ADATA DashDrive Air AE400
Overview
Hardware: Peripherals, Storage, HDs & SSDsWHAT WE LIKED:
Excellent Charging Capacity, Amazing Read/Write Speeds, Ready to Go in 5 Seconds, Interface is very Friendly, Size is great for portabilityWHAT WE DISLIKED:
Wasn't able to fully charge tabletsSpecs and Features
Specifications
| Ports | Micro-B USB (data transmission & battery charging), USB AF (host port for UFD/portable HDD or Power Bank function), SD card (for SD/SDHC/SDXC) