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HP MediaSmart Servers Gain Mac Compatibility

Digital Skunk said:
The ones that keep offering Time Capsule and Airdisk as an alternative may not.

Seriously speaking.
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That's a pretty obnoxious and even insulting statement.

The vast majority of features touted by the HP server can be had using a Time Capsule. Might the HP do a better job of delivering some of those features? Sure. But the cost of a Time Capsule is hundreds less than the HP server and some people here may already own a Time Capsule and just not be aware that they can use it for many of the same functions as the HP server. I know at least one guy responded to my post sounding awfully surprised that he could do what I mentioned. I also chatted with tech reviewer from a respected news source who was unaware of this and they DID a review of the Time Capsule. So clearly no everyone is aware of this.

If you have the hots for this HP server, you should go buy one. Its probably a fine device. I don't have anything in particular against it except that it does not fit my personal needs at the cost.
 
ToneFREQ said:
That's a pretty obnoxious and even insulting statement.

The vast majority of features touted by the HP server can be had using a Time Capsule. Might the HP do a better job of delivering some of those features? Sure. But the cost of a Time Capsule is hundreds less than the HP server and some people here may already own a Time Capsule and just not be aware that they can use it for many of the same functions as the HP server. I know at least one guy responded to my post sounding awfully surprised that he could do what I mentioned. I also chatted with tech reviewer from a respected news source who was unaware of this and they DID a review of the Time Capsule. So clearly no everyone is aware of this.

If you have the hots for this HP server, you should go buy one. Its probably a fine device. I don't have anything in particular against it except that it does not fit my personal needs at the cost.
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1TB Time Capsule - $500
750GB MediaSmart - $600
 
Originally Posted by ToneFREQ
A Time Capsule also has all of these things if you use it as I describe earlier in this thread.
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FX120 said:
No, it doesn't.
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Well... let's see.

HP Server - four hard drive bays

Time Capsule - Can connect additional USB storage

HP Server - Although a Windows PC is required for the initial setup (Boot Camp and virtualization software are officially unsupported for setup), once configured it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Time Capsule - Setup can be done with Mac or Win. Afterward it is compatible with Mac or Win.

HP Server - Time Machine is supported for backups of networked Macs, while Windows machines are backed up using Windows Home Server.

Time Capsule - Time Machine is supported for backups of networked Macs, Windows can be backed up using 3rd party software.

Local file and media sharing is available via Finder, while remote access to files stored on the server is available via Internet browser.

HP Server - includes an iTunes server that centralizes iTunes music libraries for access by any networked Mac or PC with iTunes

Time Capsule - Can also do the same thing if you copy your iTunes library to the TC.

HP Server - tools for simplifying uploads to photo-sharing sites such as Facebook, Picasa, and Snapfish. Online backup via Amazon S3 is also available for additional data protection.

Time Capsule - doesn't have this. However, you can backup the TC disk to another drive attached to the TC.

So tell me again how the TC doesn't have most of the same functionality at a fraction of the cost.
 
Digital Skunk said:
I hope you understand that you are on a Macintosh users forum after saying this.

This is the primary argument Windows users give us 100% of the time when talking about Macs. And would be hypocritical of us to say the same about any other product.

But then again, we are Mac users. :)

Also, your setup doesn't have four internal hot swappable HDD bays, so your other solutions aren't as effective.
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Compatibility is a Windows user argument, and it's ironic that Windows is now THE biggest proprietary software on the market.

My setup does not have 4 internal HD bays, and it's not necessary. But if I did want that functionality there are plenty of solutions out there. My basic point is that there are easier, less expensive and more reliable options.
 
HP is going to sell a zillion of these to PC users and to those of us with mixed OS networks at home. The easy S3 connectivity is sweet too.

I find it funny that some posters above say the HP is over priced. Just compare what you get with the base HP unit for $599 and what you get from Apple in the Timecapsule for $529. You probably get 10X more goodies with the HP for only $70 list more (retail they will probably be about the same price - Apple never discounts).

Another interesting comparison is the little HP at $599 with the Apple Xserve that starts at $3,200. While the Xserve has only 3 drive bays, an arguably weaker network OS, a puny 80gb hard drive and a comparable 2gb of RAM, however it is more rugged and does have a faster processor for the extra $2,600.

I find it funny that some are upset that you cannot configure from a Mac (unsupported does not necessarily mean you can't with bootcamp) but am also sure we all have friends with PC notebooks that could drop by.

The HP is a brilliant product, they took the important elements of a high end server, greatly simplified them and added on very useful home computing functionality.

I am really impressed that they took the time to make it Linux and Mac compatible too. For us Mac users, that is real progress.

Funny that a PC company outdid Apple at Macworld this year. Not funny that Apple failed to update the 2 year old mini. Apple seems to only be selling high priced glamor these days and it is wearing thin. Did anyone else see that Simpson's episode?
 
