Quick Take
Choosing a network storage system comes down to how you plan to use it. Do you need an enclosure you can populate with drives, or a simple box that puts a drive on your TV network? The four products here range in listed price from USD 30.00 to USD 99.91, and each serves a different role. The Iron Cow ZERO 1 is a new NAS enclosure, the Linksys NAS200 appears twice, and the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV is an external drive with storage built in. If your priority is a drive you can plug in and play media from, the Seagate shortens the path. If you want to build out your own storage, the enclosures give you that flexibility.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV Network Storage System | USD 39.99 | |
| IRON COW ZERO 1 NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM 2-BAY NAS ENCLOSURE 2.5GbE LAN | USD 79.95 | |
| for Parts* Linksys NAS200 Network Storage System NAS Enclosure w/ Power Adapter | USD 30.00 | |
| LINKSYS NAS200 NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM 2-BAY NAS ENCLOSURE W/ POWER ADAPTER CABLE | USD 99.91 |
Decision Matrix
Here's a quick way to sort through the four listings.
- If your main goal is media playback on a TV, the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV is the one with a built-in 1TB drive.
- If you're building a home network storage system and want a modern NAS enclosure, the Iron Cow ZERO 1 is the one to start with.
- If you want a sealed NAS enclosure from Linksys, the sealed LINKSYS NAS200 is your pick.
- If you're comfortable with used equipment and want a parts project, the used Linksys NAS200 is the one to consider.
Product Notes
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV Network Storage System
This open-box Seagate brings a built-in 1TB drive and a TV-friendly design. It's the only option here that includes storage out of the box, so you can skip the process of buying separate drives. Choose it if your primary goal is to stream movies, shows, and photos to a screen. The trade-off is that it's an external drive, not a two-bay NAS, so you won't be adding extra drives or expanding capacity later. The FreeAgent product line and the TV-oriented naming point to a simple media-focused role, which sets it apart from the two-bay enclosures in this comparison.
IRON COW ZERO 1 NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM 2-BAY NAS ENCLOSURE 2.5GbE LAN
Listed as new, this two-bay enclosure stands out for its 2.5GbE LAN port and SATA slots. It's a strong candidate if you're building a home network storage setup and want a chassis with modern connectivity. The enclosure form factor means you'll need to add your own drives, and the capacity will depend on what you install. It also includes a hurricane cooling engine and high-efficiency air path, but the core decision is whether you want a drive-less NAS you can customize.
for Parts* Linksys NAS200 Network Storage System NAS Enclosure w/ Power Adapter
This used Linksys enclosure has the 'for Parts' label right in the title, which is a clear warning. It rattles and is sold as-is, so it's not presented as a fully working NAS. Choose it if you're looking for a project or need the included adapter and Ethernet cable. The limitation is that you're buying components, not a turnkey system. If you want a ready-to-run network storage device, this unit may not be the right fit.
LINKSYS NAS200 NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM 2-BAY NAS ENCLOSURE W/ POWER ADAPTER CABLE
This Linksys NAS200 is listed as new and sealed, which makes it a direct contrast to the used for-parts Linksys also in this guide. You get a two-bay enclosure and the power adapter cable in the box. Choose it if you want the reassurance of a new unit and a familiar Linksys model. The limitation is that it still doesn't include drives; a two-bay enclosure gives you the bays, but you'll need to supply your own storage to fill them. In that way, it's similar to the Iron Cow ZERO 1: the hardware is there, but the storage capacity is up to you. If you're familiar with Linksys hardware, this enclosure gives you a known quantity to work with.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
Which listing makes sense depends on your use case. If you want a network storage system with storage already inside, the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV is the one to start with. If you're assembling a new NAS from an enclosure, the Iron Cow ZERO 1 offers a solid set of networking and expansion options. If you prefer a sealed Linksys unit, the new LINKSYS NAS200 gives you that clean-slate feel. And if you're after a parts project, the used Linksys NAS200 is the most direct path.
