The Hardware

The hardware is what truly sets this HP MediaSmart Server away from the rest. As I mentioned above, this server is based off Intel's Atom platform, which is also used to power the vast majority of netbooks/nettop PCs flooding the market over the past year. Atom offers up enough performance to run the Home Server OS along with most of the exclusive goodies HP crams in at an extremely low price. So what exactly are the full specs?

Processor: Intel Atom 230 - 1.6 GHz Single Core Processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
Chipset: Intel 945GV Express
Memory: 1GB DDR2
Hard Drive: 640GB SATAII
Ethernet: 1Gb Ethernet
USB: 4 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports

HP's decision to use the Atom platform was a no brainer for a lower-cost home server, but it was surprising they didn't opt for the dual-core Atom 330, which (for a slight increase in cost) would give some additional headroom for media-focused features like the new HP Video Converter. The 1GB of standard memory should be adequate for most needs of those who would find the LX-195 appealing. Upgrading to 2GB isn't difficult given the easy access this case provides, though probably wouldn't make any noticeable performance difference until more of the advanced media features are added.

The Single Drive Approach

Other than the dramatic hardware differences, the approach to how storage is added is also radically different from the bigger servers. Inside is one hard drive, and because there are no other bays for drives, all storage must be added externally in the form of external USB hard drives.

Now, I would never have thought HP would ship a low-price version of the MediaSmart Server with more than one hard drive. The price would start to overlap with the EX485 and cause serious confusion.  What I did expect was the same, super-simple drive bays on the EX line to make an appearance here. It seems strange that HP's user-friendly bays aren't offered on the product most likely to be purchased by a novice. In the event of an internal drive failure, that novice user may feel less comfortable having to crack open the case to replace it.

Second, I would have preferred to see a solution with two internal drive bays. 640GB is a good deal of space, but folder duplication doesn't work without more than one drive. Given the target audience, it may be difficult for a novice to understand why they need to buy a home server and a USB hard drive to get that level of protection. Afterall, with the lack of any multiple bays the LX-195 kind of looks like a big USB hard drive. 

Finally, it's not like only the tech-savvy are getting into things like digital music and video libraries. Everyone is amassing more and more bits and bytes every day, and a home server is intended to be easily expandable to grow with the user over time. The fact all that storage needs to be added externally isn't necessarily a huge issue, but I tend to chuckle at the thought of seeing four Western Digital 'My Book' Drives stacked on top... with four big power-supplies plugged in below. 

Setting Up the HP MediaSmart Server

Given that the LX-195 is an entry level product, most picking one up will probably be new to the wonderful world of home servers. If that's you, let me stress that no matter how complicated a home server sounds, it's actually quite easy to set up.

Start by choosing a location and connecting it to your home network. Since all administration is done remotely over the network, it really doesn't make a difference where it goes. So, if your only hard-wired connection is in the basement near the router, then put it in the basement next to the router. All your computers will be able to access and use it just the same.

Once it's connected and plugged in, hit the power button on the back to turn it on and head to your PC running Windows XP or Vista. You can use a Mac with the Home Server, but currently all administration and set up must be performed from a PC. 

In the box you'll find a CD labeled "Software Installation CD." Drop that into your CD drive and let 'er rip. If the MediaSmart Server has been properly connected to your network, the installation wizard will find it and begin setting up your computer to use the MediaSmart Server.

Along the way you'll set up a password for the Home Server, define your backup schedule, and other things. Overall, it takes anywhere from five to fifteen minutes to do its thing.

Once the initial installation is complete, you'll need to run the software installation disc on any PC or Mac you wish to use with the MediaSmart Server. 

The unit I received did not have all the latest Power Pack 2 upgrade from Microsoft installed. Before you continue, run Windows Update and the HP Update tools to make sure you have all the latest updates for your Home Server. 

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