Advantages of the Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j

1. Data Redundancy: With a two-bay setup, you can configure the drives in RAID 1 for data redundancy. This means that if one drive fails, your data remains safe on the other drive.

2. Capacity Expansion: Starting with a diskless model allows you to choose the storage capacity and type of drives that suit your needs best. You can start with smaller drives and upgrade later if your storage requirements grow.

3. Performance: The DS223j is equipped with a dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, offering decent performance for tasks like file sharing, media streaming, and data backup.

4. Software Ecosystem: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) software provides a wide range of applications and features, including backup solutions, file synchronization, and multimedia management.

5. Energy Efficiency: NAS devices like the DS223j are generally more energy-efficient than keeping a dedicated PC or server running 24/7 for similar purposes.

Considerations

1. Budget: The initial cost of the diskless DS223j plus the cost of drives may be higher than some single-bay alternatives or simpler network drives, so it’s important to consider your budget.

2. Use Case: If you only need basic network storage and don't require RAID for data redundancy or don't have high storage needs, a simpler or single-bay NAS might suffice.

3. Future Proofing: Investing in a two-bay NAS like the DS223j can be more cost-effective in the long run if you anticipate needing more storage or data protection features in the future.

Conclusion

The Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless) is a versatile and reliable choice for users who need a balance of performance, data protection, and software features. It is particularly beneficial for those who need RAID redundancy, scalable storage, and access to Synology's robust DSM software. However, if your needs are more modest, you may not require the features and capacity offered by a two-bay NAS.

Ultimately, the necessity of a Synology DS223j will depend on your specific storage needs, budget, and future-proofing considerations​ (TechRadar)​​ (Tom's Hardware)​.