Paul's Picks

Summaries of in-depth product reviews on Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows
www.winsupersite.com

HP MediaSmart Server
Pros: Truly innovative storage platform; excellent backup and sharing capabilities
Cons: No domain support or integration with small business solutions
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Although HP’s entry into the Windows Home Server market can hardly be called an enterprise-class solution, it should prove popular with IT pros in their own homes and with small businesses looking for a simple and effectively centralized backup system. The HP MediaSmart Server, preinstalled with the Windows Home Server OS, is innovative on many levels, from the compact form factor with hot-swap Serial ATA storage to the streamlined setup process that guides you past Microsoft’s confusing defaults. MediaSmart Server is the best home server I’ve seen so far.
Contact: Microsoft • 800-426-9400 •
www.microsoft.com
DI SCUSSION: www.winsupersite.com/reviews/whs_hp.asp

Ultra-Mobile PC
Pros: Compatible with most Windows software; portable
Cons: Underpowered hardware; small screen; lack of integrated keyboards
Rating: 3
Recommendation: I desperately wanted to like the Ultra-Mobile PC, created by companies such as OQO and Samsung to Microsoft specifications. But the devices are too slow and too limited to take the place of a real mobile computer. Microsoft’s ultra-mobile software solutions are quite nice. If the hardware catches up—which it could with the debut of a new Intel chipset in early 2008— then the Ultra-Mobile PC could be just what the mobile professional ordered.
Contact: Microsoft • 800-426-9400 •
www.microsoft.com
DI SCUSSION: www.winsupersite.com/ reviews/winvista_origami.asp

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