HP HP MEDIA SMART SERVER - EX475

Excellent piece of kit, 01 Sep 2008
I've had my EX475 about a week now - everything is set up and working nicely. Have fitted a 1TB External USB HDD to back up the server itself. Strangely, it seems server back-ups have to be initiated manually, while client back-ups are automatic on a schedule.

Also strangely, it is not possible to connect a printer to the EX475 using the home server console. I managed to do it, but I had to use the Terminal Services program which is not recommended. Perhaps they will add this feature - saves buying a network print server or having to leave a machine on all the time.

One point to watch out for - remote control of client PCs is NOT possible unless those clients are running XP Pro, or Vista Ultimate. The Vista Home Premium OS that most of us have, s not supported, due to no terminal services app. the HP/MS advertising is definitely misleading on this point.

I have 3 PCs and 3 laptops on my home network. I have set up remote access for all my family so we can all view photos/videos or retrieve/store files over the internet. All seems to work very well.

I have to say I was well surprised - these days, I just don't expect anything to work straight out of the box!

Jon

Total rubbish, 13 Aug 2008
Well ive had this a week and its been a nightmare....worked in computers for 20 years and this is the WORST product i have ever used.

install on first computer failed.....reinstall features on disk didnt work, so uninstalled windows home server and the hp apps, then reinstalled...worked this time

anyway.....since then

backups sometimes dont start even though setup correctly

the stupidest thing is as a backup device this is massively flawed......if your server develops a fault and cant be repaired then you will need to install the disks into a new mediasmart server as the disks CANNOT be read by any other device due to the way the server stores the data (its more like raid striping), problem is that if you install the data disks into a mediasmart server it formats it...dur!! also, you are knackered if you lose one disk...i contacted HP support and they have confirmed these scenarios are correct....unbelievable

others probs,
can view pics on my xbox360 but cant watch videos (can see the folders and files, cant play them, even though the files are fine and supported by xbox360 (avi and mpg) - even hp support, ms support and xbox support were dumbfounded by this one

often cant access the server - even though logon/pw correct, but can a bit later

install on wifes laptop unsuccessful as it cant find the server even though UPnP setup correctly

cant access shared foledrs anymore...server seems to think im logged on...reboots/reinstalls dont work/not logged on anyway

i cant help felling i have a dodgy one as my brothers one works perfectly apart from the major backup/data loss issue mentioned above

using a gigabit wireless/wired router and wired gigabit switch but these are setup correctly

im returning mine...fed up spending hours sorting out this rubbish...hp/ms/xbox support are hopeless...in fact hp couldnt careless, so nor can i

my feeling is that this device doesnt do what is states...its akin to selling a car without a brake pedal

incidentally i installed a dlink 655 gigabit router and netgear switch in under 30 minutes - take note HP and MS!!

A nice item fom HP (if you really need it), 03 Apr 2008
Considering for the price of nearly £500 you can buy a complete PC, this item takes a bit of justification. In my case a failed 500GB external hard drive from Western Digital didn't quite cut it, but I bought one anyway.
Like all hardware from HP this Home server comes with an easy to follow setup poster. Installation, whilst not a complete nightmare, was not a walk in the park either. I spent a fair bit of time tweaking my firewall settings in order for the unit to be found on my system. I wished i'd known too, that the CD-Key sticker was on the base of the unit - quite tricky to read this without pulling out the power lead.
Getting my router correctly configured for remote access was another minor challenge, allthough having a linksys router (an 8 port cabled BEFSR81 in my case) did help as it was for the most part automated.
I find the HP Media Smart Home Server easy to use now I am familiar with it. I have come to terms with being forced to logging on to my PC with a password (user accounts are essential for remote access)
With hindsight I am glad I bought the unit rather than getting another external hard drive. It is very usefull and I am filling up the storage space fast. Just as well it is easily expandable.

great package but not gone the full distance, 29 Feb 2008
i have had this great, silent and lovely looking box now for a week. had a great demo at PC world from the HP chap who sold me on the idea after about an hour of show and tell.

