HP EX485 MediaSmart Home Server
From Hewlett Packard
The HP MediaSmart Server is a home server that can automatically backup and protect your digital memories, centralize your media and content for sharing with friends and family, and enable you to enjoy your digital media while at home or away.
Brand: Hewlett-Packard Model: EX485 Dimensions: 3.86" h x 2.17" w x 3.62" l, 43.92 pounds Processors: 1
Automatically back up and protect your digital memories, centralize your media and content for sharing with friends and family, and enjoy your digital media while at home or away with the HP EX485 MediaSmart Home Server. Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, this sleek, quiet server is ideal if you have multiple PCs on a home network, or want the flexibility to enjoy your digital experiences from anywhere over the Internet. And it's easy to set up--just plug it in, connect it to your wireless router (sold separately), and load the software onto your PCs and Macs. The HP EX485 makes backing up your home's PCs and streaming media a breeze, and it comes with 750 GB of storage. Centralize your iTunes music libraries on the MediaSmart Server for playback to any networked Mac or PC running iTunes. The HP Media Collector conveniently schedules the MediaSmart Server to copy and centralize digital files and libraries from networked PCs. The pre-installed HP Photo Publisher software enables you to easily upload photos to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa Web Albums and Snapfish. and the MediaSmart Server provides peace of mind with effortless backups of your Windows-based PCs via the Windows Home Server backup feature and Macs running Leopard using Apple Time Machine software. The EX485 MediaSmart comes with 750 GB of storage right out of the box and four drive bays that allow you to add optional off-the-shelf SATA I or II hard drives--up to a maximum capacity of 9 TB (terabytes). Additionally, the MediaSmart includes four USB 2.0 ports and one eSATA port for connecting an attached external hard drive, and it provides capabilities for offsite backup via automatic upload to Amazon's S3 service. The sleek, streamlined micro-tower design is perfect for use in the home office or the living room, with perforated steel exterior panels that provide cool, quiet operation. A Sleep Mode conserves energy and saves you money in more ways than one. The built-in sleep mode consumes only 1W of power, and the server can take on many of your PC's responsibilities, enabling you to turn off your individual computers to further save energy and money. Software Features Operating System: Powered by Windows Home Server, a new software solution from Microsoft for storing, accessing, sharing and automatically protecting digital files. HP Control Center: The HP MediaSmart software that sits on top of the Windows Home Server software making access to tasks easier. Users with administrative access privileges can access the Windows Home Server Console from the HP Control Center. Windows Home Server Console: Software accessed from the HP Control Center to manage your HP MediaSmart Server. Software includes setting up shared folders, assigning user access privileges and customizing backups. File Sharing and Storage: Effortlessly centralize your files and access them from any PC and or Mac on your home network. PC Hard Drive Disk Backup: Once the HP MediaSmart Server software is installed on a home PC, the Windows Home Server backup software automatically starts backing up the PCs hard disk drive image every night. You can customize the number and frequency of backups kept. Mac Backup: Back up your Macs to the MediaSmart Server using Apple's Time Machine software. Shared Folder Duplication: Designate folders that will be copied automatically onto multiple hard drives for an additional layer of redundant protection. Folder duplication replaces traditional RAID-style redundancy. Individual File Restore: If you accidentally delete a file on your PC, you can browse versions of the PC hard drive backup image on the HP MediaSmart Server to find the file and copy it to your PC. PC Hard Drive Disk Restore: In the event of a PC hard drive failure, the included HP PC Restore disc is all you need to restore a hard drive image from the HP MediaSmart Server. Theres no need to locate your original operating system disc. HP Media Collector: Conveniently schedules the server to copy and centralize your Windows PC media files and libraries (including iTunes and playlists). Remote Access: Upon installation, you can set up a personal web address to be used for remote access and by visitors. Using your personal web address, you can remotely access shared folders and files on the HP MediaSmart Server from any Internet-connected computer. In-Home and Remote Media Streaming: Extend your digital media experiences by conveniently streaming photos, music and videos to your TVs, through gaming consoles such as Xbox 360 or PlayStation3, and computer's within your home. Remotely stream music and photos from your server to any Internet-connected computer for access while you are away. HP Photo Publisher: Easily publish your photos to Snapfish, Facebook, Flickr, and Picasa Web Albums using an Internet-connected computer. HP Photo Viewer: Quickly share photos and albums stored on the Server with friends and family. Server for iTunes: Centralize your iTunes music libraries and playlists on the server for playback to any PC or Mac running iTunes on your home