The new Dashboard improves upon the original in every possible way that I can think of: it's faster, more attractive, and most importantly-significantly more intuitive. I feel that the configuration process is really where the Duo v2 shines the brightest. I expect that setup for most users will be just as quick and easy. This only took me a brief few minutes, and I was ready to go. The setup wizard will guide new owners through some basic steps, including setting the time and date, alert contact (the ReadyNAS can email you upon major events such as a disk failure), password setup, registration, and so on. It also makes it simple to connect to the ReadyNAS (just use the "Setup" button) for the initial setup networking geeks who are comfortable figuring out which IP address it grabbed can log in directly. This software allows one to easily detect and access ReadyNAS devices on the network.
The first step is to install the RAIDar software (which can be downloaded here). (Having two drives enables you to protect your files with redundancy if one disk fails, simply swap it.) Other models include the RND21100 (1 X 1TB drive) and the RND2210 (2 X 1TB drives). I'm using an RND2000, in which I installed 2 750GB drives. There are several models of the ReadyNAS Duo v2, all of which are the same, with the exception of the drives that are included and their storage capacity. While it's appearance won't be strutting down the catwalk of any avant-garde gadget fashion shows, it will integrate itself nicely on your shelf or desktop without offending anyone or clashing with your other peripherals. Unlike the original, the finish is more grey than black, but it still looks great. Fortunately, the ReadyNAS v2 is easy on the eyes, sporting a sleek, metal exterior and a simple, straightforward design.
I'm betting that you do, however, want to know what it looks like.