Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are a good solution for users who need a central place in the home network to their data and media to store and back up their family PCs. These days, most NAS devices, not extra duty as a media server and remote access when you are outside your home.

The only thing that most NAS devices have in common is that they typically have a streamlined version of the Linux operating system. Flying in the face of such scaled implementations, HP chooses instead to have its NAS devices running Microsoft Windows Home Server operating system. HP adds a good bit individually, and has the Windows Home Server provides storage, and the company it is all together in a package that contains a device with lots of space for storage capacity increases.

The two latest additions to HP NAS lineup, the HP MediaSmart Server EX490 and EX495. Both models are manufactured in a tiny (9.75×5.5×9.9 inch) glossy black plastic chassis. Other than price, are the only differences between the two models, the EX490 installed by a 2.2 GHz Celeron processor-powered and comes with a 1 TB drive, and the EX495 uses a 2.5 GHz Intel Pentium Dual- Core E5200 processor and comes with a 1.5 TB hard drive. Both units include 2 GB of internal memory. We had the chance to spend some time with the high-end EX495.

The EX495 features a mesh-front grill that swings out to reveal the way to four tool-less Serial ATA drives. The Bottom Bay is home to a 1.5 TB hard drive, while the remaining three bays lurked Hot-swap, the user-provided disks. The EX495 also has four USB 2.0 ports and one eSATA port, you can use external drives to further increase total storage capacity of the device or to back up the contents of the server. (HP notes that the EX495 is the maximum storage capacity of 17.5TB.) The chassis also includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and a security slot.

BUY HP MEDIASMART EX495 NOW AT A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRICE!

Most NAS devices are set up very simply, with little more than attaching them to the network by making them stand up to the needs and tweaking a few settings and go. Setting up the EX495, on the other hand, is an exercise in perseverance, patience and a little luck. As soon as the EX495 are connected to the network and powered on, it is not ready to go. First, you need a setup application from the included software installation CD. This first step does several things: It initializes the software on the server, but copies of the necessary software on the client PC, and it downloaded and installed on the server’s operating system and software. This process lasted over an hour and saw the server to go through numerous cycles restart.

We ran into a serious problem in our initial setup, which came in the server when downloading updates to a standstill. Fortunately we were able to log into the server and run the updates manually. However, we experienced a number of software crashes and a total of flakiness that we want to reset the factory defaults, forced, so we could start over. Reset the factory settings lasted over an hour, we had to wait before we could start the reinstall.

Once installation is complete, the Windows system, have to set up the server a few software components installed on it. One of the Windows Home Server Connector, which automatically configures a backup copy of the client PC to the server to connect to the Server folder share, is connected to the server and monitors the health and security of servers and computers. While folder shares are not automatically assigned a drive letter, a link to the server folder shares on the Windows desktop is placed. If you want to access photos, videos or photos with Windows Media Center, you must install the Windows Media Center Connector application.

HP recommends the HP Media Connector software on any Windows system you plan to install a connection to the server. Strictly speaking, this is not necessary because you should be able to server folder shares is installed without the software (as long as the server name or IP address known) access. If you do not install the software on a client but the client is not configured to be able to turn on the server or the server. There is also a Mac client to configure the Macs to the server and then allows the server through the Mac OS’s Time Machine utility.

BUY HP MEDIASMART EX495 NOW AT A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRICE!

Once all the software was properly installed on our client system, we have configured the server with the launch of Windows Home Server Console from the Windows Home Server icon in the taskbar. We have a number of users, so that we could access the server folder shares, then turned the integrated iTunes server, TwonkyMedia server and remote access. Of course we still need to get our media to the server gains the advantages of their media-serving functions, and the EX495 offers a unique and seamless way to do this. It contains a feature called Media Collector, that is, once configured on the server all connected Windows or Mac systems that the server software installed on them, can then automatically copy all your photos, videos and music files you are looking for notes up to the server. You can also manually copy your files to the server.

The EX495 also a unique feature, the video files to video files stored in H.264 converted. The purpose of the video converter feature is the optimization of video streaming devices such as a Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, or an Apple iPhone. You can create multiple profiles, so that the converter created different versions of your video files for different scenarios streaming. You can use variables such as screen size, video frame rate, video bit rate. The converter has two presets: “Full” for streaming from computers and game consoles, and “Mobile” for streaming to mobile devices. The converter recognizes popular file types (such as AVI, M4V, MOV, MP4, MPG and WMV) and video codecs (such as AVC, DivX, MPEG-1 or -2, and VC1). The converter also detects non-copy protected DVD files (VOB files and VIDEO_TS folder), but it does not work with ISO files.

