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Nexus 7 News => Nexus 7 News - - Front Page Comments and Discussion => Topic started by: Babyfacemagee on August 06, 2012, 03:27:22 PM

Title: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: Babyfacemagee on August 06, 2012, 03:27:22 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/KgqQE.png)

One of the common conversations we have on the forum is which Nexus 7 model to purchase...the 8GB model or the 16GB model.  That great $199 entry price point gets you the 8GB tablet but in reality it only provides slightly less than 6GB for user files since the rest is taken up by the Jelly Bean OS.   For $50 more you can get the 16GB model which gives you more space of course but some have balked at paying 25% more for just 8GB of additional storage.   Regardless of which model you buy the fact of the matter is the Nexus 7 does not have an obvious or easy way to increase the storage since it doesn't come with either a microSD card slot or support mass storage (at least without rooting) via its microUSB OTG (On The Go) connector.    Load a few high-def movies, a few dozen albums and large megapixel pictures on your device and next thing you know you're bumping up against the memory limits of your Nexus 7.  So what to do if you don't feel like rooting and still want to take along more movies, music, pictures and files with you on the go than your Nexus 7 allows?   Well one good option is the Kingston Wi-Drive.

What's the Kingston Wi-Drive you ask?  It is quite simply a portable, battery powered solid state memory device with its own built in Wi-Fi network built-in.  So in a nutshell you can load 16GB/32GB/64GB(depending on model) of movies, files, pictures or whatever else you want onto the Wi-Drive and then access all of it with the Kingston Wi-Drive Android App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kingston.widriveplus&hl=en) that you can download at the Google Play store.  You can stream movies, access files, look at pictures...all right onto your Nexus 7 from the Wi-Drive... anywhere you are.    It's really a clever device and even let's you stream to multiple devices at the same time.  You can have 2, 3 or more friends all connect to the Wi-Drive simultaneously and all of you can stream directly from it or access any other files you have loaded.   The video below from YouTube user thatguyjth does a nice job of demonstrating how it works and includes some easy step by step instructions as well to create a 'bridge' connection so you can access the internet and the Wi-Drive at the same time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNpZ5u04Mlg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNpZ5u04Mlg)

Now pricing of the Kingston Wi-Drive differs depending on which size drive you get.  Despite what the video above says I've found that typically the 16GB model sells for around $59, the 32GB model sells for around $69 and the 64GB model goes for $130 .   You can find out more about the Kingston Wi-Drive at the Kingston Wi-Drive Site (http://www.kingston.com/us/usb/wireless/#wid).  I've also included a link to the Kingston Wi-Drive on Amazon below which includes free shipping. 

Kingston Wi-Drive At Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Wi-Drive-Portable-WID-32GBZ/dp/B00576APEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344285372&sr=8-1&keywords=kingston wi-drive)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuXNcFJ1nME (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuXNcFJ1nME)
While it doesn't mention it by name in this video it works just as well with the Nexus 7 Tablet

(http://i.imgur.com/qEGhI.jpg)
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: fxsarge on August 08, 2012, 07:58:58 AM
I'll take two
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: Tbone60 on August 10, 2012, 01:04:30 PM
My 32g arrived today from Amazon
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: Babyfacemagee on August 10, 2012, 01:12:55 PM
Great...let me know how you like it.  I'm thinking of getting the 32GB as well.
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: strider_mt2k on August 11, 2012, 09:10:36 AM
I want a huge one, but hey who doesn't amirite folks? :D

In all seriousness this looks like a very interesting alternative to on-board storage, but I think I'd like something with more capacity ultimately.
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: Babyfacemagee on August 11, 2012, 10:04:05 AM
So get the 64GB.  That should hold you over for awhile.
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: JayJ on August 11, 2012, 11:53:42 AM
I'm definitely getting one, will post when I do...
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: JayJ on August 17, 2012, 10:05:26 AM
Before I do purchase one of these I would like to know whether anybody else has bought one, I want to know whether I can use Google Music or any Music Player of my choice. Am I limited to using the Kingston Wi-Drive app to navigate through the content stored on the Wi-Drive. Can I use MX Player to watch movies or again am I limited to it's use??

Hope somebody can help because my pointer is hovering over the Buy button...


