[Updated Feb. 5] — Hewlett-Packard (HP) is debuting two Linux-based networked attached storage (NAS) devices for the consumer/SOHO market. Based on a storage family from Marvell's MediaVault 88F518x family (codenamed “Orion”), the low-end Media Vault appliances come in single- (mv2100) or dual hard drive (mv5100)… versions.

(Click for larger view of HP's mv2100)

The mv2100 is equipped with a single 500GB SATA drive, says HP, with an expansion bay to upgrade to a second drive for a total of 1TB internal storage. The mv5100 includes two 500GB drives or two 750GB drives, for a total of 1-1.5TB internal storage. Both models are said to support additional storage via USB, and offer 2GB of offsite, online backup. The mv5100 also supports RAID 1.

mv2100
(Click to enlarge)
The two new Media Vaults are smaller than previous versions, says HP, measuring only 9.6 x 5.5 x 5.4 inches. Both include Gigabit Ethernet connections and two USB 2.0 ports, mounted front and back.

The devices offer central, network-accessible file access and storage, plus secure remote access, HP Photo Webshare, and iTunes server applications. The two Media Vaults can stream photos, music, and videos to entertainment centers and computers using DLNA/UPnP networked streaming or direct-attached mode. Although the devices are based on embedded Linux, only users with Windows-based desktops can use the continuous backup feature — Linux and Mac desktops are limited to active file sharing.

mv2100 open

Here are some specs for the HP mv2100 and mv5100:

• Processor — Marvell MediaVault (aka “Orion”) SoC
• Memory — 128MB DDR2 DRAM (not 512MB as previously published)
• Networking — 10/100/1000 RJ45 Ethernet.
• USB — 2 x USB 2.0 ports (front and back)
• mv2100 internal hard drive — 500GB SATA 7200 RPM
• mv5100 internal hard drive — 2 x 500GB drives or 2x 750GB SATA II drives (3.5-inch); all drives 7200 RPM
• Storage capacity — one free expansion bay with drive carrier (mv2100 only)
• RAID — RAID 1 (mv5100 only)
• Continuous backup — Windows desktops only
• Media streaming — DLNA/UPnP networked streaming or direct-attached mode
• Dimensions — 9.6 x 5.5 x 5.4 inches (24.4 x 13.9 x 13.6 cm)
• Weight — 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)
• Operating system — embedded Linux

Availability

Both the mv2100 and mv5100 are expected to ship in March, with the mv2100 likely to be priced at about $300.

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