We set up the EX495 to media from a Windows 7 system, a system with Windows Vista, and two different Macs running Mac OS X 10.6.2 collect, we also use the EX495 to all the videos about the standard profiles (full and convert Mobile). The EX495 chug away start, but an unfortunate side effect of this was that the device, the CPU utilization at 100 percent, which was slowed significantly coupled to the server. Even after collecting media from the different systems for a few days the media collector seemed to stop. We had the server database to reset the collection process back on track kick. If it is typical of our experience, it could take several days to get all your media on the server when a large media vault.

activated with the media server settings, you can stream media to a healthy collection of devices. The EX495 supports UPnP and DLNA, two standards for streaming media on many TVs and devices like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 supports. If you enable remote access, you can also stream media to other systems and devices over the Internet. There is even a free iPhone/iPod touch app, HP MediaSmart Server iStream that allows you to access your media via Wi-Fi or 3G. If the EX495 remote access from another computer, it first takes you to the server of the HP home page, a host of options, including offering access to the media streamer utility, as well as folder shares. It also contains an applet that you upload photos from the server to a selection of popular photo-sharing websites.

BUY HP MEDIASMART EX495 NOW AT A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRICE!

While we appreciated the many things that could do the EX495, we ran into some additional problems. The first was that the HP MediaSmart Server software on our two Macs, a “validation error”. Reported We have seen that error, although, strangely, everything else seemed to work correctly, including the connection to the server folder shares, to access the server console and backup to the server via Time Machine. The next problem occurred, and that none of our systems can be produced on the server iTunes Server. We have also noticed occasional hiccups, we did not find the server console or the server console the settings of Windows could not load access. We found ourselves restart our client systems, and the server numerous times to solve these problems. (Sometimes a reboot worked, sometimes it is not.)

The Mac-Validation Error and the iTunes problems would not go away, but. At this point, if we did everything right, it meant the server reset to factory defaults again. Needless to say, we were less than happy about this, as the Collector and Media Video Converter is already accumulation of our media and our video conversion for several days. As the saying goes, though, is the third time a charm, and after reluctantly Starting Over again, most of the problems we encountered away, including the iTunes server problem. We ran into the occasional hiccup, though, and the Mac client still displaying “Validation Error”.

Some additional questions we have are with the EX495 that you do not have a static IP address. The server settings are under incoherent spread in different areas of the user interface. Other shortcomings: It can not be used as a print server, and it does not natively support FTP (although advanced users should be able to install FTP server software).

The last thing we did with the EX495 was to see how well they performed. Fortunately, after he had all the problems, we happy that the EX495 some of the fastest network speeds we’ve seen from a consumer NAS device had. With an HP Pavilion Elite m9550f Desktop PC (2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300, 8GB DDR2, 1TB 7,200 rpm hard drive) Windows 7 Ultimate as our testbed system, we saw write speeds as high as 66.1MB per second ( 554.3Mbps) and read speeds of up to 45.6MB per second (382.2Mbps).

BUY HP MEDIASMART EX495 NOW AT A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRICE!

We also have a look at the device power consumption. When sitting idle (not all do file transfers or video media collection converts) swayed EX495 39-53 watts. Beat them with file transfers, streaming media, media collection and video conversion at one time, the EX495 uses around 62 watts.

The EX495 is very expensive for a NAS device. We welcome all EX495 features, especially those not normally found on NAS devices: the media and the Collector Video Converter. But even with all the expansion of space and its fast performance, we are not sure whether the EX495 it’s worth, what with all the headaches it gave us. Of course you can vary your performance and you could call us cynics, but we are always a little wary is adding additional equipment for our networks, Windows, when you consider all the updates and restarts connected therewith. These other NAS vendors are to do with the use of a streamlined Linux in their devices.

Advanced Micro Devices has quietly AMD Athlon Neo K145 single-core low-power processor for use in thin-and-light notebook such as Toshiba Portege R705-P35 designed started.

As the same as the 1.7 GHz Athlon Neo K125, K145 is the 1.8GHz to the 2010 AMD Ultra Thin platform. Other features of the two processors are apparently identical and a power consumption of 12W and up to 1MB L2 cache.

The new CPU is selected Acer Aspire One 721 ultra portable configurations and is also used in Dell’s Inspiron and Lenovo ThinkPad M101z Edge models are included.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Nikon Coolpix S80 Digital Camera Review posted at zimlaptops
2. VIZIO XVT423SV 42-Inch HDTV Review posted at byphotography.com
3. HP MediaSmart EX495 Review posted at zimlaptops.com
4. VIZIO XVT423SV Review posted at plasmacube

Sighting of a larger sized, unnamed notebook parts in China sporting Intel assigns larger sized netbooks and net-tops – are hardly the first, nor will it be the last. A dual-core Atom processor and Nvidia D525 ION 2 graphics.

