It's been a little over a year since the debut of HP's Windows Home Server based MediaSmart Server, offering customers a simple, well-built, and powerful solution for backup, storage, and media sharing.  Rumors of the MediaSmart Server's successor, dubbed 'Encore,' have been swirling in the user forums for a few months, with everyone wondering what HP's next Home Server will have in store for them.

Gearing up for the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, HP has finally let the cat out of the bag on their next generation server. Join us as we take a hands-on look at the all new EX-485/EX-487 HP MediaSmart Server.

Out of the Box

The new HP MediaSmart Server came packed similar to the first generation product, only with an updated box style. Inside the HP MediaSmart Server is wrapped in plastic and held on both sides with a foam wrap. A box on the side holds the accessories, software and documentation.

The HP MediaSmart Server ships with everything you'll need to get it up and running on your network.

Inside you'll find:

• The HP MediaSmart Server EX-485/EX-487
• One or two 750GB hard drives (depending on model). The EX-487 I received shipped with two 750GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 drives
• Power cord
• 6ft Ethernet network cable
• Server Recovery Disc
• PC Restore Disc
• Software installation disc
• Setup poster
• Warranty and support guide

Case and Style

At first glance, the new HP MediaSmart Server doesn't look all that different from the previous model. It uses the same case with front bay access door, same drive rail system, and same back panel, and even the same ports (1 front USB, 3 rear USB, 1 eSATA, network, and power).  The only things that set them apart is the top case color, now a high gloss black on the new model over the flat silver color on the EX-470/475, and the Intel Celeron sticker on the front.

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