The Bottom Line
Overall, the HP MediaSmart Server LX195 is a nearly indispensable tool for photographers, specifically those who travel. Whether you work with Mac or PC, the MediaSmart Server LX195 allows you to easily save your files, access them from other computers on the network, and access files remotely through a secure web address. This server also functions as a backup for your system (uses Time Machine on the Mac) with a 640 GB hard drive.
Pros
- Works for PC and Mac (must be set up on PC first)
- Allows remote access of files
- Allows cross-platform file work
- Relatively simple to set up
- Easily expandable storage
Cons
- Must be set up first on PC
- Still a few software issues to be worked out for Mac
- Price
Description
- Suggested retail of $399
- 640GB hard drive - expandable via 4 USB ports
- Compact size at 4"x8"x8"
- Works cross-platform with PC and Mac
- 1.6GHz Intel Atom 230 processor running Windows Home Server
- 1 Gig memory
- Server must be set up on PC before being set up on Mac
- All folders must be used by a PC before Mac can access
- Capable of complete PC system restores, Mac users must reinstall OS before restore
Guide Review - Review of HP MediaSmart Server LX195
From a photographer's point of view, most backup systems are just that - another external hard drive for me to copy all of my horribly unorganized files to in case of primary system failure. Because I work on a Mac, I long ago gave up the idea of easy file sharing with friend's PCs. HP MediaSmart Server LX195 has completely changed the way PCs and Macs with work together. More importantly, HP MediaSmart Server LX195 puts an immensely powerful and easy to use file sharing tool in the hands of photographers.
In addition to being able to easily back up Mac or PC systems, the LX195 lets you share files across platform within your network. Music files, videos, photos, and normal data files are all stored in common folders accessible by both types of computers. The 640GB hard drive is fairly roomy but in case you run out of space with all your RAW files you can add more storage via external hard drives attached through the 4 USB ports.
Probably the most exciting feature of this server for photographers is the remote access feature. Through the LX195 a password protected web address can be set up to allow remote access of your network files when traveling (your router must be remote access compatible). Not only does this allow photographers to access their image library when traveling, it allows photographers to easily share images with friends and family without emailing GB of data or spending hours uploading images to a photo sharing site that only allows small images. Photographers can provide the web url and password to friends and family and let them select which images they wish to download for themselves.
HP MediaSmart Server LX195 is certainly a huge step forward for photographers workflow and file management.
In addition to being able to easily back up Mac or PC systems, the LX195 lets you share files across platform within your network. Music files, videos, photos, and normal data files are all stored in common folders accessible by both types of computers. The 640GB hard drive is fairly roomy but in case you run out of space with all your RAW files you can add more storage via external hard drives attached through the 4 USB ports.
Probably the most exciting feature of this server for photographers is the remote access feature. Through the LX195 a password protected web address can be set up to allow remote access of your network files when traveling (your router must be remote access compatible). Not only does this allow photographers to access their image library when traveling, it allows photographers to easily share images with friends and family without emailing GB of data or spending hours uploading images to a photo sharing site that only allows small images. Photographers can provide the web url and password to friends and family and let them select which images they wish to download for themselves.
HP MediaSmart Server LX195 is certainly a huge step forward for photographers workflow and file management.
