HP EX490 Mediasmart Home Server Review

HP EX490 Mediasmart Home Server Review

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by Aanarav Sareen on March 29, 2010

Companies keep releasing products that are are designed to simplify business and enhance the overall digital media experience.

Unfortunately, most of these products are either a) useless b) hard-to-use or c) poorly built.

Over the past few years, Drobo has become extremely popular in the “digital media” space. The company, Data Robotics, has sponsored web shows, blogs and has engagingly used social media personalties to reach an audience.

I had been hesitant of the product because a) of it’s proprietary file system b) high-cost and c) un-proven longevity.

Last year, I purchased a Drobo for one of the TV stations I worked for. Took it out of the box and it didn’t even boot.

This year, I purchased a Drobo for my media collection. Took it out of the box, it worked. 9 days later, it crashed.

Fortunately, I always maintain redundant backups for all my media, so my data was safe.

Looking for a better solution, I took the plunge and purchased an HP EX490 Mediasmart Home Server from Amazon. It’s shipping weight was 17 pounds, but the hardware design is absolutely beautiful and doesn’t resemble a “traditional server.” Even though I use advanced technology on a daily basis, I’m not a networking expert. My knowledge about networking stops with setting up a wireless router.

However, after reading the first dozen pages of the HP manual (with screenshots), I had the server up and running in 10 minutes. All you have to do this is:

• Take the server out of the box.
• Connect the server to a power-source and connect an ethernet cable from your router.
• Install the software on a PC.

Everything after that is simple and graphical, without any of the complicated technical jargon. After reading the manual a little more, here’s what I was able to accomplish in less than 30 minutes:

• Set-up a network wide backup of all my computers. So, the computers are automatically backed-up every day.
• Set-up media sharing. I added the location of where my media resides, told Windows Homeserver to make it available over the network and I could instantly access it on my XBOX.
• Enable streaming and remote access, including on my iPod touch.

And, apparently, this is still scratching the surface. While it is priced higher than other backup solutions, the functionality included with this server makes it well worth the price of admission.

If you’re looking for:

• Automated backups
• Media sharing
• No non-sense remote sharing

I highly recommend the EX490.





iPad Review by Aanarav Sareen

iPad Review by Aanarav Sareen

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by Aanarav Sareen on April 5, 2010

It finally happened. Apple released its highly anticipated iPad in the United States on Saturday, April 3rd.

Review and product summary:

• Does it hold up to the hype? Yes.
• Will it change the media industry? Depends on the publisher.
• Is it revolutionary? Yes.
• Is it perfect? No, not yet.
• Do I recommend purchasing one? Yes, absolutely.
• Who’s it for? Everyone.

Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, the iPad is in a class of its own. Starting from industrial design to functionality, the iPad delivers what net books and tablet computers have failed to deliver.

It’s an elegant product with limitless potential. And, the largest opportunities for this device lie with content publishers and developers. Most of the iPad-specific apps I’ve used are simply stunning. Every detail is carefully crafted and the user-experience is carefully thought out.

ABC and CBS have released their own iPad compatible apps for video playback. While the CBS selection is limited, ABC is holding back very little. Similarly, Netflix has created its first mobile application, allowing users to view over 10,000 titles on demand.

With rumors about a pending subscription-only Hulu app, this device is already revolutionizing the media industry.

Social media applications are starting to roll out. And, Tap Tap Radiation, from Tapulous is already available, giving users a brief insight as to how this device will change mobile gaming.

Just like the iPhone, the value of the device is in the apps. Apps released in the past few days are just the beginning. 6 months down the road, the capabilities of this device will be like none other. It’s not designed to be a replacement for a laptop. It’s designed to bridge the gap between a smart phone and a computer.

Fast, speedy and highly responsive, this first generation iPad will create opportunities similar to the iPhone.

In less than 3 years, Apple has managed to create a mobile economy that reaches more than 75 million people and this new addition could change the way mobile computing, entertainment and media are created and consumed.



iPad Drawbacks and Missing Features

iPad Drawbacks and Missing Features

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by Aanarav Sareen on April 6, 2010

In my iPad review, I noted that the device is not perfect, yet. It lacks  features that can have a significant impact on media consumption. In this post, I’ll highlight some of the drawbacks of the iPad, specifically as they relate to media.

• Expensive: The base version with 16GB is nearly double the cost of the Amazon Kindle and just about three times the cost of an iPod touch. While the Kindle can’t do anything except read text, the iPod touch is a very powerful device. You can play games, view media and even use it as a PDA. The iPad has the same functionality for double or triple the price.
• Heavy: 1.5 pounds doesn’t seem to be a lot. However, when you try to hold it for reading purposes or to watch a movie, the added weight makes it uncomfortable.
• Flash: This is turning out to be a bigger deal than I expected. Last night, I wanted to view a Fox5 segment and couldn’t do it. While YouTube, CNN and a handful of other sites do have compatible video, most sites don’t.
• Power: Surprisingly, the iPad does not charge through most USB ports. Apple recommends that users use the wall charger.
• Use: I’ll admit it — I have a tough time figuring out where I’ll be using this. I have my Nexus One for emails and communication. And, I have my iPod touch for games and media playback. So, at the moment, I’m trying to determine how to use this. As a test, I’m out at NAB next week and will be leaving the laptop home and hoping that the iPad can pull off the basic tasks — email, minor document edits, etc.
• Cost of content: The New York Times and Wall Street Journal have both announced plans for content on the device. However, with the latest price increases, it’s cheaper to get a paper copy.

Despite these drawbacks, it’s still a good device. However, it’s success will largely depend on 3rd party developers and new features.

If you’re using the device in a unique way, please let me know!



Natali Del Conte from CNET

Here's our interview with the popular tech reporter Nalali Del Conte from CNET.  TV EXEC, Author(STARRING YOU!) and TV Starmaker Host Marta Tracy hosts.

VERBATIM- TUFF N' TINY, TUFF CLIP AND CLON 320

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uAnmT6WIOo

Verbatim makes portable storage for every user.  From the executive who is carrying files back and forth from the office, The Tuff N' Tiny is under $50 and can be hooked to your key-ring. 8 Gigs of storage will allow you to carry your photo's , resume and a few other files on the small, but extremely durable Tuff n' Tiny.  

The Tuff Clip is also a very affordable solution that is perfect for that A student on the go.  Just clip it to your pack-back, keyring or belt loop and take off.  Great for pix, files, resume's and it's durability will lead to your realibility in the classroom and on the go.

Recently my MacBook Pro started filling up with photos and all my Flip Ultra HD videos.  The Clon320 handled about 300 clips with no difficulty and plays them fairly quickly with little or no lag time.

It's size, storage capability and warranty make it a great bet for backing up those key files.