when i got home and plugged it all up, installed the server software on the PC, things just worked.

it makes very little noise, if not being totally silent stood next to my work server, network printer and sundries.
for what it is and what it offers, there is no heat to speak of.

as for not getting that elusive 5th star....
although its a windows home server (Microsoft) i was hoping that there would have been a MAC version of the PC software that lets me into the guts of the programming and set-up. so set-up and servicing all have to be done from a PC with the software installed... not great if you are mainly a MAC user.
the web login is great for accessing your files, but not having set-up rights from the MAC just puts it out there as a bit of a dud.

now back to the web login!
what a great little bit this is...
once the server is all set up and working, you can get it to let you in via a 'normal' https website, giving you secure reign over you files while you are away or want to let a friend or family look at your pics or even upload pics while you are on holiday.
a simple step by step system shows you the way to getting it up and running and needs little to no prior knowledge of servers or networking or even ip's and routers.
HOWEVER, should your router NOT support uPNP (universal Plug and Play) then you will have to read the handbook or the built-in help files to show you how to set up the 3 ports to make this work.
all in all, not rocket science and i know my technophobe mother could work it where her mobile texting skills fail her.

this thing is great... there is little doubting it!
the simple lack of care for the Mac user somewhat does my nut. (not that im a big MAC freak) im a basic novice Mac-ist and have a couple of PC's for most of my work, but i just love the relative simplicity and security of Macs.

so to conclude, a VERY solid, stable and well thought out piece of kit with a decent software package.
NOT needing or even allowing for a monitor, keyboard and mouse on it is a great thing... keeps cost down and makes it more of a setup and go machine, while removing the temptation for turning it into a PC.
while you can use it with Macs over the internet and networks, you can't control it, but granted its a Microsoft unit.

well done to Microsoft and HP

Bluetooth Adaptor for DS810/510/710/720/730//ES1/BJ/SFP/MFP.

Excellent piece of kit, 01 Sep 2008
I've had my EX475 about a week now - everything is set up and working nicely. Have fitted a 1TB External USB HDD to back up the server itself. Strangely, it seems server back-ups have to be initiated manually, while client back-ups are automatic on a schedule.

Also strangely, it is not possible to connect a printer to the EX475 using the home server console. I managed to do it, but I had to use the Terminal Services program which is not recommended. Perhaps they will add this feature - saves buying a network print server or having to leave a machine on all the time.

One point to watch out for - remote control of client PCs is NOT possible unless those clients are running XP Pro, or Vista Ultimate. The Vista Home Premium OS that most of us have, s not supported, due to no terminal services app. the HP/MS advertising is definitely misleading on this point.

I have 3 PCs and 3 laptops on my home network. I have set up remote access for all my family so we can all view photos/videos or retrieve/store files over the internet. All seems to work very well.

I have to say I was well surprised - these days, I just don't expect anything to work straight out of the box!

Jon

Total rubbish, 13 Aug 2008
Well ive had this a week and its been a nightmare....worked in computers for 20 years and this is the WORST product i have ever used.

install on first computer failed.....reinstall features on disk didnt work, so uninstalled windows home server and the hp apps, then reinstalled...worked this time

anyway.....since then

backups sometimes dont start even though setup correctly

the stupidest thing is as a backup device this is massively flawed......if your server develops a fault and cant be repaired then you will need to install the disks into a new mediasmart server as the disks CANNOT be read by any other device due to the way the server stores the data (its more like raid striping), problem is that if you install the data disks into a mediasmart server it formats it...dur!! also, you are knackered if you lose one disk...i contacted HP support and they have confirmed these scenarios are correct....unbelievable

others probs,
can view pics on my xbox360 but cant watch videos (can see the folders and files, cant play them, even though the files are fine and supported by xbox360 (avi and mpg) - even hp support, ms support and xbox support were dumbfounded by this one

often cant access the server - even though logon/pw correct, but can a bit later

install on wifes laptop unsuccessful as it cant find the server even though UPnP setup correctly

