Hi, I am new to this forum, just found out about MS Home Server last week, and decided I wanted to get one of the HP models before they're gone. From what I've read here, they are exactly what I need.
So, here is how I accidentally ended up with an LX195 instead of the EX495, which is what I wanted.
I ordered the EX495 from Fry's online for a store pickup. They told me it was open box, but complete, so I drove 40+ miles to pick it up, only to find that the software was missing. I asked to talk to a knowledgeable salesperson, and he was actually the one who pointed out that the software was missing. He then told me that the're was another model down was a better deal anyway, and all that I needed. Here is where I made my mistake - I assumed that this was the EX490, which seemed like a great deal for $350. If I seem like a moron, please keep in mind that I am a newbie, and I was tired.
So I get home, then realize that I got the LX195, but didn't really want to drive back. I decided that perhaps the LX195 is all I needed, but I couldn't even get my Windows Vista computer to connect to the server! I tried with my Windows 7 laptop, and same result. Tried to download their Connection Troubleshooter, which ran 35 tetst. I got a message saying that the servers uses a TCP port (don't recall the number right now), so I added access for that port in my Windows firewall.
I think I am done tinkering with this. I also learned that the software is an older version, and that the box doesn't have any bays for extra drives. Initially, I thought that wasn't such a big deal, but then I realized that the setup eventually would end up looking like a giant octupus, as the external hard drives will have to be connected to their respective power supplies as well.
The LX195 is going back, even if I have to pay the 15% restocking fee (which I will try to get them to waive, since the product didn''t work and since it already was an open box).
Posting this to warn other newbies like me to be careful to ensure that what you get is what you really set out to get.
I think I will still get the EX495, I am thinking about buying it from Data Master, LLC through Amazon. It is a bit pricey at $759, but I have an Amazon card with 6 months interest free. Do you guys think this is insane? I am thinking that I will get a lot of use out of it, as I have a lot of media data + work data on several computers. I really like to have the option to pay over time.
I guess the last question is intended to see if any of you know of any great deals out there. I see Newegg has the EX495 for about $630, and although that is about $120 cheaper, I really like the idea of being able to pay this off over 6 months.
Sorry about the ramble...maybe what I am looking for is some validation that the EX495 is a good investment. It seems strange to buy a product that is no longer going to be supported, but it seems to be exactly what I need. Not sure about the Acer models.
Thanks for reading.
Sverre in Northern California
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let me go through without having to pay taxes or duty because I am honest and declared the item and its full price. Got it home for just over $600CAD after conversion 
so happy i fluked out as I would ahve been so upset if I didn't get it as it has been everything I hoped for so far.