Why are driveless NAS units significantly more expensive?

In recent months, consumers have shown an increasing interest in network-attached storage (NAS) solutions for their growing storage needs. One individual, exploring options for such devices, noticed a stark price difference between NAS units with included drives and those that are driveless. This inquiry sheds light on the common misconception that all NAS units are suitable for general use when, in fact, many without drives are designed for enterprise and small business applications. The Western Digital My Cloud Home Duo, which includes dual 12TB drives set in a RAID 1 configuration, stood out as a model that offers substantial storage capacity at a much lower price point than competing driveless systems. As the individual evaluated their needs, they sought the ability to stream large video files from the NAS to their laptop via Wi-Fi, prompting questions about performance and stability as key factors influencing NAS pricing. This concern highlights a potential gap in consumer understanding, particularly when it comes to the intended use cases for various NAS systems. Additionally, a lack of variety in NAS options was noted, with Western Digital being one of the few companies manufacturing devices that come pre-equipped with drives in that area. These observations point to broader trends in the storage technology market, where price, performance, and ease of setup can significantly influence consumer choice and satisfaction. Overall, navigating the differences between driveless and drive-embedded NAS options is crucial for anyone considering investing in a network storage solution tailored to their data needs, emphasizing the need for informed purchasing decisions.