cant access shared foledrs anymore...server seems to think im logged on...reboots/reinstalls dont work/not logged on anyway

i cant help felling i have a dodgy one as my brothers one works perfectly apart from the major backup/data loss issue mentioned above

using a gigabit wireless/wired router and wired gigabit switch but these are setup correctly

im returning mine...fed up spending hours sorting out this rubbish...hp/ms/xbox support are hopeless...in fact hp couldnt careless, so nor can i

my feeling is that this device doesnt do what is states...its akin to selling a car without a brake pedal

incidentally i installed a dlink 655 gigabit router and netgear switch in under 30 minutes - take note HP and MS!!

A nice item fom HP (if you really need it), 03 Apr 2008
Considering for the price of nearly £500 you can buy a complete PC, this item takes a bit of justification. In my case a failed 500GB external hard drive from Western Digital didn't quite cut it, but I bought one anyway.
Like all hardware from HP this Home server comes with an easy to follow setup poster. Installation, whilst not a complete nightmare, was not a walk in the park either. I spent a fair bit of time tweaking my firewall settings in order for the unit to be found on my system. I wished i'd known too, that the CD-Key sticker was on the base of the unit - quite tricky to read this without pulling out the power lead.
Getting my router correctly configured for remote access was another minor challenge, allthough having a linksys router (an 8 port cabled BEFSR81 in my case) did help as it was for the most part automated.
I find the HP Media Smart Home Server easy to use now I am familiar with it. I have come to terms with being forced to logging on to my PC with a password (user accounts are essential for remote access)
With hindsight I am glad I bought the unit rather than getting another external hard drive. It is very usefull and I am filling up the storage space fast. Just as well it is easily expandable.

great package but not gone the full distance, 29 Feb 2008
i have had this great, silent and lovely looking box now for a week. had a great demo at PC world from the HP chap who sold me on the idea after about an hour of show and tell.

when i got home and plugged it all up, installed the server software on the PC, things just worked.

it makes very little noise, if not being totally silent stood next to my work server, network printer and sundries.
for what it is and what it offers, there is no heat to speak of.

as for not getting that elusive 5th star....
although its a windows home server (Microsoft) i was hoping that there would have been a MAC version of the PC software that lets me into the guts of the programming and set-up. so set-up and servicing all have to be done from a PC with the software installed... not great if you are mainly a MAC user.
the web login is great for accessing your files, but not having set-up rights from the MAC just puts it out there as a bit of a dud.

now back to the web login!
what a great little bit this is...
once the server is all set up and working, you can get it to let you in via a 'normal' https website, giving you secure reign over you files while you are away or want to let a friend or family look at your pics or even upload pics while you are on holiday.
a simple step by step system shows you the way to getting it up and running and needs little to no prior knowledge of servers or networking or even ip's and routers.
HOWEVER, should your router NOT support uPNP (universal Plug and Play) then you will have to read the handbook or the built-in help files to show you how to set up the 3 ports to make this work.
all in all, not rocket science and i know my technophobe mother could work it where her mobile texting skills fail her.

this thing is great... there is little doubting it!
the simple lack of care for the Mac user somewhat does my nut. (not that im a big MAC freak) im a basic novice Mac-ist and have a couple of PC's for most of my work, but i just love the relative simplicity and security of Macs.

so to conclude, a VERY solid, stable and well thought out piece of kit with a decent software package.
NOT needing or even allowing for a monitor, keyboard and mouse on it is a great thing... keeps cost down and makes it more of a setup and go machine, while removing the temptation for turning it into a PC.
while you can use it with Macs over the internet and networks, you can't control it, but granted its a Microsoft unit.

well done to Microsoft and HP

Gotta love technology!, 12 Jan 2008
I bought this to used with my pixma mp610. I wasn't sure if it would print word documents as Canon had told me it would only print jpegs, but it prints everything. It's really fast, just as fast as wires, unless you are printing photos, then it is painfully slow, but it gets there. I am using Vista and there are no compatibility issues. I use it with the belkin F8T012 bluetooth adapter for my laptop and the pc autodetects and installs the printer when you connect the bluetooth adapter.

