With most any HD the size is raw before the file system. So 233g is pretty much std as will all OS including MS NTSF. As far as transfer rates as long as you use smb/cifs you will use samba to handle the transfer. The only way around it is NFS, or use only FTP.
If you move to a larger or newer units this picks up. But the 1000 were the second model that Snap Applinace made, in 1998. So if you compare what hardware was being used in 1998, these were fast units 9 yrs ago. So use 9 yr old hardware with your snap and you want notice it being slow.
Technology has revolved in 9 yrs, with the exception of MS New MEII (vista). Microsoft always find a way to mess things up.
If you want raw speed move to a 4500.
