The Future of Mirra?

     Early in the review I mentioned that as is, the Mirra could not replace a standard file server, such as what we use here at ClubOC to run our web site from and to store gigabytes of data in virtual drives that can be access simply by going to Windows Explorer or clicking on a folder shortcut on a computer desktop. Our server also shares out multiple printers and a scanner. So why can't the Mirra be accessed through a standard network by IP address? Why can't we run files directly from the Mirra? Why can't we copy/paste and slide files around like we do through Windows Explorer or from window to window? The only logical answer is because the people who invented the Mirra didn't want it to. So how do I know this? Simply, because the Mirra is actually a stand along computer that isn't much different from the one you use every day to play games and access the internet. Remember all those media ports on the back of the Mirra? Let's take a closer look...

     With curiosity killing me, I tested these ports the first day I had the Mirra out of the box. The ports are powered, but don't seem to function. We have a video out plug, so I connected a monitor and this is what I got on bootup:

The first thing you see is a Mirra ad when you power up the box.

     Then would you believe a Linux boot screen? Yes, the Mirra runs on Linux. This explains why none of the ports are working, they simply are not enabled or do not have the drivers installed. So if the Mirra has a boot screen, the box has media ports, then the Mirra must be nothing more than a mini computer? Let's peek inside and see...

WARNING: TAMPERING WITH OR OPENING UP THE MIRRA WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTEE.

     Now that our Mirra's warrantee is completely void, we may as well dig around a little... Inside we found a power supply, a standard mini motherboard with a Via CPU and chipset, integrated video and sound, 1 stick of what appears to be PC133 memory, and 1 Seagate 120Gb hard drive. The ONLY thing that is missing is a CD ROM. Although the Mirra is actually a mini computer, it really wouldn't make much of a desktop computer, but it does make one heck of a backup server. But the question is if the Mirra has USB ports and a printer port, why doesn't Seagate take advantage of these and offer us a "Super Mirra" with print server capability? Maybe even add a virtual drive feature? Maybe Seagate just hasn't explored these options as of yet.

     Be warned, for those who think they can buy a Mirra and turn it into a desktop machine, it probably can be done with a little work, but it will void the warrantee and you'll end up with a very low end computer. The Linux OS is also password protected and there doesn't seem to be a way to access the bios without taking risks completely messing up the Mirra current configuration. To be honest with you, I was going to reset the bios, install a CD ROM and try to install my own OS, but then I asked myself why? All that would do is mess up a perfectly awesome backup server and turn it into a very slow desktop machine. It sounds like a fun project, but in the end you would just be wasting time and money. So in conclusion, leave the Mirra as is, an awesome personal server. Besides, I have a feeling it wont be long before Seagate gives us a few new features to play with!