Internet connectivity capability through one reliable network connection. Optimized for small, growing businesses who want a simple and affordable network printer sharing solution. Designed for your growing small business. Remote access via a supported web browser. Support for Microsoft Windows 95/98, Me, NT, Novell NetWare and Artisoft LANtastic. Simple sharing for a wide variety of printers (HP/non-HP), and reliable connectivity in an office network environment. Optimal performance of supported printer...

Print on the road, in the air, or anywhere! HP batteries provide portable printing solutions for those who need to print when they have no access to an electrical outlet.Main Features:HP Bluetooth Printer CardNow you can work wherever you're most productive and enjoy the convenience of printing practically anywhere-in a conference room, on the road, on a plane or train, in a coffee shop or hotel, at the airport, as well as in the office and at homeEnjoy mobile printing freedom. Print conveniently from a var...

With advanced security and industry-leading performance, the HP Jetdirect 620n Fast Ethernet internal print server lets businesses easily and affordably share HP printers with EIO slots across the network and the Internet. High security networking equals a more secure network printer. The HP Jetdirect 620n Fast Ethernet print server supports 802.1X authentication to protect access to your network. Provides enhanced security for network configuration and management, including password-protected configuration...

Case Type : ATX Midi Tower Drive Bay-5.25" : 4 Open Drive Bay-3.5" : 1 Open, 6 Hidden Motherboards : All types of mainboard up to 244mm PSU : 400W Silent Dimensions (mm):(L x W x H) 490 x 185 x 425 Cooling Fans : Space for 2 fans External Ports : USB, Audio ports (Headphones and Mic) Expansion slots : 7 Full Size Other Features : · Blue neon light and Clock display on front panel · All edges debarred for safety · Zinc plated treatment, S.E.C.C. steel sheeting FCC class CB&CE approved

Excellent piece of kit, 01 Sep 2008
I've had my EX475 about a week now - everything is set up and working nicely. Have fitted a 1TB External USB HDD to back up the server itself. Strangely, it seems server back-ups have to be initiated manually, while client back-ups are automatic on a schedule.

Also strangely, it is not possible to connect a printer to the EX475 using the home server console. I managed to do it, but I had to use the Terminal Services program which is not recommended. Perhaps they will add this feature - saves buying a network print server or having to leave a machine on all the time.

One point to watch out for - remote control of client PCs is NOT possible unless those clients are running XP Pro, or Vista Ultimate. The Vista Home Premium OS that most of us have, s not supported, due to no terminal services app. the HP/MS advertising is definitely misleading on this point.

I have 3 PCs and 3 laptops on my home network. I have set up remote access for all my family so we can all view photos/videos or retrieve/store files over the internet. All seems to work very well.

I have to say I was well surprised - these days, I just don't expect anything to work straight out of the box!

Jon

Total rubbish, 13 Aug 2008
Well ive had this a week and its been a nightmare....worked in computers for 20 years and this is the WORST product i have ever used.

install on first computer failed.....reinstall features on disk didnt work, so uninstalled windows home server and the hp apps, then reinstalled...worked this time

anyway.....since then

backups sometimes dont start even though setup correctly

the stupidest thing is as a backup device this is massively flawed......if your server develops a fault and cant be repaired then you will need to install the disks into a new mediasmart server as the disks CANNOT be read by any other device due to the way the server stores the data (its more like raid striping), problem is that if you install the data disks into a mediasmart server it formats it...dur!! also, you are knackered if you lose one disk...i contacted HP support and they have confirmed these scenarios are correct....unbelievable

others probs,
can view pics on my xbox360 but cant watch videos (can see the folders and files, cant play them, even though the files are fine and supported by xbox360 (avi and mpg) - even hp support, ms support and xbox support were dumbfounded by this one

often cant access the server - even though logon/pw correct, but can a bit later

install on wifes laptop unsuccessful as it cant find the server even though UPnP setup correctly

cant access shared foledrs anymore...server seems to think im logged on...reboots/reinstalls dont work/not logged on anyway

i cant help felling i have a dodgy one as my brothers one works perfectly apart from the major backup/data loss issue mentioned above

using a gigabit wireless/wired router and wired gigabit switch but these are setup correctly

im returning mine...fed up spending hours sorting out this rubbish...hp/ms/xbox support are hopeless...in fact hp couldnt careless, so nor can i

my feeling is that this device doesnt do what is states...its akin to selling a car without a brake pedal

incidentally i installed a dlink 655 gigabit router and netgear switch in under 30 minutes - take note HP and MS!!

