6 reviews

HP MediaSmart Server EX485/EX487

$800.00 Released February, 2009

The Pros:Operates using faster Intel processor as opposed to its predecessor. Extremely easy set-up process for a home server. 4 available hard drive bays, allows for easily expandable storage of up to 9TB.

The Cons:Higher price tag when compared to other NAS/Media streaming devices. Can only be purchased with either one or two 750GB hard drives. Can't purchase with all bays empty. Can't purchase with other sized drives. Initial setup requires a PC -- only then can a Mac be used.

The HP MediaSmart Server EX485/EX487 is a home server from HP's 2009 lineup that is an upgrade to their previous EX470/EX475 model. The system features a 2.0GHz Intel Celeron processor with 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM which is a step up from the 1.8GHz AMD Sempron and 512MB DRAM in the EX470/EX475.

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HP (Hewlett-Packard) EX487 MediaSmart Server by PriceGrabber.com

It includes 4 drive bays with a 750GB hard drive in the EX485 model and dual 750GB hard drives in the EX487 model. The MediaSmart Server EX485/EX487 is based on Microsoft's Windows Home Server platform to automatically backup and manage all PCs on the network. It also automatically organizes digital media and acts as an entertainment hub to stream music, videos, and photos across the network. The server is compatible with both Macs and PCs and includes a built-in sleep mode for higher energy conservation.

Features/Specs

Intel Celeron 2.0GHz 64-bit processor
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Single 750GB hard drive (EX485) / Dual 750GB hard drives (EX487)
- Seagate / ST3750630AS / Baracuda 7200.11 / SATA 3Gbps
4 hard drive bays
Integrated ethernet port
Ports: 4 x USB, 1 x eSATA
Built-in sleep mode
Slim steel chassis
Automatic digital content organization across all PCs
Compatible with both Mac and PC
Microsoft Windows Home Server platform
Dimensions: 5.5"(W) x 9.8"(H) x 9.2"(D)
Limited 1 year warranty

User Reviews (8)

Add Pros & Cons

ProScore

Pros

4

Operates using faster Intel processor as opposed to its predecessor
4

Extremely easy set-up process for a home server
4

4 available hard drive bays, allows for easily expandable storage of up to 9TB
4

HP Media Collector feature allows for the continuous scanning, copying and organizing of photos, music and videos from various computers on to the network
3

Compatible with Apple Time Machine, allowing for easy backups from Mac users
3

Utilizes "folder duplication" technology to provide a layer of file redundancy, which unlike RAID allows you to pick and choose which folders to duplicate
2

Comes with a quality HDD: Seagate / ST3750630AS / Baracuda 7200.11 / SATA 3Gbps
2

Allows external USB drives to be added to the overall storage (all the drives are aggregated and they look like one, large single drive)

Cons

1

Higher price tag when compared to other NAS/Media streaming devices
1

Can only be purchased with either one or two 750GB hard drives. Can't purchase with all bays empty. Can't purchase with other sized drives.
1

Initial setup requires a PC -- only then can a Mac be used
1

All configuration requires a PC -- Mac software does not provide any configuration capability
1

Windows operating system is less stable than other (linux) NAS systems
0

Does not have built-in RAID functionality
0

Needs to be directly wired to home router through ethernet cable, cannot connect to home network wirelessly