HP MediaSmart Server EX475 Review
Have you ever wanted to backup all your Windows PCs including your music, movies, and irreplaceable photos? What about storing all of your iTunes music in a central place so that every PC (and Mac) could access it? Want to access your content away from home, from any PC using an internet connection? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, the HP MediaSmart Server is for you.
The HP MediaSmart Server comes in two versions, a 500GB and 1TB version, and can be expandable up to 4TB using hard drives currently available. We received the 1TB version over a month ago, and have been using it in our day-to-day workflow ever since. After unboxing the MediaSmart Server, we were surprised at how small and compact the unit was. It looks like a very small mini-tower, contrary to the rack-mount servers we all think about when we hear the word "server". It runs Windows Home Server, Microsoft's stripped down operating system designed to backup PCs on your network. Think of the Windows Home Server as a "set it and forget it" scenario. Plug it in, set it up, and leave it running somewhere in a closet or out of sight.
On the front of the MediaSmart Server, is a single USB port, and behind the door are 4 drive bays. On the back are 3 USB ports, an eSATA port, a Gigabit Ethernet connection, a Kensington lock slot, and a power button. You'll notice that there's no monitor, keyboard, or mouse connection. That's because the whole setup process happens on the first PC you'll setup with the server.
Setup wasn't the easiest process for me, since there were some problems with my router (a D-Link DIR-655). Paul Thurott has a list of the recommended routers here. Once I got the server working properly with my network however, everything worked without a hitch. The Home Server Console software that's installed in the setup process offers a slew of different customizations and features from user privileges to shared folders.
I backed up two PCs to the server, one running Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1, and one running Windows XP Professional with SP3 both connected via Gigabit Ethernet to my router. File transfer performance was excellent, and both PCs were backed up in less than two hours. Plus, instead of backing up the same redundant operating system files, the MediaSmart Server keeps one copy of the operating system files (say, for Windows Vista) and retains a master image of those files and backs up data that is different across all systems. One of my favorite features is the ability to back up your complete iTunes library onto the server, and access them from any PC or Mac computer, regardless of DRM.
All in all, the MediaSmart Server is a perfect way for a entirely Windows-based network to be backed up and stored in a central area so that all your precious memories are safe. The HP MediaSmart Server is available in both 500GB and 1TB versions for $559.99 and $709.99 respectively from Amazon.com.
Pros
- Easy setup.
- Expandable up to 4TB using current drives.
- External expansion with USB and eSATA.
- Fast Gigabit Ethernet connection.
- Ability to back up iTunes library.
Cons
- None.
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Looking for information. When the WHS was introduced there was a bug. Those reviews were some time ago. Has the problems with backups being unusable been addresses?
Any input will be helpful.
Thanks