A nice item fom HP (if you really need it), 03 Apr 2008
Considering for the price of nearly £500 you can buy a complete PC, this item takes a bit of justification. In my case a failed 500GB external hard drive from Western Digital didn't quite cut it, but I bought one anyway.
Like all hardware from HP this Home server comes with an easy to follow setup poster. Installation, whilst not a complete nightmare, was not a walk in the park either. I spent a fair bit of time tweaking my firewall settings in order for the unit to be found on my system. I wished i'd known too, that the CD-Key sticker was on the base of the unit - quite tricky to read this without pulling out the power lead.
Getting my router correctly configured for remote access was another minor challenge, allthough having a linksys router (an 8 port cabled BEFSR81 in my case) did help as it was for the most part automated.
I find the HP Media Smart Home Server easy to use now I am familiar with it. I have come to terms with being forced to logging on to my PC with a password (user accounts are essential for remote access)
With hindsight I am glad I bought the unit rather than getting another external hard drive. It is very usefull and I am filling up the storage space fast. Just as well it is easily expandable.

great package but not gone the full distance, 29 Feb 2008
i have had this great, silent and lovely looking box now for a week. had a great demo at PC world from the HP chap who sold me on the idea after about an hour of show and tell.

when i got home and plugged it all up, installed the server software on the PC, things just worked.

it makes very little noise, if not being totally silent stood next to my work server, network printer and sundries.
for what it is and what it offers, there is no heat to speak of.

as for not getting that elusive 5th star....
although its a windows home server (Microsoft) i was hoping that there would have been a MAC version of the PC software that lets me into the guts of the programming and set-up. so set-up and servicing all have to be done from a PC with the software installed... not great if you are mainly a MAC user.
the web login is great for accessing your files, but not having set-up rights from the MAC just puts it out there as a bit of a dud.

now back to the web login!
what a great little bit this is...
once the server is all set up and working, you can get it to let you in via a 'normal' https website, giving you secure reign over you files while you are away or want to let a friend or family look at your pics or even upload pics while you are on holiday.
a simple step by step system shows you the way to getting it up and running and needs little to no prior knowledge of servers or networking or even ip's and routers.
HOWEVER, should your router NOT support uPNP (universal Plug and Play) then you will have to read the handbook or the built-in help files to show you how to set up the 3 ports to make this work.
all in all, not rocket science and i know my technophobe mother could work it where her mobile texting skills fail her.

this thing is great... there is little doubting it!
the simple lack of care for the Mac user somewhat does my nut. (not that im a big MAC freak) im a basic novice Mac-ist and have a couple of PC's for most of my work, but i just love the relative simplicity and security of Macs.

so to conclude, a VERY solid, stable and well thought out piece of kit with a decent software package.
NOT needing or even allowing for a monitor, keyboard and mouse on it is a great thing... keeps cost down and makes it more of a setup and go machine, while removing the temptation for turning it into a PC.
while you can use it with Macs over the internet and networks, you can't control it, but granted its a Microsoft unit.

well done to Microsoft and HP

Gotta love technology!, 12 Jan 2008
I bought this to used with my pixma mp610. I wasn't sure if it would print word documents as Canon had told me it would only print jpegs, but it prints everything. It's really fast, just as fast as wires, unless you are printing photos, then it is painfully slow, but it gets there. I am using Vista and there are no compatibility issues. I use it with the belkin F8T012 bluetooth adapter for my laptop and the pc autodetects and installs the printer when you connect the bluetooth adapter.

