Guidance For A Whs V1 User?

I've been happily running a WHS V1 server at home on an original HP MediaSmart 470EX (upgraded RAM) for what seems like 10 years. In all that time, I've had one crash where I needed to reinstall the OS, but didn't lose any data (I now backup to an external drive and store offsite). I have tinkered with a few apps on it over the years, but the principle functions have been for file storage and client backups. The latter in particular has saved my bacon on several occasions (like when the SSD in my HTPC failed twice in the first six months) - in fact, I would describe it as the single most valuable feature. Also, I still use WMC as my PVR (XBMC for everything else), so the automatic archiving function has also been useful.

Given a variety of factors - end of life for WHS V1, growth in data and devices in our home - it's time to upgrade to something new. I'm fine buying a new box, and see the choices as:


Option 1: Move to a competing design like QNAP, Netgear, etc.
Option 2: Move to WHS 2011 on an HP Proliant 40L and defer the question for a few more years

The problem with option 1 is that I have yet to read anything about those other platforms that delivers the client backup functionality of WHS. When I read "backup your files by dragging them to the server" I shudder at the comparison with my current setup. Am I misreading this? Is it possible to achieve something like WHS V1 client backups on other home server platforms without major complexity or cost?

For option 2, can I still get WMC archiving and drive extender out of the box, or through third party apps? Also, can someone please reinstate the $250 Newegg deal from January? :0)

Thanks for any thoughts.