HP is introduced a refresh to its MediaSmart home servers line. The software refresh included features such as iTunes streaming support and the ability to use the MediaSmart as a Time Machine backup destination. The two new models, the MediaSmart ext485 and the ext487, are both based on Microsoft Windows Home Server, but the ability for a Mac user to use these as their backup and media repository is very compelling reason to consider them, but it doesn’t come without downsides. For one, you still need a Windows PC to configure and setup the MediaSmart. In addition, the iTunes functionality basically just takes the files present on the MediaSmart and shares them out on the local network for access. It doesn’t go as far as integrating into iTunews to provide any sort of check in or sync between the two.
Per the reports I’ve read, HP will begin taking orders for the new systems in January. For additional details, head over to TUAW.