This server is actually a dream come true for me. Like most folks, my home is NOT Mac-only. I have a TiVo, and Xbox 360, a PC laptop, an iMac, etc. The HP will work with them all... install the TiVoToGo software (which is crippled on the Mac), and you can move recordings back and forth between the server and all of your TiVos. Rip your library of DVDs and stream them to your Xbox. The iTunes server is just a bonus for me.

Plus, the bundled apps are not the limit. There are already 100's of add-ins to extend the functionality. If it doesn't do what you want, chances are that someone already has written (or will write) an add-in to change that.

You can also decide the level of redundancy for various data. If it's not all that important (your collection of MASH episodes, for instance), you can mark those directories to not be protected on multiple drives. If it's pretty important, but not mission critical, you can mark those directories for redundancy, and the server will save them to multiple drives... if one dies, no data is lost, and it'll re-build as soon as you put in a new drive. If the data IS mission critical, you can set it to encrypt those directories and upload them to Amazon's S3 for offsite backup.

I'm looking forward to putting my SVN repositories on it.

No RAID device or other external drive will do all of that in the same unit. The only way to replicate this type of functionality is with a server. Now, you can build your own pc, and use the WHS software, or you can use another server software, but to write this unit off as just another Drobo et al, is either Mac-snobbery (I shan't touch this Windows-defiled garbage), or a misunderstanding of just what a server is and what it can do. And to hear anyone comment that it's too expensive, from this community, is kinda funny. :D

Obviously if you don't need a large enough subset of this functionality, then this machine isn't for you. That's fine, it's not for everyone, and isn't marketed as such. But for me, and many other folks, this thing is awesome. And I'm glad it's not an Apple product... it'd cost $1999 and wouldn't work with my TiVo or my Xbox. :p
 
With the Timecapsule/AEBS + External HDD, is it possible to have two macs play, edit, etc... the same iTunes library?

I don't want to "look for shared music", I'm talking about having full privileges from both computers.
 
bmoorhouse said:
Exactly. I have three computers and an Apple TV that all access an iTunes Library file and all of my music on an airdisk. It works great. Add music or video while on one computer, and all of the others can access it automatically. I can even access my music across the internet by logging onto my airdisk remotely.

I must be missing something because I fail to see how this $700 product is any better than a $179 Airport Extreme and a $300 USB drive. If you want to match the four drive capability, buy a USB hub.
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How is a USB hub with a string of external drives the same as a RAID-esques setup with data redundancy that shows as a single drive? With a USB hub, no data redundancy and doesn't show a single drive. What happens when you have over 2 TB media library? I do. This is similar to a RAID5 NAS like from Synology or QNAP. Some people don't get the difference between an external drive and a data redundancy solution. Plus, Webserver capabilities, amongst other things. Does you AirDisk act as a Webserver?
 
The HP server can actually accommodate 9TB of storage via internal and external medium. (This is obviously based on 9 x 1TB drives. I believe some users have actually got 1 USB port to a separate NAS to accommodate much more than 9TB)

It backs up Win computers at the cluster level which allows for quicker and smaller backups.

It monitors your computers and itself and reports those out of compliance. This also monitors hardware. This means should a HDD become in a state that its about to fail, you are told and given the opportunity to resolve this.

The new HP server will allow for your music to be streamed to you via the Internet from a webpage located on your server.

The disadvantages for Mac users are:

It can't do a full disk restore like Windows. You have to install OSX and then use Time Machine to restore your files.

Some features aren't available to Mac users.

All other features such as remote access, access to file shares, iTunes server etc are all available to Macs and Win users, and most importantly, out of the box.

Plug it in, set it up and forget about it. The major disadvantage is no wireless. Physical cable only.

Is it better than Time Capsule, yes IMO. Although TC can do similar, it won't be so refined, it requires extra work which users may not be able or can't be bothered to do, and of course, no-one will support your TC modifications.

Is it better than a Home Brew solution, yes, because its smaller and you don't have to worry about something not working or multiple software vendors. Plus I don't have that much spare hardware floating about. Also, the HP is 6" tall. How many home brew solutions are as compact

The HP kit..."just works":D

And no, I'm not an HP or Windows fan boy, nor am I an Apple fan boy. Yes I do have a Mac.

I just believe in the right tool for the job and also whatever keeps my life simple.

Cheers
 
ToneFREQ said:
Well... let's see.

HP Server - four hard drive bays

Time Capsule - Can connect additional USB storage

HP Server - Although a Windows PC is required for the initial setup (Boot Camp and virtualization software are officially unsupported for setup), once configured it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Time Capsule - Setup can be done with Mac or Win. Afterward it is compatible with Mac or Win.

HP Server - Time Machine is supported for backups of networked Macs, while Windows machines are backed up using Windows Home Server.

Time Capsule - Time Machine is supported for backups of networked Macs, Windows can be backed up using 3rd party software.

Local file and media sharing is available via Finder, while remote access to files stored on the server is available via Internet browser.

