I was trying to look at HP's website to get more information on the ITunes software and found that the MediaSmart Servers 470 and 475 are listed as discontinued but I couldn't find an updated model.

I would like to purchase one of these and lots of retail stores have them but am concerned that HP is dropping them.

Any thoughts or more information about this?

Are you in the United States?

It is available through HP right now - both units (470 and 475 say in stock and ship same day).
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/note ... AA%2523ABA

I found them just about everywhere I looked. My concern is that HP is dropping the product all together and just trying to sell off the inventory. I know that they will always discontinue old models but they usually have new models announced 1st and I do not see a new model anywhere.

Hi, could you post a link to where you saw that? and what country HP Site? I think we would all be interested in that.

Thanks

Both models in stock and available now at hpshopping.com

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopp ... catLevel=1

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/pro ... rvers.html

click on discontinued/retired systems then on home servers

If it isn't being discontinued then HP needs to fix that little bug in their website. This is though the U.S. site.

OK, looks like you went in through the commercial servers, and yup, it does list the MSS models...but I'm pretty confident that it shouldn't. It's possible that they have ended production of these models, but I think we would have heard that if it were true.

It's been discussed elsewhere on the forum that of course the current Models will be replaced by newer models, but nothing solid has been shown publicly, to my knowledge. You might have a year wait before new models are actually in production. Maybe more, maybe less.

There are HP guys on here who know the answers but they are under non-disclosure, so they can't talk.

If you want it now, just buy it. Good Luck!

thank you all

Hmmm, interesting scoop here. It seems a bit unlikely that BOTH models of server would end up on the discontinued list accidentally. Given that the MediaSmart is almost a full year old, I wouldn't be surprised if a new model is on the way! Isn't that about the lifespan of an average computer model after all?

This affirms my desire to wait for v2 before jumping back in (which probably would have happened anyway).

It makes me wonder what HP has up their sleeves, though. I think they are one of the more innovative computer companies, with their MediaSmart, TouchSmart (pardon the cheesy music), WiFi Printers and all. I can't wait to see what improved features v2 will bring.

I've been calling it "next gen" (and not saying that it exists yet)...so let's see about setting a standard:

How about "MSS Gen2"? Or "Gen2" for short, until some official name exists? V2 has some unpleasent connotations, after all.

All in favor, say "Aye"!

Anybody saying "Argh!" better damn well have a Parrot....

All opposed, say "No!" and make up your own stupid name

The official name is Encore. Theres already some info out about it but not much.

It's not official yet....

Edit: I Have nothing to do with HP, and do not wish to construe any special knowledge. In fact, I know squat, actually less than.

That site is the large business site for TSG (Technical Systems Group or Enterprise group). (TSG), and it is not related in to the consumer or Personal Systems Group, which is where MSS lives.

HP has had a hard time categorizing the MSS within their corporate structure (and web site). It is a server, but the PSG group does not typically make servers. The TSG group owns servers, but is not related in any way with consumer products. I would not read too much into this.

It is very likely that this is a mistake, as they won't have any special knowledge of the product lifecycle.

I think you have hit it on the head. It's an unintentional error.

Terry Walsh reports that in a meeting in Denver, HP revealed its plans for the next generation HP MediaSmart Server, codename “Encore” to a small group of industry analysts and online journalists. The features and specification of the new home server are un-disclosed at the moment.

http://www.ditii.com/2008/06/27/hp-plan ... me-encore/

Here is another post from June 27


Yesterday I attended (via phone conference) a meeting held in Denver at which HP revealed its plans for the next generation HP MediaSmart Server to a very small group of industry analysts and online journalists.

I’m under a non-disclosure agreement regarding the features and specification of the new home server, which has the internal codename “Encore”, but I can say I was very impressed with what I saw, and it’s clear that HP have given a lot of thought to what the word “MediaSmart” really means, and have then sought to bring it to life in their next generation.

That’s about all I can say right now, other than it was a really interesting few hours on the phone, and great to have the opportunity to hear what’s planned and share my own point of view on how the community will react to Encore. Headline: I think you’re going to be impressed too.

I’m not sure when I’m going to be able to tell you any more about Encore (my guess is not for a while yet), so in the meantime, check out the recent interview I did with HP’s Carlos Montalvo a few weeks ago. It’s an interesting read on his thoughts on the future direction of the home server platform.