QNAP Systems, Inc. (QNAP) has launched the $160 TR-002, a 2-bay hardware RAID expansion enclosure that can be utilized as a NAS storage expansion solution, and also as hardware RAID storage for macOS, Windows, and Linux computers and NAS. 

It connects to a PC/NAS via USB 3.1 Gen.2 Type-C and provides a dependable storage solution for various user requirements. The TR-002 supports individual, JBOD and RAID 0/1 storage configurations. QNAP NAS users can use the TR-002 with their NAS to set RAID parameters and create a storage pool by using the “Storage and Snapshots” app within QTS. Alternatively, the TR-002 can be used as an external storage device for the NAS. MacOS, Windows, and Linux users with limited storage upgrade options can also use the TR-002 as an expansion unit.

A dedicated QNAP External RAID Manager utility for macOS and Windows can help them view disk health, change RAID configurations, check logs, and update the firmware of the TR-002, says Jason Hsu, product manager of QNAP. A DIP switch on the rear of the TR-002 can switch the disk configuration. There are also status indicators, a one touch copy button and an eject button to make operations more intuitive, he adds.