The following video gives potential buyers a closer look at the upcoming HP Slate and the thinking behind it. HP’s CTO, Phil McKinney, states that 2010 is providing the “perfect storm of innovation” for such a product to be introduced to market. In particular, McKinney is referring to the current costs associated with producing such a product as well as the availability of a touch-capable OS like Windows 7. However, while McKinney was explaining this in the video all I could think of was: Why not introduce this product with the same touch UI currently loaded on its HP TouchSmart PCs? In fact, HP, with their TouchSmart UI, could have released this product last year — if they were really on top of things — and blown everyone away. Personally, not having a custom tablet friendly UI is what I think is the problem with most of the Internet Tablets showcased recently at CES — including Android based ones and possibly even the upcoming Apple Tablet, which so far is sounding like it’s just going to be a larger version of the iPod/iPhone with scalable apps. As a side note… it seems like McKinney must have read this press release when he refers to the tablet size consumers are interested in (or not?). MORE »

HP has just launched a new category of device that’s not really a digital photo frame per se, but more a multimedia, network connected infotainment device designed to be accessed from any table-top. Dubbed the HP DreamScreen, the new device comes in 10.2 and 13.3-inch widescreen (15:9 ratio) versions, includes Ethernet and 802.11g Wi-Fi connectivity, 2GB of internal memory, multi-card reader, USB, micro USB, built-in speakers, headphone jack, remote control, and touch-enabled controls located on the bezel. MORE »

It looks like HP thought it was time for a MediaSmart Server refresh. The company is introducing two new models that appear basically the same on the surface, but with some key differences. The $549 EX490 is a 1TB server powered by an Intel Celeron 450 2.2Ghz processor, while the $699 EX495 is 1.5TB server packing a speedy, multi-tasking Intel Dual Core E5200 2.5Ghz processor. Each has 2GB of RAM, eSATA, and includes a redesigned WHS home console and web UI. If you’re interested in seeing an in-depth review, MediaSmart Home has got you covered. We say: Spend the extra $150 on the EX495, if you plan on running multiple, processor intensive WHS add-ins at once on a regular basis. MORE »

HP has a long standing reputation for making excellent all-in-one (printer / fax / copier / scanner) printers for home and SOHO. Now the company is expanding its offering by creating the first HP Photosmart all-in-one printer that enables users to print content on-demand from the Web via its 4.33-inch TouchSmart screen without a PC. In fact, the printer makes use of “apps,” similar to smartphones these days, to power the various service offerings. Initial partners include: USA TODAY, Google, Fandango, Coupons.com, DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Web Sudoku and Weathernews Inc. According to HP’s press release, these apps will provide users with “free access to customized daily news, maps, coupons, coloring pages, movie tickets, recipes, personal calendars and more – all at the touch of a finger.” The new HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web can also print photos stored on popular online photo sharing services. Retail price on the printer is $399 and will be available later this Fall. Connectivity options will include: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. MORE »

We’ve always found it odd that only the EX485 / EX487 HP MediaSmart Server models were able to get updates for the latest features like Mac Time Machine support, iStream support, HP Video Converter, etc. Well, that’s no longer going to be the case. According to a statement made by HP (see attachment below), EX47x owners will soon be able to refresh their systems with a new server image via DVD later this Fall (available through HP support) that will allow owners to receive all the current and future server feature updates. In addition, HP is announcing that its LX and EX series MediaSmart Servers will be available for purchase in Europe around the same time frame. [via / via] MORE »

We gave you the early scoop on the single drive, Intel Atom powered LX195 and now the folks at HP have refreshed their MediaSmart Server page with an overview, gallery, and detailed specs on the product. As expected, the LX195 starts at $399 for 640GB of storage (sounds like more models are coming soon) and measures only 4″ x 8″ x 8″. So who’s interested in picking one up?

We have received confirmation that on May 5, 2009 HP will officially be launching its next MediaSmart Server product, the single drive LX195 Windows Home Server. Designed as a budget, entry-level backup solution, the sub-$400 LX195 features [PDF Data Sheet] an Intel Atom 1.6GHz 230 processor, 1GB of DDR2 memory, and 640GB of storage which one can swap out for a larger capacity SATA I / II drive in the future. The new server, like its big brothers the EX485/EX487, is capable of supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs, as well as, game consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Other nice features include: Gigabit Ethernet, Sleep Mode (the LX195 will power itself down and consume only 3W of power when not in use), 4 USB 2.0 ports that be utilized for attaching external storage, and a svelte form factor measuring 3.90”(W) x 8.20”(H) x 8.00”(D).

The moment many of you HP (EX485/EX487) MediaSmart Server owners have been waiting for has arrived. You can now download your free copy of iStream from iTunes to gain remote access of your server’s stored photos, music, and videos via your iPhone or iPod touch (no syncing required). HP cautions, however, that copy protected files may not stream properly — so keep that in mind. Also, HP recommends downloading the latest software updates for your MediaSmart Server and your iPhone or iPod touch before installing iStream. [via]

Really big news today for HP MediaSmart Server (models: EX485 / EX487) owners. HP has released a server software update that brings a couple of new video streaming features to the product line. According to the press release (attached below), HP MediaSmart Servers can now transcode unprotected, digital copies of DVDs in its original resolution to MPEG-4 (H.264), as well as create a “mobile” friendly digital copy to use with devices like the iPod touch, iPhone, and PSP. In fact, HP is also announcing that a new iPhone app called iStream — available at no charge (currently pending approval) — will enable users to remotely access and playback their HP MediaSmart Server’s digital media collection from any Internet accessible location. Lastly, HP rolled in additional enhancements to its Media Collector, Photo Viewer, and Apple Time Machine configuration setup. MORE »

If you live in a dual Mac and Windows PC environment, HP’s new ex485 (750GB – $599) and ex487 (1.5TB – $749) MediaSmart Servers launching in February 2009 are going to be right up your alley. The new machines, which come packed with a 2Ghz 64-bit Celeron processor and 2GB of DDR2 RAM, now offer Time Machine support so you can program scheduled backups of your Mac computers alongside your Windows PCs. The only catch Gizmodo reports, however, is that the new MediaSmart Servers still require a Windows PC for setup and administration. In other words, don’t plan on getting one of these if you’re starting out in a Mac-only environment. On a more positive note… the ex485 and ex487 servers can now be easily synced to Amazon’s S3 offsite “cloud” storage service for added data security and features a new browser based media player / remote media streamer powered by TwonkyMedia that enables users to access their digital library from anywhere in the world. HP is even providing people with a free domain forwarding service that will allow one to access to their MediaSmart Server using a custom HP URL linked to their home’s broadband IP address. Additional details are provided in the attached press release below. MORE »