When I tried to copy two sets of files from two different PCs to the device, the ShareSpace took 33 minutes. The Mini, however, was unable to complete the test; I gave up after over after 45 minutes, when Windows onscreen timer indicated that five-plus hours still remained. This makes sense, sort of. Neither the ShareSpace nor the LinkStation Mini is meant to be anything more than consumer-grade NAS boxes. They're not meant to be in a transactional environment where data is written and read rapidly on a near continuous basis, and they behave badly if you attempt to use them as such.
On the other hand, when I streamed movies from the Mini onto four PCs while writing this review, there were no delays or hiccups.
As with the ShareSpace, Buffalo's LinkStation Mini is a great home appliance -- especially where space is a bit limited. Its 1TB of storage is phenomenal given its petite stature. You can get the 500GB version for about US$210 less than the 1TB's (roughly) $480, but 1TB in the palm of your hand? How can you resist?
Bill O'Brien is a freelance writer who has written a half-dozen books and more than 2,000 articles on computers and technology, including Apple computers, PCs, Linux and commentary on IT hardware decisions.