network. Satisfy all your backup and media storage needs with four internal hard drive bays, four USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA port, and access to Amazon S3 online backup. Easy Storage Expansion: Add an internal or external hard drive to the HP MediaSmart Server, indicate that you want to add the disk in the Windows Home Server Console, and the HP MediaSmart Server storage grows. No need to power down the unit or manage drive letters for multiple hard drives. Server Anti-Virus Protection: Server side anti-virus trial offer from McAfee for increased protection of your HP MediaSmart Server. Run quick scans of specific folders or deep scans across your entire home server. Server Backup: Protect your digital memories from fire/flood/natural disaster... backup your server shared folders to an external hard disk drive, and/or an online backup to Amazon S3. Server Recovery: The included Server Recovery Disc can be used to recover all data and restore folders or, to reset the server in case the server operating system disk becomes corrupt. Additional Software Add-Ins: Extend the functionality of your server through available software add-ins to enable expanded functionality, server personalization and/or entertainment. Users: Up to 10 user accounts can access the HP MediaSmart Server. In addition, a predefined Guest account can be enabled. PC Operating System Support Automatic backup of computers running Microsoft Windows Vista (32 & 64 bit), XP Home (SP2), XP Professional (SP2), Media Center Edition 2004 (SP2) or later, and Macs running ApplesTime Machine. File sharing for computers running Microsoft Windows Vista (32 & 64 bit), XP Home (SP2) or XP Professional (SP2), Media Center Edition 2004 (SP2) or later, Mac OS X, or Linux. Remote access to computers running Microsoft Windows XP Professional (SP2), Media Center Edition 2005 (SP2), or Vista Ultimate. Hardware Specifications Internal Hard Drive(s): One 750 GB drive (SATA, 7200 RPM) Internal Expansion: Four hard drive bays (additional off the shelf SATA I or II hard drives can be added; no tools required) External Expansion: Four USB 2.0 ports (1 front, 3 back); one eSATA port (back) Processor: Intel Celeron 2.0 GHZ 64-bit Processor Memory: 2 GB of DDR2 DRAM (800 MHz) Network Support: 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 Ethernet; supports both wired and wireless PCs (via a wireless router). Power: Internal universal power supply Dimensions: 5.5 x 9.8 x 9.2 inches (WxHxD) What's in the Box HP EX485 MediaSmart Home Server, power cable, Ethernet cable (RJ45), PC restore disc, server recovery disc, software installation disc, printed documentation. The MediaSmart Server is backed by a one-year limited warranty and dedicated software technical support both online and by phone.
Excellent Home Server for Mac's and PC's alike!! (UPDATED 5/09) UPDATED at Bottom on 05/05/2009 Hi All, I have been using different types of NAS solutions, including a Drobo, for a while now and wanted to give the Windows Home Server solution a shot for my home. I am an IT person by trait. I know that it is fairly easy to build a small home server but I had heard so much about the HP interface that I wanted to give this a shot. Unfortunately I did not buy from AMAZON and had to use a third party to get the item....but that's neither here or there. My review is about the product itself. The box includes the server, the rescue cd, the restore cd, and a cd for both mac/pc workstations. Remove the item from the box, plug in the power and a ethernet cord to your router/switch and you are ready to roll. The first setup of the client software MUST be done on a PC so that you can set the server up. Very easy and very well made software that will guide you through the entire process. (A Side Note - HP Recommends that you use a router that has UPNP on it so that the remote capabilities of this server can be used without issues. A list of some routers is below. I was unfortunately using Apple Airport Extreme Base Stations but had a handy dandy D-Link DIR-655 at home...which I switched to immediately and permanently so I can use this server. Product Link for DIR-655: D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Wireless Router Once the setup process is concluded (5-10 minutes) you are able to start using the server at once and create user accounts, media syncing, iTunes servers, etc. Very Very simplistic approach. One of the reasons I give it a 5/5. One feature that I want to mention, which puts this device over the others, is that it has a built in plug-in that allows me to use an Amazon s3 account to backup the entire server...normally you would have to use a 3rd party software (jungle disk, which i own) to do this but having it built into the server and having the server manage the backup to the cloud is amazing. MAC Specific: I wanted to see how this server would work on a MAC and what the ramifications would be of using time machine over the network without having to buy Apple's time capsule. Again, very easy. I installed the software on my macbook pro. It has a section where you define the amount of space you want to use on the server for your time machine backup...10-20-30-40-etc gb.... Set the space, it creates the area on the server, hit the start button, go to time machine preferences and use this new hard drive which shows up in the list as HP Mediasmart Server and VOILA....you are time machining away at gigabit speeds. Did I mention the ethernet on this is