Apple XServe Review

Good Points
Sleek, efficient, fast. A real rack server that the techies and those into aesthetics can be pleased with. Much quieter than Xserve Rev 1

Bad Points
Not for the non-techie this is a serious bit of kit and requires serious configuration. Apple's OSX server SW is excellent but there are parts that are not so easy to setup and the manual is less than comprehensive. Needs full-size cabinet.

General Comments
Apple's first rack mountable server was a marvel so this Apple XServe 1.33MHz the second rev was never going to bring the same wow factor. However it has addressed many niggles that needed ironing out. The slot-loading CD drive is a vast improvement on the flimsy powerbook style one in the rev 1. The key improvement is noise, anyone who stood within a mile of the first XServe knew that it sounded like Concorde, the new one is no louder than an Airbus! Seriously though it's much quieter and you can now work in the same room as one without needing a soundproof rack cabinet. The size is still an issue, unlike the new XServe RAID the XServe is still too long to fit in a standard size cabinet and needs the full shebang which will set you back a couple of grand alone. As regards the running I could find no faults with the hardware it is excellent and works a treat in all the available configurations. OSX Server can be a different story the print server is sketchy to say the least, and often baffling to be honest. The Windows File sharing isn't bad but Win 95/98 users need to set their machines up carefully. The XServe is what you've been waiting for if you want to replace your old AppleShare IP File Server or your Windows NT server especially if you have at least 50% Macs. The ability to 3 hard disk RAID in the XServe is also a plus as you can gain secure safe backup for only the cost of the drives with no extra peripheral.