The rest of the notebook includes a 1366 x 768 resolution on the 14-inch display like on Toshiba Portege R705-P35, 2GB DDR2 RAM, a 320GB HDD, DVD burner, 3-cell 2400mAh battery, and 3G SIM card slot and HDMI output and it can be all yours for under $ 350.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Nikon Coolpix S80 Digital Camera Review posted at zimlaptops
2. VIZIO XVT423SV 42-Inch HDTV Review posted at byphotography.com
3. HP MediaSmart EX495 Review posted at zimlaptops.com
4. VIZIO XVT423SV Review posted at plasmacube

A few weeks after the Creative ZiiO 7-inch tablet Android to the FCC Web site showed the company’s 10-inch tablet (cleverly called ZiiO 10) is making the rounds.

For the most part, the two tablets, the same specifications: a ZMS-08 HD application processor, Creative X-Fi sound, 802.11b g WiFi, Google Android 2.1 and support for a wide range of media formats such as H.264 , MPEG4, WMV9, MKV, MOV, MP3, WMA, OGG

But while the ZiiO 7 a 7-inch, has 800 x 480 pixels display, the ZiiO 10 a 10-inch, 1024 x 600 pixel screen like on Toshiba Portege R705-P35. Both models are equipped with resistive touschreens. Together with a few photos, the FCC listing test results and a user manual for your perusal.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Nikon Coolpix S80 Digital Camera Review posted at zimlaptops
2. VIZIO XVT423SV 42-Inch HDTV Review posted at byphotography.com
3. HP MediaSmart EX495 Review posted at zimlaptops.com
4. VIZIO XVT423SV Review posted at plasmacube

GammaTech has released its latest rugged convertible notebook computer as D12C known. Designed for field staff, this lightweight device is capable of offering decent performance while remaining very much for ultimate flexibility and functionality mobile. In a moment, the D12C be turned into a tablet device. After being tested for military standards 810 standards if it is guaranteed to shock, dirt and splash-proof.

Sounds more like the perfect tool not only for butterfingers but small children that are far more destructive power in their prying hands than a cyclone. The D12C itself comes with a 12.1-inch TFT with LED-backlit convertible touchscreen display, an Intel i5 processor and Intel 540UM HM55 chipset powered sports up to 8 GB of RAM and a built-in handle makes it a breeze the device to tote from one point to another.

Multiple security features include TPM 1.2 technology, fingerprint scanner, BIOS Administrator password Boot password, and optional smart card reader. Sounds unbreakable from the physical and software such as oem software download point of view? Perhaps for the ordinary layman, but that would be pretty nifty for those who are less than careful with their electronics, even though the original “investment” be definitely much higher than a normal notebook such as Toshiba Portege R705-P35.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Nikon Coolpix S80 Digital Camera Review posted at zimlaptops
2. VIZIO XVT423SV 42-Inch HDTV Review posted at byphotography.com
3. HP MediaSmart EX495 Review posted at zimlaptops.com
4. VIZIO XVT423SV Review posted at plasmacube

We have seen a couple of netbooks by the Italian company Olivetti in the past and if you are in Europe or attenting this technology events, you’ll probably never see or hear from them but do not want it because they were rebrand questions. Things are probably the same way for their newest product is as early as this month will be published – the OliPad tablets. You know the business, every company and their water-coolers are the release tablets.

This “OliPad”, 10-inch size to expect on the Android operating system with 3G and WiFi capability like on Toshiba Portege R705-P35 in pricing at $ 400 to Start. It will use its own App Store Application Gallery, which already sell on their other computer products in Europe. As in previous products, there is a push towards the business market, there are some content-sharing, sales force management and digital catalog apps for their respective companies.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Nikon Coolpix S80 Digital Camera Review posted at zimlaptops
2. VIZIO XVT423SV 42-Inch HDTV Review posted at byphotography.com
3. HP MediaSmart EX495 Review posted at zimlaptops.com
4. VIZIO XVT423SV Review posted at plasmacube

Toshiba’s Portege R series has always impressed, and the new 13-inch Portege R705-P35 is close to a perfect balance of design, price, and performance. Toshiba Portege R705-P35 Review

We know that the search for the perfect laptop is ultimately fruitless. Different users have to make different needs, budgets and expectations, and the technology of tomorrow does not threaten just-purchased laptop semi-obsolete before it even comes out of his box. That is, the new Toshiba Portege R705-P35 comes as as anything we’ve seen this year in the area and offers a great mix of price, design, functions and performance.