I agree, 18 Sep 2008
I would have to give this the same review as the previous reviewer. It's a good looking case - excellent if you want a bit of bling and there is plenty of space to ensure good airflow or to add plenty of drives. However, it does feel a little flimsy and I did have some trouble installing the mobo risers.

Adequate, 14 Jun 2008
Good: Looks good, the 2 strips on the front light up and it has a temerature reading of the inside of the case which is helpful. The power supply delivered with it isn't too bad either. Unless you're running SLI or crossfire you should be alright with it.

Bad: It does feel a bit flimsy and cheap, but it works. Another downside is that the screw holes for the motherboard are rather badly made, making it difficult to install the mobo. But this isn't a massive downside

All in all good value for money

Overview: The Hawking HPS1U USB 10/100 Print Server is a powerful and convenient tool to connect your USB printer to a 10/100M Network. The Hawking H-PS1U combined with the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) lets you easily connect to any printer and print documents by specifying the print server's IP address. With IPP technology printing over a WAN or the Internet becomes much easier. You can send a print job to a printer in another country just as easily as sending a print job to your home or office printer. IPP eliminates the need for fax communications between offices by simply printing an original document over the Internet and sending it from one office to another without the degradation of image and text quality that fax machines produce. Why use a fax to send information from office to office when you can print your documents directly from your computer to another out-of-office printer Features: Provides one 10/100Mbps auto-sensing port Complies w/ IEEE 802. & 802.3u standards Provides one printer port that can attach directly to a printer's parallel port Supports: -TCP/IP IPX/SPX NetBEUI network protocols -LPR Email Printing Raw Printing Unix Logical Printer -Peer-to-Peer Printing (TCP/IP/IPX/NetBEUI) -Server-based printing (Novell NetWare and Windows) -DHCP (both client and server) protocol Web-based management Windows Configuration Utility SNMP Protocol Compatible with all major operating systems (Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP NetWare (3.x above) and Unix/Linux) Easy-to-use installation setup and diagnostic programs Provides flash memory for convenient software upgrades Interface: 1 10/100M UTP Port USB 1.1 Port LED: Status: Orange 10M/100M: Orange/Green Network Protocol Support: IPX/SPX NetBEUI TCP/IP IPP DHCP JetAdmin LPR SMB/TCP Email Printing Raw Printing Unix Logical Printer Novell NetWare Windows and Novell Server-Based Printing and AppleTalk protocols Network Operating System Sup

Dynamode's PrintSir is a series of top-notch print servers designed to satisfy today's network printing needs. PrintSir consists of PS-901/PS-1001 single port 10Mbps pocket-size, PS-1101/PS-1201 single port 10/100Mbps and PS-3101/PS-3101P 3-Port 10/100Mbps desktop size models, they all support high-speed parallel printer ports. Designed with auto-sensing dual-speed capability, PS-1101, PS-1201, PS-3101 and PS-3101P work flawlessly in both 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet networks. The compact pocke...

Excellent piece of kit, 01 Sep 2008
I've had my EX475 about a week now - everything is set up and working nicely. Have fitted a 1TB External USB HDD to back up the server itself. Strangely, it seems server back-ups have to be initiated manually, while client back-ups are automatic on a schedule.

Also strangely, it is not possible to connect a printer to the EX475 using the home server console. I managed to do it, but I had to use the Terminal Services program which is not recommended. Perhaps they will add this feature - saves buying a network print server or having to leave a machine on all the time.

One point to watch out for - remote control of client PCs is NOT possible unless those clients are running XP Pro, or Vista Ultimate. The Vista Home Premium OS that most of us have, s not supported, due to no terminal services app. the HP/MS advertising is definitely misleading on this point.

I have 3 PCs and 3 laptops on my home network. I have set up remote access for all my family so we can all view photos/videos or retrieve/store files over the internet. All seems to work very well.

I have to say I was well surprised - these days, I just don't expect anything to work straight out of the box!

