I've got an rpi running as a NAS with USB External HDD's and it works a treat. Took about half an hour to set up, everyone on the network can access it easily

I've got an rpi running as a NAS with USB External HDD's and it works a treat. Took about half an hour to set up, everyone on the network can access it easily and my WD TV Live will happily play video directly off it without any significant time buffering. Personally haven't had any issues with speed or maintainability, would definitely recommend giving it a go.