HP Server - includes an iTunes server that centralizes iTunes music libraries for access by any networked Mac or PC with iTunes

Time Capsule - Can also do the same thing if you copy your iTunes library to the TC.

HP Server - tools for simplifying uploads to photo-sharing sites such as Facebook, Picasa, and Snapfish. Online backup via Amazon S3 is also available for additional data protection.

Time Capsule - doesn't have this. However, you can backup the TC disk to another drive attached to the TC.

So tell me again how the TC doesn't have most of the same functionality at a fraction of the cost.
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So now you're down to "most" of the features.

Time Capsule does not offer out of the box data redudancy. Your automator "solution" is not equal because it does not offer automatic resizing of the data pool as drives are added, what happens if you want more storage on your time capsule solution, go out and buy another 1TB drive. How do you insure that the contents of your TC as a whole are backed up?

Time Capsule, again does not offer out of the box backup compatability with both Macs and PC's, and even with the third party software available, it does not manage those backups, and allow you to instantly see if all of the computers are backed up and in good health.

Copying your library to a remote disk does not offer the same advantage as a iTS server. iTunes SUCKS with managing multiple libraries, so while you're traveling and away from home you're going to have to rescan and rebuild your library, which if you're like me and have 80GB of media will take a VERY long time. Again, it's not equal in features or in elegance.
 
Sounds very good for most people with both Mac and PC. But the price is a bit steep. Support in the future may be a problem.
 
How do people just not get it? Whether this or a NAS device, they are superior to AirDisk, Mini, whatever. Not even mentioning with at least 4 external drives that is FOUR power supplies. Again, the fact the AirDisk has no redundancy, can't be overlooked. Also, what about Webserver, streaming to PS3, squeezebox, etc.?

How is a bunch of daisy chained drives with no redundancy and no server capabilities even in the same conversation? Hey this tricycle is the same as your pickup truck, but cheaper. I can get from here to there just like your pickup. Yawn, that pickup of yours is just so overpriced.
 
when will HP finally disappear?

By technical specification, this Home Server might function with a Mac. But as I hope most people will know sooner or later, the mere fact that it's an HP product means it won't function for very long or at all. Woe to all who purchase such a product.

It'd be easier to build one with a few parts and a tutorial on the net.

Beware.
 
mytdave said:
Simple solutions like NAS boxes or TimeCapsule are easier and cheaper. My solution is a Mac mini with an External 1TB FW HD - about the same price, but far more powerful, reliable, and 100% compatible with all platforms.
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What are you using on this drive, ntfs, fat32 etc?
 
I have done my homework on this product and I think some of you have short changed it. It's not a NAS... its a SERVER. It's running windows server. Not only can it host your iTunes but it RUNS iTunes so it WILL work to deliver content to apple TV. It can also run torrent software.

The fact that HP SUPPORTS iTunes running on the box and Time Machine is big. Apples does not even support time machine running on a Airport Extreme with a drive plugged into it.

It also has some energy saving features that make it better then using an old PC or Mac.

This box costs as much as Apple sells one Time Capsule for... so it's a great buy. I support HP for coming out with a product for use with Mac users and I have pre-ordered it from Amazon and hope to be one of the first to have one!
 
mytdave said:
My setup does not have 4 internal HD bays, and it's not necessary. But if I did want that functionality there are plenty of solutions out there. My basic point is that there are easier, less expensive and more reliable options.
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Not disagreeing with you on that. But many people are pulling out a Time Capsule and Airdisk as those options, and those two aren't it.

Drobo and ReadyNAS yes.
 
Considering HP laid off most of it's US staff to boost their stock price and when you call tech support you can't understand their version of English, HP will never see another dime from me. But hey, you want to give your money to a bloodthirsty company who like to unemploy a lot of workers in this economy and send them third-world while dropping the customer service to atrocious, knock yourself out.

Besides, to all who think this is a new thing, Netgear makes ReadyNAS, DLink has their own version, OWC sells Icy Dock, all are cheaper, and all don't force you to do some stupid dance in PC land to get them to work. Move along, seriously, there's nothing to see here. HP... the reason "meh" was added to the dictionary.

PS There's another, really cool, Mac-centric but PC and Linux useable cube-like server solution only I'm blanking on it, cool as heck looking, easy set up, again cheaper than the HP, anyone remember it feel free to add it.
 
So if i have this HP Smart Server at my house connected to my computer; and i am at my work, can i backup my office computer onto the HP Server at my house through the internet, or can i only take stuff off the server from home and copy it to my comp at the office. Also if i can back up my comp at my office to the server at home, is there a program that the HP Sever comes with to easily do that for me?
 
Chris.L said:
Also, the HP is 6" tall. How many home brew solutions are as compact
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The MediaSmart Server is 9.8" tall. Are you thinking about the HP Media Vault, which is a lot smaller?

gx662aa_300.jpg
 
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