In recent years, QNAP has emerged as one of the biggest names in the network-attached storage business and for good reason: they offer one of the largest and most impressive NAS product lines. The company's offerings start at $160 US (TS-112) and can go for more than $1,000 US, catering to home, SMB and corporate needs.

Early this year their line-up grew even more diverse with the addition of QNAP's new TS-x12 range, which includes single (TS-112 $170 US), dual (TS-212 $200 US) and quad-bay (TS-412 $430 US) iterations designed to deliver well-rounded performance, low power levels and a wealth of applications for home networks.

They then went on to release the new TS-x59 Pro II series, which comprised of the 4-bay TS-459 Pro II, the 5-bay TS-559 Pro II, and the 6-bay TS-659 Pro II. This new series utilizes the powerful yet energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom D525 1.8GHz processor, along with 1GB of DDR3 memory (expandable to 3GB).

In addition to powerful processors, the new models are the first in the industry to support SATA 6Gb/s hard drives. Also new is USB 3.0 support, ensuring internal and external hard drives deliver the highest performance possible.

Given that these are business class NAS devices, pricing starts at $970 US for the TS-459 Pro II, while the slightly larger TS-559 Pro II costs $1110 US. However the TS-659 Pro II, which we have our hands on, costs a cool $1350 US and can support up to 18TB of networked storage.

As impressive as these business class models are, QNAP felt the need to re-evaluate their small office/home office lineup, and did so by announcing the new TS-x19P II range on September 27th 2011. These more affordable models feature single bay, dual bay and quad bay solutions which utilize a 2.0GHz processor with 512MB of memory. The 2-bay and 1-bay devices that we are checking out today are both very affordable, costing $360 US and $260 US respectively.

The TS-119P II measures just 168.5mm (H) x 73mm (W) x 225mm (D) which incredibly makes it a little over 20% smaller than the TS-112. The TS-219P II on the other hand is of course bigger, measuring 168.5mm (H) x 102mm (W) x 225mm (D) making it 40% wider than the TS-119P II, yet much smaller than the TS-212.

Although more compact, the TS-219P II is heavier than the older TS-212, at 1.28kg opposed to 1.9kg. It is a similar situation when comparing the smaller TS-119P II to the TS-112, as it weighs 100 grams more at 1.8kg. In any case, it is fair to say that both the TS-119P II and TS-219P II are very light weight and even with hard drive(s) inside they will be easy to move around.

Both the TS-119P II and TS-219P II feature the same external design, with the only exception being the width of the TS-219P, which allows it to accommodate a second drive bay. They are wrapped in a black plastic shell which actually looks very tasteful. There is a glossy strip on the left hand side of the units which house various lights and front panel connectors.

Like all good NAS devices these two models allow drive(s) to be hot-swapped during operation. There's no need to ever take the case off either. The use of individual, detachable 3.5-inch hard drive trays makes adding or removing storage capacity a breeze.

The hot-swap bays each feature their own hard drive status light, though they are not on the bays themselves. Rather they are featured in that glossy black strip along with the power button, copy button and a USB 2.0 port. Additionally, along with the hard drive activity lights there are also lights that display USB and LAN activity, and system status.

Around the back, the TS-119P II features a 50mm fan which generates a quiet 10.13dB in stand-by mode and a whisper quiet 12.83 dB when the unit is active. Below the fan is an eSATA port along with a Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 2.0 ports. There is also a K-Lock security slot and a 12v DC power connector. The TS-119P II is powered by an external power brick which has a rated output of just 36 watts.

Spinning the TS-219P II around reveals a bigger 70mm fan which makes just 20.77dB when the unit is active. Next to the fan are a pair of eSATA ports for high speed data transfer with external devices. There is also a single Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 2.0 ports, along with a K-Lock security slot and a 12v DC power connector. Again QNAP has used an external power brick and this model outputs 60 watts.

It has become increasingly common for today's NAS devices to use SO-DIMM slots, though this time we find that QNAP has soldered the memory directly to the PCB. This means that the memory within these models is not upgradable so users will have to make do with 512MB, which should really be sufficient anyway. In order to achieve this capacity four Hynix H5TQ1G83TFA H9C chips have been used which operate at DDR3-1333 using CL9-9-9 timings.