Jon

Total rubbish, 13 Aug 2008
Well ive had this a week and its been a nightmare....worked in computers for 20 years and this is the WORST product i have ever used.

install on first computer failed.....reinstall features on disk didnt work, so uninstalled windows home server and the hp apps, then reinstalled...worked this time

anyway.....since then

backups sometimes dont start even though setup correctly

the stupidest thing is as a backup device this is massively flawed......if your server develops a fault and cant be repaired then you will need to install the disks into a new mediasmart server as the disks CANNOT be read by any other device due to the way the server stores the data (its more like raid striping), problem is that if you install the data disks into a mediasmart server it formats it...dur!! also, you are knackered if you lose one disk...i contacted HP support and they have confirmed these scenarios are correct....unbelievable

others probs,
can view pics on my xbox360 but cant watch videos (can see the folders and files, cant play them, even though the files are fine and supported by xbox360 (avi and mpg) - even hp support, ms support and xbox support were dumbfounded by this one

often cant access the server - even though logon/pw correct, but can a bit later

install on wifes laptop unsuccessful as it cant find the server even though UPnP setup correctly

cant access shared foledrs anymore...server seems to think im logged on...reboots/reinstalls dont work/not logged on anyway

i cant help felling i have a dodgy one as my brothers one works perfectly apart from the major backup/data loss issue mentioned above

using a gigabit wireless/wired router and wired gigabit switch but these are setup correctly

im returning mine...fed up spending hours sorting out this rubbish...hp/ms/xbox support are hopeless...in fact hp couldnt careless, so nor can i

my feeling is that this device doesnt do what is states...its akin to selling a car without a brake pedal

incidentally i installed a dlink 655 gigabit router and netgear switch in under 30 minutes - take note HP and MS!!

A nice item fom HP (if you really need it), 03 Apr 2008
Considering for the price of nearly £500 you can buy a complete PC, this item takes a bit of justification. In my case a failed 500GB external hard drive from Western Digital didn't quite cut it, but I bought one anyway.
Like all hardware from HP this Home server comes with an easy to follow setup poster. Installation, whilst not a complete nightmare, was not a walk in the park either. I spent a fair bit of time tweaking my firewall settings in order for the unit to be found on my system. I wished i'd known too, that the CD-Key sticker was on the base of the unit - quite tricky to read this without pulling out the power lead.
Getting my router correctly configured for remote access was another minor challenge, allthough having a linksys router (an 8 port cabled BEFSR81 in my case) did help as it was for the most part automated.
I find the HP Media Smart Home Server easy to use now I am familiar with it. I have come to terms with being forced to logging on to my PC with a password (user accounts are essential for remote access)
With hindsight I am glad I bought the unit rather than getting another external hard drive. It is very usefull and I am filling up the storage space fast. Just as well it is easily expandable.

great package but not gone the full distance, 29 Feb 2008
i have had this great, silent and lovely looking box now for a week. had a great demo at PC world from the HP chap who sold me on the idea after about an hour of show and tell.

when i got home and plugged it all up, installed the server software on the PC, things just worked.

it makes very little noise, if not being totally silent stood next to my work server, network printer and sundries.
for what it is and what it offers, there is no heat to speak of.

as for not getting that elusive 5th star....
although its a windows home server (Microsoft) i was hoping that there would have been a MAC version of the PC software that lets me into the guts of the programming and set-up. so set-up and servicing all have to be done from a PC with the software installed... not great if you are mainly a MAC user.
the web login is great for accessing your files, but not having set-up rights from the MAC just puts it out there as a bit of a dud.

now back to the web login!
what a great little bit this is...
once the server is all set up and working, you can get it to let you in via a 'normal' https website, giving you secure reign over you files while you are away or want to let a friend or family look at your pics or even upload pics while you are on holiday.
a simple step by step system shows you the way to getting it up and running and needs little to no prior knowledge of servers or networking or even ip's and routers.
HOWEVER, should your router NOT support uPNP (universal Plug and Play) then you will have to read the handbook or the built-in help files to show you how to set up the 3 ports to make this work.
all in all, not rocket science and i know my technophobe mother could work it where her mobile texting skills fail her.

