Just when we thought HP had enough and decided to take a rest after launching all those uber-cool portable computing systems, it threw one last product onto the market. And this time we're not talking about yet another laptop, but about a couple of updates in its MediaSmart family, namely the EX490 and EX495 Home Servers, which feature increased capacity, high-performance processors, more control, new user interface and additional Mac support.

Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the updated HP MediaSmart Servers have a refined user interface and a web-based home page that makes accessing and using it easier than ever. Additionally, the new models offer a fresh video converter with custom settings and profiles that will automatically convert video libraries, including unprotected DVDs. Users are able to control how their videos are converted by selecting the device the video will be played on or choosing specific video settings using the advanced controls features.

Furthermore, the MediaSmart Server features a new media collector, which allows users to collect media by computer, media type or file location. The server automatically collects and organizes media files across Macs and PCs and streams it across a home network and the Internet.

And since we've reached the issue of Mac systems, it's also worth mentioning the fact that the HP EX490 and EX495 offer administration, media collection and a new disc recovery utility for Mac users, providing bare metal recovery on a Mac using Time Machine. In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a free HP MediaSmart Server iStream application from the Apple App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the server.

As far as the hardware is concerned, it's important to mention that the EX495 is built around an Intel Pentium DualCore CPU, while the EX490 is powered by an Intel Celeron processor. They also sport 2GB of memory, while the total amount of supported storage space reaches 17TB, counting both internal and external drives.

“The explosion of digital content is attracting a new kind of buyer to the home server space," said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Attach Group, HP. "This buyer wants all the power and capacity that past buyers wanted, but also wants it to be easy to use. The new MediaSmart ED490 and EX495 give them both."

The HP MediaSmart Server EX490 with 1 TB of hard disk storage will start at $549, while the HP MediaSmart Server EX495 with 1.5 TB of storage will sell for somewhere in the vicinity of $699, both of these MediaSmart products being available for pre-order as we speak.


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