Gigabit. Dynamic DNS: We all have some sort of broadband if we consider devices like this and most of us do not opt to pay the exorbitant costs for static ip addresses....instead we just use DHCP from Cable or DSL. Those addresses change..maybe not often..but they do change. One of the features of WHS is to allow you remote access from where ever you may be...and or for a family member to get in and take a look at some files you have stored for them...pictures, music, etc... The server has a built in feature to allow you to use two or three services....TZO (if I remember correctly is one that is included free for one year--allows custom domain names), Microsoft offers a free domain if you have a FREE Microsoft Live ID. I opted for the free service as it allows me to use a simple name like tarun . homeserver . com. You simply pick a name for your server (tarun) and it goes and checks if it is available...if it is you are all set. This is when a UPNP router comes into play so that media smart can set the router up to allow incoming connections to the proper ports for the server....VOILA...works like a charm. I can get to the server from work and upload files, download, etc....very very nice and very easy. I can get in to much broader detail about the setup but then that would defeat the purpose of this review. I think I have already typed to my hearts content. I really love this device...it is worth its price. I am sure we can all build it cheaper and smaller...but hey...for me I don't want to tinker with hardware since it is time consuming and I would much rather hang out with the kids. This is a great device which, backed by HP, will only get better with time. 5/5 ps. If you have any questions...please feel free to comment and I will answer them as best as I can. Quick Note 02-28-2009: If you are a PC user then the WHS agent will pull all of your music and pictures to the server and make them available...this includes iTunes music and playlists. If you are a MAC user...u are out of luck for automation...but you can copy your entire iTunes music folder over to the WHS Manually. WHS will make the iTunes library and playlists available to all network users. I moved my iTunes from my mac to the WHS and then simply told iTunes the new location...so if I add new music, podcasts, etc...I dont have to sync directories...iTunes will just add them to the WHS Music Folder...which is mounted on the mac as a volume. Hope that helps a bit. ps.. Firefly is what WHS/HP use for iTunes....something which I believe can be installed on a drobo with droboshare. UPDATE 03-06-09 - If you are a opendns user then there may be some issues in regard to pinging and browsing to your whs using the connector on pc's. There is a simple fix...add an exception at [...] for your server. Example: server.local where server is your server name and .local is your home. I did it today and my pc was able to find the server without issue. Some routers may not experience this problem...but I had it with both the apple airport extreme and the d-link. A simple fix.... UPDATE 03-10-09 - Compatible Routers: The Good: * D-Link DGL-4100 GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit * D-Link DGL-4300 GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit * D-Link DIR-655 Wireless Xtreme N Gigabit * D-Link EBR-2310 Ethernet Broadband * D-Link WBR-1310 Wireless-G * Linksys WRT150N Wireless N Broadband * Linksys WRT54G3G-ST Wireless G for Mobile Broadband * Linksys WRT54GC Compact Wireless-G Broadband * Netgear WPN824NA RangeMax Wireless Router * Trendnet TEW-631BRP Wireless N Draft The BAD: * Linksys WRT330N Wireless-N Gigabit Gaming * Microsoft MN-500 Broadband Networking Wireless Base * Apple Airport Extreme Base Station * Linksys WRT55AG Wireless 4 Port * Qwest Actiontec m1000DSL * US Robotics USR8001 DSL/Cable with Print Server Quick Update 03/13/2009 - Friday the 13th: 1. The server is backing up to Amazon S3 perfectly almost every day and I have not had one issue yet. 2. A FUN Project to try is to download the ps3 media server which is freeware that can be installed on WHS to automatically stream your music, videos, pictures, etc on to your PS3...if you have one. I will post a link in the comments section. 3. Last but not least for today - If you want to remove that annoying reminder to install Mcafee.....you can check the ignore button but that item remains in the list forever.... How to remove it? There is a share from the mediasmart called SOFTWARE which houses certain files. One of the files is a rather large file....larger then 50mb if I am not wrong....I wish I could remember the name. That is the McAfee add-in installer...once it is removed from the software share and the server is restarted..u will never see it mentioned again and dont have to worry about checking off ignore. I know this review is getting LONG...but I want anyone that owns and or is considering buying one of these units to have as much information as possible. Its not easy to drop $600 these days and end up with something you may never use. I sincerely hope my review helps you make the right decision. Quick NOTE: 03/24/09 - Microsoft has released powerpack two for WHS. I have also configured, manually, my new dual band Apple Airport Extreme to work with WHS. You simply need to forward 3 ports to your WHS box from within the Airport Utility Software. I believe somone has posted a link in the comments section also..... Update 03/26/09 - This was pointed out to me in the comments