HP today announced the imminent availability of the HP EX490 MediaSmart Server in the UK, which can be pre-ordered now
Whilst the return of the MediaSmart Server to Europe is great news, it has become clear that the EX495 will not be shipping over here, for reasons unknown. I’ve asked HP UK for clarification on why the decision has been taken to only release the EX490, and will update you as soon as I hear back. Remember, however, that the HP StorageWorks X510 which is to be released in Europe is basically a rebranded EX495.
Press release as follows:
HP Launches New Home Server with Enhanced Features for PCs and Macs
LONDON, UK, 13 October, 2009 – HP today launched the HP MediaSmart Server EX490, a new home server model offering increased capacity, high-performance processors, more control, new user interface and additional Mac support.
Based on the Microsoft Windows® Home Server platform, the updated HP MediaSmart Server has a new, refined user interface and a web-based home page that makes accessing and using the server easier than ever. Additionally, the new model offers a new video converter with custom settings and profiles that will automatically convert video libraries, including unprotected DVDs.(1)
“The explosion of digital content is attracting a new kind of buyer to the home server space,” said Shaun Hobbs, HP Accessories and Services Category Manager, UK. “This buyer not only wants power and capacity but also ease of use. The new HP MediaSmart Server EX490 delivers on all fronts.”
The HP MediaSmart Server EX490 features a new media collector, which allows users to collect media by computer, media type or file location. The server automatically collects and organises media files across Macs and PCs and streams it across a home network and the Internet.(2)
The HP MediaSmart Server EX490 offers additional features for Mac users, including administration, media collection and a new disc recovery utility providing bare metal recovery on a Mac using Time Machine.(3)
“The new release of HP MediaSmart Server software and hardware continues HP’s leadership in building compelling functionality on top of the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform,” said Russ Madlener, director, Solutions Marketing, Microsoft. “HP is delivering a true cross-platform product by adding the ability to administer the server from a Mac using Microsoft’s new Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.”
The new video converter automatically converts videos (including unprotected DVDs) into a format that can be played at the home or remotely. Users are able to control how their videos are converted by selecting the device the video will be played on or choose specific video settings using the advanced controls features.
In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a free HP MediaSmart Server iStream application from Apple’s App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the server. Users can easily access their pictures, listen to their music collection and watch their favourite videos – all streamed directly to their mobile device from their HP MediaSmart Server.
HP MediaSmart Server EX490 features include:
· New HP Media Collector
· New HP Video Converter
· Improved user interface with new web- based home page
· Mac administration, media collections and a new Mac disc recovery feature
· HP Media Streamer
· Server for iTunes
· PC Hard Drive Backup
· Server Backup
· Smart Power Management
· Intel Celeron®. Two gigabytes (GB) of DRAM
· Expandability: additional drives can be added for up to 7 terabytes (TB) internal storage and 17 TB of storage using internal and external drives. (6)
Pricing and availability
Available from 15th October, the HP MediaSmart Server EX490 with 1TB of hard disk storage is £429
13. October 2009 at 10:27 pm
HP Marketing Europe has for reasons unknown decided that only make the EX490 available
to europe.(EMEA) I have contacted HP and that is the message a I got back. I think it is time to contact HP and protest… Disapointed EX475 owner, I was planning to update to EX495
14. October 2009 at 7:14 am
Most disappointed that the EX495 won't be released over here, but I'm guessing the reasoning is that if it were released before the X510 small businesses looking to make the move to WHS wouldn't make the jump for what is basically the same hardware.
14. October 2009 at 9:04 am
Not the anouncement that was expected. I was hoping to get the EX495 as the EX490 doesnt have the power to do what im after. Strange decision by HP.
14. October 2009 at 9:25 am
I have contacted HP Germany yesterday and according to the service staff, it is yet not clear which models will be relased in Germany, if at all. This being said, it went on and ordered the EX495 in the US…thus on the one hand I hope that HP does stick to its decision (otherwise the premium that local customs are going to charge me would be twice as painful), on the other I really do hope that this great piece of hardware will be spread…
Regarding the x510: Guess it will be possible to make it an ex495, given one has access to the HP 3.0 software? Or am I missing something?
