2. HP MediaSmart Server ex475
Editors' rating: 8.7
The good: Small enclosure is easily stashed out-of-sight, straightforward hardware and software setup; powerful server software lets you take complete control of the systems on your network as well as the files on them; easy to add storage as needed; expanded features via coming third-party software.
The bad: $749 isn't cheap; potentially cumbersome account management with the various other systems on your network.
The bottom line: Microsoft's Windows Home Server is the best, easiest-to-use answer to backing up and corralling all of the disparate media files in a networked home. And delivered in this petite, relatively affordable MediaSmart Server ex745 from HP, you get plenty of storage in a well-designed hardware package. We recommend this system all the way to anyone looking to take full control of their data.
Read CNET's full review
Price: $750
Photo by CNET Networks