The Portege R705-P35 is a 13-inch laptop (similar to Apple’s MacBook), the largest screen size, we would consider carrying around a regular basis, but also the smallest, we would be in a position comfortable for full-time-use computing. It is thinner than the current white plastic MacBook (but not as slim as the MacBook Air or Dell XPS Adamo) and has a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis.

Toshiba Portege R705-P35 version of these lists for $ 879. A handful of business-oriented configs are also available (called the R700, R705 instead of), creating a docking port and a few other corporate-friendly features for $ 999 and higher.

This fixed-configuration retail model for $ 250 less than an entry-level MacBook, you get a newer Intel Core i3-processor (the basic MacBook has an older Core 2 Duo CPU), a large 500GB hard drive and Intel wireless display technology, which allows the laptop display to a remote TV or monitor to be radiated (this requires a separately sold $ 100 Push2TV Netgear adapter is connected to the TV). Not to draw too many comparisons MacBook, but the R705-P35 also has an SD card slot (as well as virtually any Windows-based laptops, no matter the price) and HDMI and eSATA ports – all of which is missing $ 999 MacBook.

BUY TOSHIBA PORTEGE R705-P35 LAPTOP NOW TO SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

Another advantage to the P35 variant of the R705-P35 is a built-in support for wireless 4G. If you live in an area served by a WiMax provider (eg Clear, Sprint, Time Warner), you can up service at the time of sale (you need a contract, but for a discount on the hardware-eligible) or add it later by contacting the provider. It is yet another monthly bill, of course – and it will certainly speed up your battery power – but you do not have to have any additional USB dongles or external Mi-Fi equipment in tow.

There are a few questions. The integrated Intel graphics are a draw, the keyboard is not illuminated (which have been a nice touch to this sleek-looking system), and the only average battery life is not enough for a full day of on-the-go computing. Also out of the box, the hard drive accelerometer was much too sensitive, parking our HDD head every time when we breathed as much as on the R705-P35. Onboard Bluetooth is a no-show.

These problems aside, sees the Portege R705-P35 and feels like a much more expensive laptop, and is our new go-to place for those who want to experience a smooth 13-inch, but can not (or not) join the MacBook masses.

The brushed-metal magnesium alloy chassis feels sturdy, despite its thinness (tapered and the front lip, making them even thinner). The Portege is a cousin of one of our favorite notebooks of all time, the 12-inch Portege R500. The $ 1,500 (or more) system suffered from too much flex in his body and lid, which is not the case here.

BUY TOSHIBA PORTEGE R705-P35 LAPTOP NOW TO SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

The back of the lid on this consumer model has a subtle dark blue tint to it, as in the solid black specifically to meet the business version. The only optical element on the R705-P35, we were really disliked the excessive chrome screen hinges that look more at home than would rims on a pimped up car than on a sophisticated laptop.

The keyboard uses flat, widely separated island-style buttons. While perfect, the keys are much more rectangular than most, as if they were shortened to save space. The input is a bit on the side clacky, but not as much as a deal breaker. We appreciate the great separate page-up, Page Down, Home and End keys on the right side – they are usually relegated to alternate function keys on most laptops. Our biggest complaint is that the keyboard is not illuminated. We have seen this feature on other Toshiba notebooks in this price class, and it is always a welcome extra. Toshiba would also do well to media and volume controls easily changed by swapping them with their access Fn key to make – something we’ve seen in other multimedia-friendly laptops trending.

It is not as great as on a MacBook, but the R705-P35′s touchpad is one of the bigger we’ve seen on a 13-inch laptop. Multi-Touch gestures include scrolling with two fingers, but as always seems the case on Windows laptops, it is nowhere as smooth and react like a MacBook. The left and right mouse buttons are well sized and easy to use – a concept that many PC manufacturers seem to have problems.

Toshiba also includes a few custom software utilities to the system. ReelTime is a type of browser history and shows all previous documents and web-page in thumbnail form at the bottom of the screen. It is amazingly smooth and usable, although it is not really a necessity. There is also a Toshiba Bulletin Board App You compile photos and notes in a single working environment. It is also plain looking, but we’re always dubious of learning a new software tool that only works on one brand of laptop.

BUY TOSHIBA PORTEGE R705-P35 LAPTOP NOW TO SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

The 13.3-inch LED display has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels – comparable to the MacBook 1,280 x800 and the current standard for most laptops 13 to 15 inches. While not exactly dull, the screen was much less brilliant than we are used to see from a consumer laptop. The stereo speakers were thin and not great for blasting music, but not outside the limits for a laptop this size.