14. October 2009 at 10:49 am
On receving the news today that the EX495 won't be available in the UK I then tried to order the HP Storage Works X510 DataVault. HP UK gave me the telephone numbers of various suppliers all of which told me it wan't avaialbe or weren't keen to order it for me. However, I was finally recommended by one reseller to ring Tony Kissack at Soft Cat on 01628 403476 who ordered me one via HP shipping channels (effectively importing it from the States via HP). I will be receving my X510 around 5th November and can't wait!
14. October 2009 at 11:31 am
Malcolm, I'd be interested in knowing how much the X510 is costing you. I was after the EX495, and if the 490 is my only option, then Tranquil may end up with my business
14. October 2009 at 3:50 pm
Are any of the Tranquil offerings at the same sort of level as the MediaSmart (ie Mac OS X integration, iTunes, Amazon S3 etc)?
Alastair
14. October 2009 at 6:50 pm
Alastair
Had a quick look at the Tranquil web site, and no mention of Mac integration or Amazon S3. But would suggest going on and asking the question. They answered my questions quickly. It comes with iTunes Server and Logitech server installed. Also works the Sonos and XBox 360.
Alan
14. October 2009 at 3:27 pm
I've ordered the mid-range X510 (2TB version ) and have got it for the current price on the HP web site (i.e. £516 ex-VAT) and there is an additional delivery charge which in my case is £7.50 + VAT. If you want other versions I think you will probably be able to get them for the price on the HP web site (1TB is £420 ex-VAT and 3TB is £600 ex-VAT) but you would need to confirm this with Tony.
14. October 2009 at 6:56 pm
Cheers Malcolm
Will do that tomorrow. Probably go for the 1TB, then add my own HDD as the WD Green !TBs are only about £55 + VAT at the moment
Alan
14. October 2009 at 8:46 pm
See, I was right to not vote for HP a few months ago in that poll/awards thing !!
14. October 2009 at 11:23 pm
suspect it'll be to do with the poor dollar rate.
hp probably think the UK market won't bear the price they'd have to charge – so they won't sell enough to the cover the costs to support the different hardware.
or to put it another way they probably can't make enough margin on what the majority of people will be willing to pay for the 495.
15. October 2009 at 12:21 pm
Any Signs of Stock being available Yet?
checked retailers but most are saying Nov 1st if at all???
17. October 2009 at 4:25 pm
@trt
Amazon US has the EX495 at $691 – £422 at the exchange rate of £1 – $1.636 at the time of typing (17/10/09. (the EX490 is $539 – £329).
So HP are charging £100 more in the UK for the EX490, though I guess the actual difference is less when considering taxes/VAT being included in the UK price and not in the US.
Based on the wegotserved product review of the EX475, it was sold in the UK for £499. I would quite happily pay that much for the EX495.
What's thrown me is that the EX490 is retailing for £429 – as I remember, the same as the original EX470. So I can't understand why HP don't want to or can't sell the EX495 for £499 or less – the same price as the EX475. Perhaps the difference of CPU is enough to cut their profit margins significantly – whatever the reason, it means I won't be buying a Home Server for the time being (admittedly I wouldn't pay more than £499 for the EX495 ).
I'll hold out for the EX495, or if it doesn't come to the UK within the next 6 months, the next product refresh (and hopefully WHS v2).
24. October 2009 at 10:40 pm
Just ordered mine from HP. Used voucher code "save10hp" and it came to £390. Should be available in 2 weeks.
28. October 2009 at 6:26 pm
Arrived today! Really impressed.
Droped in a Intel Pentium Dual Core E5400 @ 2.7GHz and running well so far.
13. November 2009 at 8:12 pm
Shame on you, HP! Just when I thought you can't be more stupid than not to not sell the EX480/485 line of MSS you just add up to it with also not selling the EX495 in Europe.
I seriously hope you rethink that ridiculously insane decision again and give your customers the choice. What the heck are you afraid of???