32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

[DPNow]

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

Kingston Technology's Wi-Drive is a wireless-enabled external storage device designed to supplement the onboard storage in smartphones and tablets. It's designed to store and play back photos, video, music and even documents. It's an unusual product which makes it interesting. We've been using a 32GB example. Find out what we thought of it in our review.

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[JSR]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

I wonder if devices like the Wi-Drive have a place in today's world of cloud storage?

[Ian]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

I wonder if devices like the Wi-Drive have a place in today's world of cloud storage?

Definitely; because accessing the Cloud is still not yet convenient enough. There are still very few opportunities for connecting to the Internet when flying, on a ferry at sea, in a wilderness, a mobile/wireless data not-spot, etc. and even if you can connect you may not get the connection speed required for video streaming and/or it costs too much.

Ian

[JSR]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

Definitely; because accessing the Cloud is still not yet convenient enough. There are still very few opportunities for connecting to the Internet when flying, on a ferry at sea, in a wilderness, a mobile/wireless data not-spot, etc. and even if you can connect you may not get the connection speed required for video streaming and/or it costs too much.

Ian

[Ian]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

In the review I do lament the limited functionality of the server aspect of the Wi-Drive. It's also a shame that you can't use the device wirelessly while charging it up via the USB port. But it does have 4 hours of battery life which is good enough for a couple of movies on a long flight. USB power pack chargers are now widely available (I'm reviewing one from Mophie at the moment). I think you are right in that with the limited features it is a niche product, but interesting and useful for some, nonethless. It can also be used by up to three simultaneous users, so kids in the car can share one device, for example.

There is no sign that Apple is going to adopt MicroSD in its iPhones or tablets and, if anything, the trend is moving away from including MicroSD slots in other smartphones.

And as I said previously, accessing the Cloud when you need it and at a connection speed fast enough for video streaming is far from guaranteed.

Ian

[JSR]

There is no sign that Apple is going to adopt MicroSD in its iPhones or tablets and, if anything, the trend is moving away from including MicroSD slots in other smartphones.

[Ian]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

Yeah, I completely agree that a slot for a MicroSD card is important. My new Samsung Galaxy Note has 16GB RAM but after the system reserves its portion there is only about 12GB left. Luckily the Note has a MocroSD slot. I did consider the HTC One X but the lack of card slot was one of the reasons that made me switch, fairly late it has to be said, to the Samsung.

Ian

[JSR]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

I've been looking at new phones as I'm out of contract now. Would love the Galaxy Note, but I don't think I can stretch to it.

Been considering the Sony Xperia S which is just barely in my price range but, despite having 32GB onboard, the lack of a slot is making me hesitate. It shouldn't, of course, because 32GB is a good amount to carry about and I have access to over 100Gb cloud storage between Box and Dropbox, and I rarely ever remove my SD card from my current phone. It's just nagging away at me that there should be a card slot there.

[Ian]

[JSR]

Re: 32GB Kingston Wi-Drive review

I'm with Three. They don't seem to do any loyalty deals, so I've currently dropped down to a 1 month rolling contract while I look at my options.

I did speak to them on the phone, but that just pretty much confirmed that they don't do you any favours for staying with them. So, although the network's been fine for 2 years, I see no reason to stick with them.