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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.
UPDATE 1/2/2010: HP has released other versions of their MediaSmart Home Servers and I provide this update not only to the EX487, but the HP MediaSmart Home Server line in general. The home server has been fitting more and more into my home network performing additional duties all the time. Microsoft has provided several updates to the OS since. I have restored several files and several systems from the ground up using the server's backup and restore feature. It worked flawlessly. I've used several backup and restore programs and the home server has most of them beat. Restores were quick, efficient, and painless. I've also been using the home server for more access away from the home. The ability to access files and stream music, photos, video (to any PC) has been awesome. I've also been streaming content to my HDTV via an Xbox 360. Again, it has worked without a hitch. The HP EX487, or any HP MediaSmart Home Server, remains to be an excellent buy.
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Product Description
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.
Product Details
- Brand: HP
- Model: EX485
- Dimensions: 3.86" h x 2.17" w x 3.62" l, 15.33 pounds
- Processors: 1
Features
- Intel Celeron 2.0GHz 64-bit Processor
- Network-Based Backup of Macs Using Apple's Time Machine
- Single SATA 7200 RPM 750GB Drives
- Photo/Video Sharing and Remote Access to Digital Media and Files on a Variety of Devices
- Automatic Digital Content Organization Across All PCs
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