section as I was unaware. You are able to completely image a Windows PC and recover it via a CD that is provided by HP. The initial backup takes a while depending on how much space you are using but once its done you feel better knowing your machine can be fully recovered if the hard drive dies, etc.. Update 05/05/09 - (happy cinco de Mayo) - I just wanted to chime in and let everyone know that a new version of the WHS software is available from HP. Make sure you update your units so that they have the latest and greatest. The new features allow for automatic video conversion for any videos you drop in designated folders. Also, HP has a iPhone and iPod touch software which connects to the server to allow for music streaming and photo viewing. AWESOME features that keep making this an AWESOME addition to anyone's home network. I Give Up. This box is very good. **UPDATE 4-24-09: I gave in before, now I capitulate. With the latest software update, via remote access it is now possible to stream videos in H.264 (MP4) format. This unit just gets better and better.** If I was just entering the market for an aggregate storage device for my home network, the EX487 would be my top choice. However, as a current user of the Netgear RND2150 ReadyNAS Duo 500 GB Desktop Network Attached Storage, a couple of features (integration with Logitech Squeezebox and Bittorrent management) I now find essential are not as readily available with the HP unit. Where features overlap and there are many, in each instance the EX487 seems easier to set up and use. While there are alternative paths that allow this device to support each of the applications noted above, the comparative conveniences of this server do not, in my opinion, cost justify replacement of an existing NAS with corresponding capabilities. Set up After powering up and Ethernet connection to a router (UPnP recommended), the included software CD is mounted on a Client PC and the easy to follow installation process guides you through each required step. I would suggest disabling any firewalls beforehand as in my case Norton security may have slowed the process considerably. After disabling the firewall for a short period, the procedure flowed smoothly, although my experiences with the HP updates portion seemed to take substantially longer than other users have indicated. At this point you are prompted to create user accounts (up to 10 user accounts, passwords should match existing accounts on client PCs), create a website, set up remote access and install add-ons like TwonkyMedia and McAfee server security. I'm not real confident of the compatibility of McAfee with my present security software so this step was by-passed as although it is not as secure, the server is still behind the router's firewall. In addition, McAfee is provided free for seven months and then becomes a fee based service. As of this date, I do not see a way to use another security suite, but I will keep looking. One ongoing annoyance is with each reboot of a client PC, I receive notification that the PC's security software is out of date or non-existent so it may be necessary to define application startup order to that the activation of each PC's security suite precedes activation of Window Home Server. After I was confident the installation was successfully completed I decided to move the unit to another location and instead of direct connection to a router, I hooked it up by Ethernet to the NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111) in another location in my house because I found the dual fans which seem incumbent for such a compact enclosure with potentially four drives, are noticeably louder than my NAS and a little distracting to me. Scalability The server comes with two 750GB HDDs and has two bays for expansion. Installation of addition drives simply requires mounting on a tray and insertion in the CPU. Unlike most competitively priced NAS units where RAID redundancy is the only option, the user can opt to use full storage capacity or specify file duplication over multiple drives. This functionality is RAID0 comparable. The server also has four USB ports and an eSata port for attachment of additional external drives, or (and this is not highlighted in the documentation) attachment of printers for accessibility from any networked PC. Backup/Restore Up to 10 PCs can be defined for individual backup, either automatic or manually. If you have an application to enable shadow copying, continuous back-up of modified files will work as well. Only one instance of common files is stored (or two if duplication has been activated). The server itself can be backed up to an external hard drive or to Amazon's S3 fee based service, which I investigated and at the cost of $.15 per GB for the first 50 TB is much too expensive for my tastes. HP has also provided operating system restoration/recovery disks for both PCs and the server. Curiously, however, there doesn't seem to be a facility for creation of a recycle bin on the server. Remote Access After creation of your personal website through one of several alternative sources, and establishment of user accounts at the server, you have a link to the following functions: HPPhoto Publisher where photos can be published to: Snapfish , Flicker, FaceBook, Picasa or to albums in the HPPhoto viewer; Media streaming of music or photos to PCs or mobile devices; access to server shared files or remote desktop to client PCs, or; Browse files/folders on server. Files can be