HP MediaSmart EX470 & EX480 Server 3.0 Update Confirmed

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HP have confirmed that owners of their MediaSmart EX470 and MediaSmart EX480 servers can upgrade their servers to their new 3.0 software as is already available for the MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 servers, but, sure to annoy those looking to upgrade, the new 3.0 software will cost you.

The 3.0 software upgrade will be made available on a CDs which will set you back some $25 a pop for which you’ll gain better Mac support as well as automatic media transcoding but, if you’re looking to take the jump, HP advise that you should ensure that your system should have already been upgraded to 1GB DRAM or ‘certain features will not function’ and you may experience sluggish server performance.

HP’s official word on the matter is as follows:

The 3.0 software update DVD will be available to order beginning later this week, with shipments beginning next week.  These optional updates are available to purchase for owners of our EX470/475/485/487 products who want to upgrade their servers to the latest 3.0 software that is shipping on the EX490/495 products.

Please note the previously communicated information related to these updates:

1) The cost of the upgrade DVD has been finalized and will be US$25 or €25.

2) These upgrades will be available as a server recovery solution.  HP recommends that you back up all server files prior to installing the upgrade.

3) This upgrade is not recommended for EX470/475 owners who have not already upgraded their Server DRAM to 1GB as certain features will not function.

To order the upgrade DVD, visit www.hp.com and enter your product model number in the “Support and Drivers” section.  Then follow the path for your MediaSmart Server model number to order the upgrades.

We thank everyone for their continued support of the MediaSmart Server family of products.

So, the 3.0 update is here, its yours – but you’ll need to splash the cash in order to get it.

We’d love to hear from owners of either the HP MediaSmart EX470 or MediaSmart EX480 as to how they feel about the upgrade coming at a fee. Does the fact that you need to pay for the privilege put you off upgrading?