TIA
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: MCP_ElPaso on August 19, 2012, 09:57:18 AM
Best Buy has the Kingston Technology - Wi-Drive 32GB USB Flash Drive for $69.99 w/ Free Shipping


   


Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: Babyfacemagee on August 19, 2012, 10:01:57 AM
Here's the link:  Best Buy Kingston Wi-Drive 32GB (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kingston+Technology+-+Wi-Drive+32GB+USB+Flash+Drive/3088378.p?id=1218377116192&skuId=3088378&ref=30&loc=KW-4072&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=3088378&extensionType=pla:g&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!40526151319!g!!20412438559)
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: fxsarge on August 27, 2012, 05:33:27 PM
any reviews yet?
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: jpcalhoun on August 28, 2012, 08:06:34 AM
any reviews yet?
I got the 32 Gig from Amazon the other day.  It took about 2 hours to fully charged.  My PC recognized the device with not problems, downloaded the necessary drives and installed without a problem.  When connected to your PC/Mac it behaves just like an external drive.  Setting the wifi and the Nexus 7 up was a breeze...nothing different from the usual wifi settings etc.  I'm very pleased with the device...it works just as advertised.
Title: Re: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: JayJ on August 28, 2012, 12:17:07 PM
@jpcalhoun

Before I do purchase one of these I would like to know whether anybody else has bought one, I want to know whether I can use Google Music or any Music Player of my choice. Am I limited to using the Kingston Wi-Drive app to navigate through the content stored on the Wi-Drive. Can I use MX Player to watch movies or again am I limited to it's use??

Hope somebody can help because my pointer is hovering over the Buy button...


TIA


Could help with my questions please?
Title: Re: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: jpcalhoun on September 11, 2012, 07:27:14 AM
@jpcalhoun

Before I do purchase one of these I would like to know whether anybody else has bought one, I want to know whether I can use Google Music or any Music Player of my choice. Am I limited to using the Kingston Wi-Drive app to navigate through the content stored on the Wi-Drive. Can I use MX Player to watch movies or again am I limited to it's use??

Hope somebody can help because my pointer is hovering over the Buy button...


TIA


Could help with my questions please?
Sorry for the delay getting back to you.  I haven't found a way to play videos or music residing on the Wi Drive using anything other than the stock player.  I've tried everything / way that I can think of...but I may be missing something...but I don't think so.  The stock software works OK, but it does not have all the "bells and whistles" of some of the third party apps normally used on tablets/smartphones.  It does work as advertised, it is easy to set up and it works...it just will not win a beauty contest.
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: denlucier on September 11, 2012, 08:07:31 AM
Get the Seagate satellite go flex 500mb drive. Works perfect . Has its own WiFi built in so you can be anywhere and watch movies listen to music view pics. And works with nexus media importer via OTG cable, android app at play store, has built in media player or can use MX. Can have 9 different devices streaming different movies at once. I love mine and for the price 199.99 well worth it. At home I plug into my TV and watch movies too, works on any usb . Well there is my nickles worth.
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: Babyfacemagee on September 11, 2012, 08:14:23 AM
I think this is the Seagate (http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Satellite-Wireless-External-STBF500101/dp/B004Z0S7K6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1347372665&sr=1-1&keywords=seagate+goflex+satellite+mobile+wireless+storage) drive you're talking about.   It's more than twice the price of the Kingston but it's a lot more storage room so might be worth it.
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: denlucier on September 11, 2012, 10:01:22 AM
I think this is the Seagate ([url]http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Satellite-Wireless-External-STBF500101/dp/B004Z0S7K6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1347372665&sr=1-1&keywords=seagate+goflex+satellite+mobile+wireless+storage[/url]) drive you're talking about.   It's more than twice the price of the Kingston but it's a lot more storage room so might be worth it.

Yup that's it best 200 bucks spent, other then my nexus.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: JayJ on September 11, 2012, 10:36:17 AM
Sorry for the delay getting back to you.  I haven't found a way to play videos or music residing on the Wi Drive using anything other than the stock player.  I've tried everything / way that I can think of...but I may be missing something...but I don't think so.  The stock software works OK, but it does not have all the "bells and whistles" of some of the third party apps normally used on tablets/smartphones.  It does work as advertised, it is easy to set up and it works...it just will not win a beauty contest.

As I feared, in which case I think I'll give it a miss, very disappointed! Might try emailing Kingston...

As for the suggestion of a HDD, mind if defeats the purpose of the Kingdom because I want something portable and wireless. I have an OTG cable and two 32GB Thumb drives, I wanted something that wasn't going to effect the portability of my N7 and an OTG cable with Thumb drive isn't too bad but I thought the Kingston Wi-Drive was the answer to my prayers...
Title: Re: Nexus 7 Accessory Spotlight: Kingston Wi-Drive
Post by: bjs229 on September 11, 2012, 03:49:50 PM
I love my 32gb. Although I cannot get the ridge to work on my network. I have been able to use it elsewhere but not at home. I was on the phone with Kingston and they couldn't figure it out either. Annoying. I wish I would have bought the 64 though. I am thinking of selling mine and ordering it. The store is  bought mine at only had the 32 and only one in stock. I jumped on it cause it was on sale at $69.
The video seems to open in MX player