The TS-119P II, which only supports a single internal hard drive along with an eSATA port, does not require a third party controller. Both these SATA ports are connected to the integrated SATA PHY within the 88F6282 SoC, which supports two ports.

The TS-219P II on the other hand supports two internal hard drives as well as two eSATA ports, which exceeds the maximum two ports provided by the Marvell 88F6282 SoC. Therefore QNAP has included the JMicron JMB362 controller which is used to power the eSATA ports. The 88F6282 does support JBOD as well as RAID 0 and 1, so any of these modes can be applied to the two internal drives.

The Gigabit Ethernet support is provided by the Marvell Alaska 88E1310 physical layer device which is connected to the Marvell 88F6282. This same configuration is used by both the TS-119P II and TS-219P II.

There are also three USB 2.0 ports featured on each device that support printers, disks, thumb drives, hubs, and UPSs.

QNAP has gone with a 100% solid capacitor design, which is said to improve durability. While we don't doubt that's true to some extent, it's always difficult to quantify such claims.

This wouldn't be much of a NAS without storage and the TS-119P II and TS-219P II’s compatibility list includes many Hitachi, Maxtor, Samsung, Seagate and Western Digital hard drives. Those after as much storage as they can squeeze into these devices will be happy to know that 3TB drives from Hitachi, Seagate and Western Digital are supported.

With your storage in place, you'll want to run the Quick Setup Wizard to install the firmware (supplied on a CD or downloaded from QNAP's site), followed by a six-step setup process.

The first step requires you to assign a server name -- we went with the default. Next, you must create an administrator password using any combination of characters (there are no restraints on how complex the password must be). Step three requests the date, time and zone of the server, then you'll have to select DHCP or manually configure the IP settings for the network.

The fifth step allows you to manually select what services you want to use. Here you'll find a number of FTP, Multimedia and Web Server features that can be enabled or disabled depending on preference. Features such as Apple networking, for example, can be disabled if you have no intention of using it.

The last step lets you choose the disk configuration -- we had single disk, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 5 and RAID 6 as possible options. At the end of the process, you'll get an overview of your chosen settings.

We installed Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB hard drives into both units, providing us with 500GB and 1TB of high performance storage. At roughly $45 each, the hard drive bill totaled just $90 for the TS-219P II, but after spending $360 on a 2-bay system we suspect many of you will want to install at least 4TB of storage, if not 6TB.

Although the configuration process began quite fast, enabling the network services and initializing the hard drives took some time, we estimate close to 20 minutes. Once all that is done, you need to connect to the TS-119P II or TS-219P II using a web browser, gaining access to the Administration area.

The new RADIUS server provides RAIDUS-client-enabled devices with centralized account management and authentication for network access. External drive encryption blocks unauthorized access and protects data on external drives from theft by encrypting a disk volume or a specific partition.

Another new feature integrates Windows Live Messenger to send the administrator instant notifications. The administrator is able to receive the current system temperature, disk and volume information by typing inquiry commands on the Windows Live Messenger program.

After installing and configuring the TS-119P II or TS-219P II, you can connect to the administration interface using your favorite web browser to access a host of options seen below.

Just about everything can be customized in some way. The main menu includes sections titled System Administrator, Disk Management, Access Right Management, Network Services, Applications, Backup, External Device and System Status -- not to mention that most of these contain several sub-menus.

Under System Administrator, we first entered the "General Settings" sub-menu where the server name and port can be configured, as well as time, date and language settings. The "Network" sub-menu follows with TCP/IP settings along with a few status options such as link speed and activity.

The "Hardware" sub-menu allows you to define various fan control options via the Smart Fan feature, in addition to letting you tweak the hard disk standby mode and the minimum free space limit before disabling the light signal alert. You can also enable or disable the alarm buzzer for error reporting.

By default, the TS-119P II and TS-219P II security settings are set to low, but you can easily change this to medium or high in the appropriate section if you believe it's necessary for your needs. You can also specifically define which IP addresses or networks are permitted or barred from accessing the device's contents.

"Disk Management" contains a "Volume Management" sub-menu that allows you to setup various volumes using a number of different configurations. For example, it's possible to set just two of your four drives in RAID0 while placing the others in RAID1, 5, 6 or even a non-RAID configuration.

The "Networking Services" menu includes options for Microsoft and Apple networking, as well as NFS and FTP services. There are Telnet/SSH, SNMP, Web Service and Network Service Discovery options too.

