Need recommendation on HD networking

Hi all

We have a PC with W7, and a mac laptop here. We have secure wireless network, and laptop is on wireless.
I have 2Tb HD connected to my PC via usb cable.

Laptop belongs to my wife, who's computer ignorant. Not willing to learn also.
But, she really likes picture and video taking. I have around 12Gb of her media files saved on that HD by now, and she keeps bugging me to "burn it all on CDs" as that's how she knows it.

At this point, I am looking into networking that HD, so that she can access it wirelessly, and see her media files.

I have Pogoplug next to me, that I shall return in next few hours, as it works OK, but accessing video files via wireless is basically impractical, due to very slow speed and continuous freezing.

What can you recommend that is known to work for this situation, keeping in mind very very basic user? I am happy with my router, my 2Tb HD, and am not looking at major expenses.

Thank you

 

Have a look for a NAS storage controller like these. You simply plug your hard drive into the enclosure then connect the HD to your Router via CAT5 (ethernet cable) Any device on your network can map a drive to it. It should also be fine for streming video. just remember that it will probably format the disk when you put it in the enclosure so you will have to copy all your data onto your PC then set the drive up then copy the data back on via your mapped drive. ||This bit can take a while depending on how much data you have.

 

yeah, but I am not really into buying another HD. This one I have will serve me well for years to come.

I returned Pogoplug, and bought Belkin N600DB router with USB port. Allegedly, it should network my HD. It does not. I am not even sure if it shows it in control panel>network, or not. Shows Belkin media hub though, whatever it is. I spent about an hour with Indians on the phone, then lost my cool and hung up.

 

Rkoz, silly me, I thought you simply wanted to "network" that 2TB, so that your wife could see and use it on her laptop. I've done that before, but it's been a long time, and it is / or was a Microsoft feature. If you will be around for awhile I'll see if I can find the info.

 

yes, that's all I want to do, without getting into buying more and more expensive hardware. That Belkin router was supposed to make it a breeze, and it didn't.

 

You shouldnt need a new HD. Assuming it is SATA (Which if it is a 2 TB I would expect it to be) you can take it out of the USB case and put it in the NAS. (You may need to check whether you have 2.5" drive or 3.5" before you buy the NAS)

 

Otherwise keep it attached to your desktop and share the drive. Only downside of that is that the desktop needs to be on.

 

I have that HD working via Belkin router fine now. Am very pleased with router either. Apparent improvement in speed.