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HP MediaSmart Server EX470/EX475
$650.00
Released November, 2007
The Pros:Easy to setup. Good backup functionality (incremental backups). Much more expandable than a network drive.
The Cons:No connectivity to a AV system. No native RAID. Price availability.
The HP MediaSmart Server, when connected to your home network, will make automated backups of all of your computers, share files with everyone on your network, and make those same available from any Internet connected computer.
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It features a small enclosure, with ports, connectivity, and included software optimized to operate as a home network media server. To view media content in your home theater, you will need an additional media streamer that is connected to your home theater with A/V hookups; which the MediaSmart Server does not have. There are two models of the MediaSmart Server with different included storage capacity: 1) the EX470, which features a single 512 GB drive, and 2) EX475, that includes 1 TB of storage (2 x 512 GB). Other than the initial drive capacity, the features and capabilities of EX470 and EX475 are the same. These servers retailed for $500 and $650 respectively. HP replaced EX470/475 with EX480/485, and then, EX490/495 - featuring more RAM and a better CPU.
HP EX470 and EX475 MediaSmart Server specifications
- Processor: AMD 1.8 GHZ 64-bit Sempron processor
- Memory: 512MB DDR2 DRAM
- Network support:
- Connects easily to the home network through a built-in Ethernet port. 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 Ethernet
- Supports both wired and wireless PCs (via a wireless router)
- Interfaces: 4 USB 2.0 ports (1 front, 3 back), 1 eSATA port (back)
- Storage:
- 1x SATA 7200 RPM, 500GB for EX470
- 2x SATA 7200 RPM, 1 TB (2 x 500GB) for EX475
- Four hard drive bays for easy expandability
- Additional off the shelf SATA I or II hard drives can be added to expansion. No tools required.
- Maximum storage capacity: Only limited by number of hard drive bays (4) and USB ports (4). Example: Using 500GB hard drives, maximum 4 terabytes (total supported capacity of all internal and external drives connected to HP MediaSmart Server).
- Power: Internal universal power supply
- Chassis: Black micro-tower designed for office or living room. Perforated steel on front and back for quiet and cool operation.
- Dimensions: 5.5”(W) x 9.8”(H) x 9.2”(D) (approx.) (14 cm (W) x 25 cm (H) x 23 cm (D)
Redundancy
The HP MediaSmart Server does not include a RAID option natively. However, it does have an alternative to ensure redundancy called "folder duplication". Essentially, any folder can be duplicated to any other drive (internal or external) of the user's choosing. HP claims this to be superior to RAID since it gives the user more control on what you back up.
User Reviews (8)
Pros & Cons
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4
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4
Good backup functionality (incremental backups)
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4
much more expandable than a network drive
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4
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4
clean, logical port layout on front and back
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4
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3
System restore functionality
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3
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3
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2
Consolidates iTunes from all the computers on the network
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2
"folder duplication" allows for redundancy is more flexible than a RAID 1 mirrored setup
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2
runs Windows Home Server which is a standard Media Connect Client (make sure to turn on Media Sharing in WHS)
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2
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2
Serves more than 2 streams of Hi-Def Video easily
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1
easily stream to Xbox 360 out of the box
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0
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3
No connectivity to a AV system
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1
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0
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0
more expensive than other media streaming alternatives
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