The TS-659 Pro II also includes applications such as the Web File Manager, Multimedia Station, Download Station, Surveillance Station, iTunes Service, UPnP Media Server, MySQL Server and QPKG Plug-ins.

With these you can set up an image slide show, stream music encoded in the most popular formats, and perform PC-less BitTorrent, FTP, or HTTP downloads. There's even a remote control application, dubbed QGet, to remotely manage these downloads from any Windows or Mac computer. Realize that we're only scratching the surface here, as you'll find settings for nearly anything you can imagine.

Hardware - Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 (2.60GHz) - x2 2GB DDR2-1066 G.Skill (CAS 7-7-7-18) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - ASUS Radeon HD 4550 (256MB) - ASUS P5Q Pro (Intel P45) - OCZ GameXStream (700 watt) Software - Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 (64-bit) - ATI Catalyst 10.3

- Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C 1TB (Serial ATAII) - Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C 1TB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C 1TB (Serial ATAII) - Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C 1TB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Black 500GB (Serial ATAII)

- Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII) - Western Digital Blue 500GB (Serial ATAII)

The power consumption figures for both the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II are extremely low. The TS-219P II consumed roughly the same amount of power as the LG NAS N2A2, while it was considerably more efficient than the Synology DS211. The TS-119P II is the only single bay device in our chart and therefore it is not surprising that it used the least amount of power, even so using a maximum of just 8 watts when active was impressive.

The download performance of the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II when using a single 6GB file was impressive. The TS-219P II sustained 88.7MB/s, allowing it to roughly match the performance of our Core 2 Duo test system as well as the Thecus N7700PRO. The TS-219P II, which managed a throughput of 86.4MB/s, was a fraction faster than the Thecus N3200XXX and much faster than the older TS-412.

The game download test again saw the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II deliver virtually the same performance, as both sustained roughly 56MB/s. Incredibly this meant that these budget orientated NAS devices were faster than the Synology DS411+, while they were considerably faster than our Core 2 Duo test system. Moreover they were just a fraction slower than the Thecus N7700PRO and Synology DS2411+.

The last download test uses our program data and here the TS-119P II and TS-219P II both managed roughly the same performance. The TS-219P II, which delivered 22.9MB/s, was only slightly slower than the Thecus N7700PRO, while both the TS-119P II and TS-219P II were faster than the Synology DS411+, DS2411+ and our Core 2 Duo test system.

When uploading the single 6GB file to the TS-119P II and TS-219P II we found that the performance was much weaker when compared to that of our download test. Interestingly the TS-119P II was 3MB/s faster than the TS-219P II, despite the fact that it lacks RAID support. Even so, with 66.7MB/s the TS-219P II was faster than the Synology DS211 as well as the Thecus N3200XXX.

However our Core 2 Duo test system along with the Thecus N7700PRO and Synology DS411+, DS2411+ and DS1511+ were all considerably faster.

The QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II performed well in our game upload test, though once again we find when measuring upload performance that the single bay TS-119P II is faster than the 2-bay version. With a throughput of 52.8MB/s the TS-119P II was slightly faster than the 48.5MB/s produced by the TS-219P II. Still, the TS-219P II was able to match our Core 2 Duo test system, while it was faster than the Synology DS211 and the Thecus N3200XXX.

The TS-119P II and TS-219P II provided similar performance in the program upload test, though once again the single bay TS-119P II was slightly faster. With a throughput of 28.7MB/s the TS-119P II was only slightly slower than the Synology DS411+, while it was much faster than the Thecus N3200XXX and our Core 2 Duo test system.

When measuring on-disk copy performance the TS-119P II and TS-219P II provided similar performance, though it was again the TS-119P II and its non-RAID configuration that provided the best results. The TS-119P II achieved a throughput of 44.3MB/s making it much faster than the Synology DS211 and Thecus N3200XXX.

However it was much slower than the Synology DS411+, DS1511+, DS2411+, Thecus N7700PRO and our Core 2 Duo test system. That said, these devices are all considerably more expensive and consume much more power.

The QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II provided strong performance in the game copy test with a throughput of 29MB/s, making them slightly faster than the much more expensive Synology DS411+.

The QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II maintained their impressive performance for the program copy test. The TS-219P II was slightly faster with a throughput of 14.1MB/s, allowing it to beat the Synology DS2411+ as well as the DS411+.

