500FS. The Inquirer has gotten its hands on the funky gray PATA- or SATA-ready media stealer, and they give it a pretty decent once over. The drive comes with 32MB of RAM on board, 4MB of flash memory for the OS, and 802.11g. The BitTorrent and HTTP / FTP server clients all reside in the box and are accessible through your web browser, allowing you to engage in all sorts of energy-saving activities -- like downloading lots of "films" without the need for any computers around. According to the review, the whole package can be yours for around $100. Of course, you can get all the thrilling details if you simply hit the read link.

[Thanks, Tech Luver]

[chadow @ Jul 27th 2007 3:42PM]

Hey, this is nice. I don't know if this is just a new thing or if I have missed these in my radar, but I like it.

[Rob @ Jul 27th 2007 4:05PM]

Wait, is that $100 just for the case, and then you'd have to put in a hdd?
I'm asking a question here. If that's the case, it still a great deal.
I can imagine the possibilities. I'm not talking about illegal nonsense.

[ferry @ Jul 27th 2007 4:15PM]

Wish they'd make something I could just drop nzb's into

[Treach @ Jul 27th 2007 4:18PM]

When/where could I get this and will it be available in the uk?

[Chuckles McGee @ Jul 27th 2007 4:25PM]

"media stealer"? Come on guys, I'm sure lots of people will be using this to share *cough* *cough* um, home movies...with their friends and family! Yeah! Like an honest company would try to sell a product which only use violates copyright law-tsk,tsk!

[Shadowise @ Jul 27th 2007 4:45PM]

I wish the review site had gone a little more in-depth about the BT client, as that's really what I'd want it for.

Obviously it's not going to replace Azurues as my client of choice, but if it would keep my mum from complaining about the electric bill...

[OddManOut @ Jul 27th 2007 5:07PM]

"Airlive" ??? Is it just me or is this a bumped up version of this 'Airlink' NAS box ?

http://www.airlink101.com/products/anas350.html

I mean it's bumped up in all the right ways, but I think I'd prefer Gigabit ethernet to wifi-G. I'll stick with my ADS box for now (even though it usually requires a reboot after the goods finish downloading. I'm having a tough time deciding if I should eventually upgrade to a Gigabit NAS box with integrated print server, or if I should get a used 500mhz - 833mhz tablet of some kind, and use it as a full blown (but fanless/silent) Win2K print/email/data server. Decisions...decisions...

Word to the wise though, if the box in this article DOES come from the same OEM as the Airlink device I linked to, it may not be accessible through Windows Vista (which is why I ended up buying the ADS unit)...

[dj-kenpo @ Jul 27th 2007 6:35PM]

or get a used laptop on ebay with a busted screen but TV-out. or any other small 90w mini pc, there's lots in the p3 range for cheap. no need to get a tablet, the lcd features would be wasted for a tablet as a media server. + mini desktop takes 3.5inch drives easier without usb external. most cheap usb external drives don't spin down the drive.

oh, and I like this box.. but really before I could replace my own living room media server it'd need torrent/print server/ x-link kai

[BananaBoat @ Jul 27th 2007 7:08PM]

This type of thing would be great for people that don't want to listen to their computer fan all night, but would still like to download stuff as they sleep. Could set it, forget it, and wake up with 3 or 4 linux distro's. Ferry had it right with the NZB's, but I doubt that piece of hardware will ever come ;P

[PlecoFan @ Jul 27th 2007 7:26PM]

'Fraid I have to disagree with the reviewer, as far as looks go. I like it, doesn't seem ugly to me. I've seen far worse things from bigger companies...*cough*zune*cough*

[ddaw735 @ Jul 28th 2007 1:32AM]

Its all good until ATT capps your ass.

[vg @ Jul 28th 2007 4:57AM]

Check out the AirLive WMU-6500FS review on techpowerup, much more detailed, many more pictures!!
Dunno what is so great bout theINQ review (nothing against theINQ, i like the site), that it gets posted here.

[Julian Bond @ Jul 29th 2007 3:51AM]

What I want. A single box that combines:-
- WRT54G, wifi router, Linux edition
- NSL-2, Cheap and Cheerful NAS box
- 3.5" drive enclosure
It's going to need a bit more poke and a bit more memory but that's easy in 2007, right? With no drive, this shouldn't cost more than $100, maybe $150. And running Linux, porting all those BT and other utilities should be a snap.