Media @ Home

For a while now it’s been possible to share your music, pictures, video and even live TV between different types of consumer devices. For example, you could stream MP3 files from your computer to your cell phone using a software package called Orb. Or you could watch your TV from the other side of the world using a slick little device called the SlingBox. The problem is that many of those devices were using proprietary technologies and required user to be a bit of a nerd to understand how to set-up and configure the system to work properly. You had to set-up codecs, firewalls and other things that most ‘normal’ people have no idea of.

But soon-to-be-released Windows 7 and a variety of new-generation devices are going to change all that and take it to a whole new level in regards to inter-connectivity and cross compatibility.

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If you’ve been waiting for a good deal to get yourself a Windows Home Server – here it is!

Newegg.com has HP MediaSmart EX485, Windows Home Server w/ Intel Celeron 2.0 Ghz 2GB DDR2 750GB HDD for only $474.99 with promo code EMCLVMV33.

You also get Free and, as usual, Very Fast Shipping from Newegg.com! Now, isn’t this a great deal?

This coupon is a week-end only deal and will expire in 3 days, so hurry up.

This is the best deal I’ve seen on this model so far. Just for the record, original system’s MSRP is $599.

I got mine a few month ago for $499, and it already managed to save us from losing tons of data, when my wife’s 2 year old Gateway laptop suddenly and permanently died. We were able to safely transfer thousands of her emails, documents, photos, etc. from Gateway’s back-up on HP MediaSmart to her new MacBook Pro without much of a hustle. Now HP MediaSmart also serves as a storage for MacBook’s Time Machine.

We also use Windows Home Server to feed our TV with stored DVD movies, and to stream music to our iPhones.

Overall, EX485 is a great system and is a must have for households with multiple computers. Both PCs and Macs are supported.

HP MediaSmart will keep your data safe and organized. It is very easy to use. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to use the promotion code at check-out.

Cambridge SoundWorks, a premiere manufacturer of award-winning speakers, home theater systems and high performance table radios running a 25% discount till July 27nd, 2009.

To redeem this offer use coupon code: JULY25 at check out.

Cambridge SoundWorks carries selection of quality In-Wall/In-Ceiling, Outdoor and Bookshelf speakers.

Additionally, save $50 on MovieWorks HD iPod dock with ANY Home Theater System purchase (use coupon code: MovieWorks50).

You will get Free UPS shipping on orders $75 and up and 30 day risk-free in-home trial (* less shipping charges).

Most of Windows Media Center features are easily accessible with IR or RF remote controls and unless you need to type something remote is the only control device you’ll need to enjoy your media.

But typing on the remote control resembles chatting on a cell phone without a dedicated keyboard. It requires multiple key presses to enter almost every character. And if you need to enter non-latin characters it becomes even more dubious.

When it comes to typing, you are better off with a wireless keyboard such as Logitech’s diNovo (Edge or Mini) or Microsoft’s Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000. Those are great keyboards, and they include some kind of a pointing device (such as trackpad or navigation pad) along with media controls (play/pause/fwd/rew/stop).

Though there are a number of points that you should consider before investing in specialized media keyboards:

• they will run you $100+ in most cases;
• they are not compact (maybe with exception of diNovo Mini) and you cannot operate them with one hand like a remote control;
• you’ll have to always have them by your side and that’s not very convenient considering  their size especially if you are not sitting in front of the desk;
• having to switch from remote control to keyboard and back will not improve your experience;
• you are bound to only one (or in best case – two) language layout(s) on the keys;

So what are our options? 

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