The CrystalDiskMark sequential write performance of the QNAP TS-119P II was found to be much stronger than that of the TS-219P II, while both devices provided the same read performance. When compared to the competition both faired very well, as they provided similar performance to the Synology DS211.

In terms of write performance the TS-119P II and TS-219P II were not a great deal slower than the much more expensive units. That said, they did lag behind quite a bit when measuring read performance.

The QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II provided similar performance trends when measuring random 512K performance. Both delivered similar performance, making them faster than our Core 2 Duo test system when measuring write performance, though much slower when looking at read performance.

The random 4K-QD32 performance was quite poor as both the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II were much slower than most of the devices tested, which included the LG NAS N2A2 and Synology DS211.

The Atto Disk Benchmark read performance was very similar when comparing the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II. The TS-119P II was slower when measuring 8K data, but in the end came out on top peaking at 86.6MB/s opposed to just 75.8MB/s for the TS-219P II.

When measuring the write performance using the Atto Disk Benchmark we find a similar story when comparing the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II. For the most part the performance was much the same, though the TS-119P II was notably faster when measuring 2K and 128K performance.

The QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II provided very weak performance in the HD video and playback test, with the TS-119P II delivering a throughput of just 53.7MB/s, while the TS-219P II was slightly slower. With the exception of the LG NAS N2A2, this is the weakest results we have seen in this test.

The QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II performed better in the HD playback and record test and here the TS-119P II was slightly faster, with 67.9MB/s. This made both the TS-119P II and TS-219P II faster than the Thecus N3200XXX and QNAP TS-412, while they were slower than the Synology DS211.

Interestingly the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II were unbelievably fast in the content creation test, smashing all previously tested devices. The TS-219P II achieved a throughput of 18.4MB/s, which shattered the previous best of 13.2MB/s by the Synology DS1511+. Why these new QNAP devices were so fast in this test is not clear.

The office productivity performance was average, with both the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II averaging 37MB/s.

The photo album performance was also quite average. Here the QNAP TS-119P II and TS-219P II managed 8MB/s, placing them in the middle of the pack.

When testing the QNAP TS-119P II we were surprised by how well this product performed coupled with its extremely low power consumption. Incredibly this $260 device was able to rival the Synology DS411+ ($650) and even the Thecus N7700PRO ($1100) in a number of tests. Of course at the moment the TS-119P II is limited to a maximum storage capacity of 3TB, but for those that do not require any more storage this is an exceptional product.

The TS-219P II costs $100 more at $360, but allows for two drives to be used, boosting the maximum storage capacity to 6TB. Overall the TS-219P II delivered the same performance as the TS-119P II, which is not surprising given they share the same internal hardware. Currently QNAP has more than half a dozen dual bay NAS devices on offer, and the TS-219P II is probably the best value option of the lot.

When compared to the competition these new QNAP products also do very well. The latest Synology x11 product range features a number of primary contenders. The DS211 for example, which was featured in this review, costs $300 and was often much slower than the TS-119P II and TS-219P II, particularly when working with smaller files. Meanwhile the DS211+ costs considerably more at $400, yet features the same Marvell Kirkwood processor clocked at just 1.6GHz instead of 2.0GHz.

For now it looks like QNAP has Synology beat for the best value performance single and dual bay NAS device. This is unlikely to change until Synology updates their latest x12 series with more affordable products, as the new DS712+ is geared towards business class users.

The latest installment of the QNAP NAS management software is excellent as it complements the TS-119P II and TS-219P II very well. This software provides a huge array of features while remaining simple and easy enough to use for even the most novice users.

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The only disappointing aspect of the new TS-x19P II series is the lack of USB 3.0 support, which was a feature we really appreciated when testing the TS-x59 Pro II units. Of course the TS-x19P II series is more budget orientated and there are no 1-bay or 2-bay devices in the same price range that provide USB 3.0 support. That said, had QNAP been able to include USB 3.0 it would have put the TS-x19P II series head and shoulders above the competition.

Finally, QNAP are making some sharp looking products at the moment, and the TS-119P II and TS-219P II are products they can certainly be proud of. Anyone looking for an affordable yet speedy single bay or dual bay NAS should certainly check out these new models, as there really are no better solutions at this point in time.