As a generic basic storage solution it's the best IMO, but it's not quick enough for guests or video editing. (I use scratch or local) disk for that use.

btw, I have it connected at 1394b to a dual core 3.0ghz system w/ 4gb memory

If you want to go really cheap and already have a Linux box running (or an old grey box from 5 yrs ago), you can build an external eSATA or infiniband connected array and either use a quality RAID cards or Linux software RAID for excellent performance at a lower cost point. The trade off is you will want to be comfortable with Linux and RAID. Most home users aren't. I put together an external array a few years ago for home use and have been happy with it for much less money. I chose to match all the disks, but with Linux SW RAID, I could go larger over time. What keeps me from upgrading to larger disks in the RAID set is the easy/cheap ability to backup the current data I have stored there. If I can't back it up, I don't need the primary storage either. I wrote an article on this and what I'd do differently a few years ago here: http://jdpfu.com:82/2007/08/20/Build-Your-Own-R…. It is still relevant.

Obviously, using a Linux host as the storage server adds some complexity, but it also opens up nearly unlimited software possibilities. Running miniDLNA or MediaTomb will let you stream audio and video content to any DLNA devices. There's Mythtv, xbmc, boxee, and other solutions too. Drop in samba and all the systems in your home can share disk storage for many different uses. You know all this.

I'm certain you are aware of the other “options” that leverage ZFS and allow mixing and matching disks. When I was looking for a solution, the limits on storage for the non-commercial version were too low for me. They aren't anymore.

If you are a business and need a SAN, some of Sun's Open Storage devices or even a Dell iSCSI SAN/NAS could make sense for a more money, but you get lots more redundancy. I suppose that can be said about any storage solution.

ReadNAS+ is a direct competitor to Drobo stuff. A few technical friends have these devices for home use, are happy with the performance and generally like it. However, the ReadNAS does have specific disks that are certified for use and some popular brands ARE NOT on that list.

Windows Home Server is an impressive product for the 100% Windows Household where redundancy isn't important at all, but an easy GUI-driven backup method is desired with all the CALs included. Not for me, just like the Drobo isn't for me, but many people will find value in either OR both solutions.

I agree with what your saying. I've not seen the Home Server before, but if it's based on a Windows OS it makes it a lot more appealing to many home users.

This one seems to be competing with something like a Windows Home Server. I would take the Home Server. There are a ton of nice “apps” that offer additional functionality for home server. Backup, file sharing, media sharing, controlling your lights, the list goes on. Plus since its based on Server 2003, you can literally install whatever you want to enable other features, such as PlayOn to stream Hulu to a wii, ps3, or xbox360. I just dont see the community getting behind DroboApps when Home Server already does it better.