uploaded to or, downloaded from the server. There are some security risks associated with remote access feature, but they can be limited, to an extent, by adjustment of settings on one's router. Another plus for the HP MediaSmart over many NAS units is although similar services are available via the NAS, this server handles dynamic IP addresses very efficiently so the potential expenses associated with obtaining a static address from some ISPs is avoided. And, if there isn't any activity on the remote link after about 15 minutes, you are automatically logged off. Presently (March, 09) remote access to enabled PCs will only work from iexplorer browser. Other remote access features can be reached from any browser. Media Streaming Music/Video files can be streamed to a variety of devices, including gaming units and other media receivers. Most devices are recognized through UPnP or in many instances, can be manually defined. The server has Windows Media Player connect, TwonkyMedia and employs Firefly for collection and streaming of iTunes files. As I mentioned at the outset, two features I find deficient are the absence of vendor partnerships with Logitech for the squeezebox or a bittorrent client manager from any provider. In the case of Logitech's squeezecenter, the application can be installed on client PCs and access music files on the server but that requires both devices remain active whereas a server resident version like Netgear's NAS would cut down on electrical usage. Similarly, for bittorrent clients which typically run 24 hours for seeding, two devices are now required to remain active. Conclusion For anyone looking for a first time network storage solution or replacement of an NAS with minimal flexibility, regardless of the user's level of technical experience, this device appears to be a great choice. It has the sophistication to meet advance user requirements yet remains easily understandable by those with modest demands or needs. Equally as important, capacity can be expanded to meet future growth in one's home network. A Quality Product with Significant Upgrades As an owner of HP's first generation MediaSmart Home Server, I was very interested to see if the EX487/EX485 models were a good upgrade in terms of quality and performance. If you are new to the MediaSmart HS product line, or to Home Server for that matter, you will enjoy what the EX487 (and EX485) offer. If you are a current owner of the first generation product line, the upgrade could be a tossup for you. I will not spend much time on every capability of the EX485/487, as it is well documented. It provides simple and easy to use centralized storage for your home, as well as the option to backup PCs and Macs. You will also be able to stream media (photos, music, video, etc) to other devices and share photos with family and friends, as well as have access to your files remotely through a web browser. One of the great features of Home Server is the ability to install Add-Ins, most of which are freely available on the internet. You can add the ability to download RSS content, expand photo sharing options, and countless other enhancements. Instead of going through more of Home Server's capabilities, I'd like to focus on the things that may not be noticeable through a photo or product specs. First, I am impressed by the quality HP has put into their Home Server product line. The product is sturdy and they do a great job of mixing firm metal structure with lightweight plastics. This product feels good in your hands and the design is clean and concise. They fit a lot into a small package. While the server itself is a bit heavier than you'd expect, it is compact and fits just about anywhere. Second, the EX485/487 got a boost in hardware over its predecessors. The processor was bumped up to an Intel 2.0 GHz (instead of an AMD 1.8GHz) and the memory has been increased to 2GB (instead of 512MB). Do not underestimated these upgrades, as they added a good bit of peppiness to the server. Browsing the server, transferring files, and going through the interface and menus have all been sped up with these upgrades. Storage was bumped up to 750GB (in the EX485) and 1.5TB (in the EX487). You can easily add more storage capacity by dropping them in, adding via USB or eSATA and then tell Home Server to add the drives to the storage pool. Thirdly, some software features have been added. Online backup capabilities and Mac Time Machine support are at the top of the list. There was also some improvements with the connector software. As an owner of the previous model, I will say that HP has been great at offering updates and I expect that to continue with all of their models. They appear to be dedicated to their Home Server product line. Lastly, I will say that Home Server has been a great addition to my home network. I work in the computing industry and when I get home I don't really want to tinker all day with my home equipment. I just want my stuff to work and the HP MediaSmart Home Server fits that criteria. Simply put: it just works. I have not had any issues with the hardware or software and I can rely on the product to keep my files safe (that doesn't mean you shouldn't have other methods of backup). If you already own a previous model, the upgrade might be questionable in terms of price and added features. There was definitely a boost in hardware, but it's not necessarily an upgrade everyone needs. Otherwise, I highly recommend this product for beginner or expert.
