"Mac people" are certainly used to the fact that not *everything* plays nice with Apple's crown jewel, the OS X operating system, including many software applications and hardware devices.  However, one cannot ignore the rising popularity of the Apple computer and peripherals (the iPhone and iPod are iconic at this point) and HP has really risen to the occasion once again.

You may be familiar with the previous models of the MediaSmart Server, the EX485 and EX487.  They added several features especially for Mac users, including limited Time Machine support, simple iTunes and file sharing, and external web based access.  With the new EX490 and EX495, HP has expanded on these services and added even more features... all while continuing to keep things simple.

Remote Desktop: Access the WHS Console Directly from OS X

Finally!  I let out a sigh of relief when this feature was announced, which is incredibly handy for us MSS addicted Apple-heads.  Previously, you not only had to set up the MediaSmart Server from a PC running Windows, but were forced to administrate it from there as well.  Yes, I'm in a "blended" household, but to be honest, I don't want to go through the trouble of booting up my netbook JUST to change a setting on my home server.

Enter the remote desktop client that is included with the EX490 and EX495.  Once you have completed the initial setup from a PC, you can install the software on your Mac - which works in a very similar manner to the previous software package.  It installs a Preference Pane in System Preferences within which you can specify your home server's username and password.

It also installs an icon in your status bar, and from there, you can access the WHS console.  It works seamlessly and is awesomely fast compared to accessing it from Windows in the previous iteration.  I was impressed at how quickly I was able to log in and change settings... all without touching a PC in the process.

Full Restoration From Time Machine

In a much welcomed addition to help keep your Mac systems safe, the new series of MediaSmart Servers supports "full restores" from Time Machine, as well as being able to enter your Time Machine backup on your MSS just like any other Time Machine backup.

The HP Recovery Assistant helps you to create a specialized USB flash drive with software that enables the Mac installation software to utilize your Time Machine backs performed through the MediaSmart server to do a "full restore" from Time Machine.

Mac Integration with Media Collector

Another feature that digital media hungry Mac lovers were clamoring for was the ability to use the HP Media Collector, which "automagically" scours the computers in your network like a scavenger, unearthing music files wherever they may lie, and consolidating them into one library.

Previously, only Windows users had access to this unique feature, but now OS X fans can stop hiding in the corner and join in on the party.  The Media Collector in the EX490 and EX495 will scan iPhoto, iMovie, and iTunes for media on the Macs in your network and consolidate them on your server.

Enhanced Web Based Client

As with the previous iteration of the MediaSmart Server, there's a Mac compatible website that can be accessed, but it has been polished and enhanced to make it even easier to use.  It even has a shortcut to browse your Time Machine backup.

Conclusions

Don't forget that all of your favorite features from the previous home server are left intact, including iTunes library sharing, iStream support for the iPhone, and easy detection on your network.  Stay tuned to the community for more detailed reviews and how-tos of the fantastic new features of the EX490 and EX495!

Read the full review of the EX490 and EX495