this thing is great... there is little doubting it!
the simple lack of care for the Mac user somewhat does my nut. (not that im a big MAC freak) im a basic novice Mac-ist and have a couple of PC's for most of my work, but i just love the relative simplicity and security of Macs.

so to conclude, a VERY solid, stable and well thought out piece of kit with a decent software package.
NOT needing or even allowing for a monitor, keyboard and mouse on it is a great thing... keeps cost down and makes it more of a setup and go machine, while removing the temptation for turning it into a PC.
while you can use it with Macs over the internet and networks, you can't control it, but granted its a Microsoft unit.

well done to Microsoft and HP

Gotta love technology!, 12 Jan 2008
I bought this to used with my pixma mp610. I wasn't sure if it would print word documents as Canon had told me it would only print jpegs, but it prints everything. It's really fast, just as fast as wires, unless you are printing photos, then it is painfully slow, but it gets there. I am using Vista and there are no compatibility issues. I use it with the belkin F8T012 bluetooth adapter for my laptop and the pc autodetects and installs the printer when you connect the bluetooth adapter.

I agree, 18 Sep 2008
I would have to give this the same review as the previous reviewer. It's a good looking case - excellent if you want a bit of bling and there is plenty of space to ensure good airflow or to add plenty of drives. However, it does feel a little flimsy and I did have some trouble installing the mobo risers.

Adequate, 14 Jun 2008
Good: Looks good, the 2 strips on the front light up and it has a temerature reading of the inside of the case which is helpful. The power supply delivered with it isn't too bad either. Unless you're running SLI or crossfire you should be alright with it.

Bad: It does feel a bit flimsy and cheap, but it works. Another downside is that the screw holes for the motherboard are rather badly made, making it difficult to install the mobo. But this isn't a massive downside

All in all good value for money

Easy to set up and use, 09 Nov 2006
I had this installed and running within 30 minutes of getting out of the box (and much of this time was spent finding a printer cable).

We have a LaserJet 2300 and a HP Inkjet 1275 (all in one device) hanging off the 1st two ports on the print server and both work without a problem across a 100Base-TX network.

Would recommend this device for small offices and workgroups that need more than once printer (it would seem to be an overkill to buy a device with 3 ports if you were only ever going to use one printer).

Own the future-with leading technology for next-generation networks. Share supported peripherals on a gigabit or Fast Ethernet network with the IPv6 or IPv4 protocol. Rely on one of the most robust network security technologies available: IPsec. Now you can rely on next-generation network security with robust encryption and authentication while enjoying the network advancements built into IPv6. You're ready for tomorrow's network needs, with a scalable and firmware-upgradeable solution that relies on the ...

MarkNet N2100t Token-Ring An internal print server to connect to most major networks using Token-Ring4/16mbps with UTP (RJ-45) or STP (DB-9) connectors.

MarkNet X2000 External Print Servers support multiple features to ensure fast and efficient installation including: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP); the ability to sense cable type and network speed automatically; remote configuration through M

This internal print server is designed to connect a printer to most major networks using 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet with RJ-45 connector.

NULL - Internal memory : 512 MB,Internal memory type : DDR-SDRAM,Bus clock rate : 266 MHz,ECC : Y,Form factor : DIMM,Access time : 184

HP Jetdirect 40d Gigabit Print Server for the Designjet 4000 series.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers enables people to freely access information and services anywhere and at any time with world-leading products, services and solutions, thus ensuring peoples success within a knowledge-based society. Fujitsu Siemens is committed t

Supported Printers:

Main Features:Data Transfer Rate: 54 Mbps ...

NULL - Data transfer rate (max) : 100 Mbit/s,Data transfer rate : 10/100 Mbit/s,Connectivity technology : Wired,Interface type : Ethernet,Cabling technology : 10Base-T, 100Base-TX,Data link protocol : Ethernet, Fast Ethernet,Power LED : Y,Packaging conten