Kington’s Wi-drive Now provides 128GB of wireless storage!!
When we first reviewed Kingston’s Wi-Drive back in February 2012 it turned out to be the perfect solution to storage issues in mobile devices such as the Apple iPhone or any Android device.
A Wi-Drive offers wireless storage in its own private network, or bridged with an existing one with a lag free connection of up to 30 feet.
Back in 2012 the Wi-Drive was launched as an innovative product that offered a cheaper memory solution for an extra 16/32GB of data for as low as $49.99. Comparing that to a $99 dollar price tag for every memory tier that Apple offered it is a steal.
The two major differences lie in storage and device support. Kingston discontinued the 16Gb model that was available at Newegg for $49.99 when we first reviewed the device. Kingston is instead offering significantly more memory for around the same price.
Here is our unboxing of the new 128gb Wi-Drive:
The old specs list can be found in the original article. Here are the “updated” specs:
Capacities
— 32GB, 64GB, 128GB ( older editions only offered 16/32gb models)
Weight- 85g
Dimensions — 121.5mm x 61.8mm x 9.8mm
Wireless Network Interface — Wi-Fi 802.11g/n with
wireless security (WPA/WEP)
Rechargeable Battery — up to four hours of
continuous use
Local Storage
— wirelessly transfer files to and from
the Wi-Drive App and the Wi-Drive hardware
Camera Roll Support — allows users to move photos
from iOS device to Wi-Drive to free up space
Cable —miniUSB to USB cable included
User can upload files and content from their
PC/Mac to the Wi-Drive using the USB cable
Convenient — pocket-sized for easy transportability
Guaranteed — one-year warranty
Free Wi-Drive Apps with Additional Features —
downloadable at Apple’s App Store, Google Play and
Amazon Appstore
Customizable Device Name (SSID)
User selectable Wi-Fi priority list when there are
multiple APN/Key available
File Support
— Wi-Drive can store any file type, but
playback and viewing is based on the files that are
supported by the mobile device.
General file format support:
• Audio:MP3,WAV
• Video6
:m4V,mp4 (H.264 videocodec)
• Image: jpg,tif
• Document: pdf
>Operating Temperature — 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
>Storage Temperature — 14°F to 158°F (-10°C to 70°C)
Our original Wi-Drive only worked with iPad, iPhone 3G/3GS/4, and iPod touch. The Wi-Drive now works with:
iPad, iPad 2, the new iPad (3rd Gen)
iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S/5
(3G is limited to iOS5.1.1+)
iPod touch
Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD
Android (2.2 and up)
Differences
The lowest memory option is 32GB available at $59.99 on Amazon.com. A 64GB edition is priced at around $89.99. The highest memory model, with an amazing 128GB, is available for $149.99.
An iPhone 5 with 16GB onboard will run you about $200 (on contract or an upgrade) plus taxes and so forth. A 32GB model will run you $299 and 64GB for $399.
Android models vary, but generally they feature the same memory options. Some models thankfully feature a microSD slot to help with storage.
What does one do with 64GB of data? HD cameras create HD photos and videos, apps and games take up a lot of memory as shown below, movies, music, and so on take up all your space in no time.
My iTunes currently holds 14.9GB of music alone.
This is where Kingston’s Wi-Drive captures our attention and hearts. 128GB of free space to store or transfer anything is fantastic. It can even be used as a regular USB drive that your phone can then instantly access without lag.
Our biggest gripe with the old model was the heat production and relatively short battery life because of the components within the Wi-Drive.
Unfortunately the over heating issue is still here. It takes a bit longer to get super hot, but it gets there. Kingston’s spec sheets give the Wi-Drive a max operating temperature of 122°F.
The Wi-Drive can only be used for around 4 hours, something we wish Kingston focuses on the next go around.
We experienced about 4-4.5 hours. This is decent, considering the capabilities, but it could last longer.
Mobile Application
Using the Wi-Drive in conjunction with your smart phone or device was the same experience as the old one.
The free Wi-Drive app uses a nice UI. It is simple to open and use without the hassle of complicated menus.
Folders can be set with your PC such as music, pictures, presentations and so on. Streaming and accessing this set content once on the device took little effort.
The app allows you to set up a private network for your own use or to log into another to create a simple place for people to go that want to access the drive.
If you are a business man with hundreds of files that you need access to, then simply turn on the Wi-drive and allow others to connect to your setup network.
Complete with its own SSID and security (WEP or WPA). The Wi-Drive allows simultaneous use with up to 3 different people.
Reiterating our original review of the Wi-Drive, you should think of the drive as a portable router with 128gb of storage.
The worst part of the whole “Wi-Drive app” experience is the time wasted in committing every single change to this network.
It still takes 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Overall the Wi-Drive is an ABT recommended must buy and a pretty amazing piece of technology. It is very satisfying to have 128GB of precious files in the palm of your hand.
Kingston’s Wi-Drive continues to impress. It does have its kinks here and there but those will hopefully be fixed in the next update to the application and the model itself.
Pros
– Weighs only 85g
– Seamless streaming with up to three people
– Massive storage options from 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB
– Wireless and private network, and an easy to use application
Cons
– 60 second countdown for every network change
– 4 hour battery life
– Device tends to get very hot
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