CONCLUSION

   The TBS-453A NASbook is a unique NAS server not only because of its very compact size and low weight that allows the end user to carry it around with ease but also due to the fact that it makes use of M.2 SSDs. Unfortunately since QNAP didn’t decide to place one or more 10GbE ports that huge performance advantage by using up to 4 M.2 SSDs is only “felt” when navigating the QTS and/or using heavy applications like the Virtualization Station. Of course we can’t really complain about available connectors on the TBS-453A since it has more than most NAS servers out there and more specifically 4 USB 3.0 ports, USB 2.0 port, SD card reader, 2 HDMI v2.0 ports, 2 Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet ports, 3 Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet switch ports, two 3.5mm microphone jacks and a line out audio jack. The very unique and easy way of accessing the interior is also a good addition as is the blower fan used which for the most part is completely inaudible. Although not extremely important (nor game breaking) I do feel that it’s worth mentioning that the TBS-453A has one of the slowest boot-up times we’ve ever encountered with a NAS server (takes roughly 3 minutes and 45 seconds to boot). What is important however is the sudden decision by QNAP to cease support (at least for now) for KODI and although it can still be installed manually people who use their NAS as a media player may not like it. You can always boot with the Linux end of the TBS-453A and install a media player but it's just not as simple. It goes without saying however that when you have over 150 apps to choose from some incompatibilities may exist with the hardware but still I do hope QNAP can resolve any issues with of from KODI soon.

   Although QNAP announced the availability of the TBS-453A with pre-installed M.2 SSDs the same time as the empty models those variants are not widely available yet. You can however still get the “empty” TBS-453A-8G model for USD567.86 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 569Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) and although for a “regular” NAS this wouldn’t be much with the TBS-453A you also need to add the price of the M.2 SSDs which currently are many times more expensive than any 2.5/3.5” HDD. For example even one of these Transcend M.2 2280 SSDs costs roughly USD90/90Euros so all 4 would set you back roughly USD350/350Euros for a maximum storage capacity of 1TB when you can find many 8TB 3.5” HDD models for even less. Overall we like the concept behind the TBS-453A NASbook but the truth of the matter is that it’s a product ahead of its time and that clearly reflects badly in terms of cost (in 2-3 years from now when M.2 SSDs will cost significantly less and will offer higher capacities and 10GbE connectivity will be more mainstream such a concept should be far more successful). Still the concept combined with performance, available features and connectivity are more than just enough for us to give the TBS-453A-8G-960GB our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Size / Weight
- Intel Celeron N3150 quad-core 1.6GHz processor
- Very Good Performance
- Power Consumption / Noise Levels / Temperatures
- Available Features / Apps
- 8GB DDR3L RAM
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 3 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Ports
- 4 M.2 Ports
- 4 USB 3.0 Ports / USB 2.0 Port
- 2 HDMI v2.0 Outputs
- Speaker (Audible Warnings) / Volume Buttons
- Dual 3.5mm Jacks (Karaoke Support)
- JBOD, Single, RAID 0/1/5/6/10/5 + Hot Spare
- QNAP QTS
- Android Apps

CONS

- Price Including M.2 SSDs (For Some)
- KODI Not Officially Supported
- Unused M.2 SSD Performance Due To Gigabit Connectivity
- Boot Up Time