SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive Review

Introduction

The majority of digital cameras still rely on good old SD cards, though, smaller compact ones are increasingly relying on microSD cards instead. Sharing content between mobile devices hasn’t always been the easiest process, as most of the time, we’re required to insert the card into our computer, copy the files, connect our mobile device, and then send them over. It’s a lengthy process for sure, but the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive is aiming to streamline the process – while also acting as a general storage hub.

The package contains:

• microUSB cable
• Wall charger
• Owner’s manual

Design:

It looks like a puck, but more squarish in shape. A brushed aluminum bezel accent solidifies its premium construction.

Feasting our eyes on this compact device, it reminds us of a hockey puck – albeit, a squarer looking one to be exact. The façade is sporting a neat looking plastic checkered pattern design that shimmers at different angles. Sandwiching things together, while also giving it a premium accent, is a brushed aluminum bezel that wraps around the entire thing. Size wise, it’s not too bad at all, since it’s more compact than most smartphones – plus, the weight is hardly noticeable.

The minimalist design is a pleasant one no doubt that screams cleanliness from every angle, however, the bezel is home to a few things to help break up its design slightly. Specifically, they include a distinctive power button, 3 LED lights that indicate its battery, Wi-Fi, and internet status, a microUSB port used to charge its internal battery, and a full-sized Secure Digital slot. Lastly, the underside of the unit features a non-slip rubber bottom to prevent it from moving around on a level surface.

Indeed, its attractive design will undoubtedly catch some prying eyes when it’s set on a table or counter in public. Although it’s not as travel friendly as the SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive, there’s obviously an advantage here with its higher storage capacity and full-sized SD slot. Best of all, it has a solid construction and doesn’t have the same cheap feel as its close sibling.

Software

Using the appropriate Wireless Media Drive app, which is available to download for iOS 5.0+ and Android 2.3+ devices, we can use it to transfer, stream, and organize content. The initial set up is pretty self-explanatory, since we’re required to directly connect to the Wi-Fi network it’s broadcasting. However, once that’s out of the way, there’s an option to connect the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive to an existing home network – so there’s no need to flip-flop between the two.

Once everything is properly connected and set up, the app allows us to see what’s stored in the Media Drive’s internal storage, and whatever else is in the SD card. From here, we can stream content like music and videos to our mobile devices – while also using it as a backup storage device. Basically, we can copy photos to and from our device to the microSD card in the flash drive, which frees up the local space.

Performance

Multimedia content streams with no recognizable levels of lag or delay.

The interaction between the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive and our mobile devices is pretty consistent, as transmission speeds seem to be pretty quick. Heck, even streaming high definition videos from the Media Drive is instantaneous – with no noticeable hitch with the playback. When looking through photos, there’s a short load time before each image is displayed on the app, but it happens for only a short period of time.

Hardcore photographers will especially appreciate how photos and videos can be shared amongst several devices using the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive, rather than doing it the old fashion way of saving them to a PC first, and then copying them to each device. Conversely, it’s a wonderful tool for handset owners who are strapped for free storage with their device. Instead of storing all photos and videos taken by our device, we can safely back them up to the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive – thus, freeing up storage for other more important things.

The Wi-Fi radio inside of the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive is strong, seeing that we’re able to easily maintain a solid connection from 50 feet away. Furthermore, its rated 8 hours of battery life with continuous streaming means that it’ll be more than equipped to handle all of our streaming needs through a solid work day. Then again, seeing that it relies on a microUSB connection for recharging, it shouldn’t be too hard juicing it between sessions.

Conclusion

After checking out SanDisk’s other product, the Connect Wireless Flash Drive, it’s really tough trying to recommend this one over that. First and foremost, there’s the matter of portability and travel friendliness, which easily goes to the Wireless Flash Drive. Well, the Wireless Media Drive is still portable on its own, but it’s not as discrete. However, some people will be attracted to the fact that it features either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which is supplemented by the availability of its full-sized SD card slot.

Pricing for the 32GB version is set at $79.99, which seems steep on its own, even more when it’s compared to the $99.99 64GB unit. Between them, we’d settle with the 64GB model, as it grants us a little bit more bang for the buck. At the end of the day, the decision to pick this up mainly hinges on whether you prefer the full-sized SD card slot over the microSD one in the Wireless Flash Drive.