The inclusion of a combo USB/eSATA port and HDMI and an SD card slot type, the Portege R705-P35 is a great advantage over the MacBook in terms of ports and connections. Although the system has an Intel wireless transmitter mounted display (see our hands-on demo here for more details on this very interesting technology), it is a shame, the R705-P35 is not required with the NetGear adapter to wirelessly stream video will come bundled television. The first round of the Wireless Display laptops from earlier in the year 2010 all-in adapter (sold separately).

With a 2.26GHz Intel Core i3 CPU, the Toshiba R705-P35 is more than fast enough for mainstream use of Web-surfing and productivity in order processing and high-definition video playback Photoshop. The next step, the i5 Core series of processors offers greater performance, but we do not have the chips in a system seen this thin and light. Performance-wise, it is certainly similarities with other recent 13-inch laptops, but remember that you are getting a lot more horsepower in the same price range of trade up to a medium-large 14 – or 15-inch laptop with an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor. Apple’s latest MacBook actually managed our benchmark tests run faster with the older Core 2 Duo processor, but many of these tests Apple-optimized software, including iTunes and QuickTime.

The largest deficit of the R705-P35 is that it is saddled with the basic integrated Intel graphics. The 13-inch MacBook, for example, has a low-end, but still very impressive GPU from Nvidia, which is good for mainstream gaming. The integrated graphics and CPU Core i3 for playback of HD video streaming in order, but not for some of the basic games. If you are mainly interested in PC gaming, we want to try OnLive streaming platform game you play even a top-shelf PC games on almost any PC or laptop.

BUY TOSHIBA PORTEGE R705-P35 LAPTOP NOW TO SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

The Portege R705-P35 ran for 3 hours and 56 minutes on our video playback battery drain test, using the six-cell battery. This is fine for a 13-inch or larger laptop, but about 2.5 hours less than the standard MacBook. We have heard some complaints from readers that the R705-P35 not live up to its advertised “up to 8 hours” battery life – and under normal conditions, it is surely only get half. But Toshiba is not alone in this, almost all PC makers exaggerate battery life under test by unrealistic conditions. Also, remember that our battery discharge test is particularly hard, so you can expect longer life from casual Web surfing and office use.

Toshiba includes an industry-standard one-year parts and labor warranty with the system. Support through a 24/7 toll-free telephone line in the Internet search and a customized support page, you can direct it to online documents and driver downloads for that particular model.

Meego is designed to create a cross-platform Linux environment in order to low-power netbooks, tablets, Smartphones running and in-vehicle computer systems. But just because MeeGo runs on all of them does not mean it works the same way on all these platforms. For example, while you might be the user interface for smartphones and tablets similar to expect, is not it.

Now comes the interesting part: the smart phone user interface available for download, while the tablet UI not currently available for public use. But it turns out that if you what you do, you can convince to run the Smartphone version of MeeGo on a tray, and you know what? It looks good. includes Meego’s smartphone UI (build an early Firefox Mobile) a decent software keyboard, a full-screen web browser like on HP W2338H Monitor, Fennec is based, and very easy to use program launcher and applications including a contact manager, calendar and Linux terminal.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Samsung PN63C590 HDTV Review posted at zimlaptops
2. ViewSonic VX2250wm LED Monitor Review posted at zimlaptops.com
3. LG Infinia 47LE8500 Review posted at byphotography.com
4. LG 47LE8500 Infinia HDTV Review posted at plasmacube

You are one of the 60,000 or so people, managed to get their hands on one of the new-fangled Chrome Google OS notebooks, but it turns out, you’re not all in love with the Chrome operating system. Do not worry. The CR-48 turns out to be a nice little 12-inch notebook with a nice big keyboard, a 1280 x 800 pixel display like on HP W2338H Monitor and an Intel Atom processor, which means that quite capable of running other operating systems.

Some hackers have even composed a very good tutorial for dual-boot Ubuntu Linux OS and Chrome on the CR-48. The process is a little difficult, especially if you do not have experience with Linux file systems, but when you are done you can install a fully functional desktop operating system on the CR-48, complete with the ability to download and run on applications your local hard disk with no OS Chrome – which still remains the notebook provided as Google means. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from just wipe Chrome OS as a whole and the installation of an alternative operating system for free  discount software on your laptop.

Check out our partners reviews:

1. Samsung PN63C590 HDTV Review posted at zimlaptops
2. ViewSonic VX2250wm LED Monitor Review posted at zimlaptops.com
3. LG Infinia 47LE8500 Review posted at byphotography.com
4. LG 47LE8500 Infinia HDTV Review posted at plasmacube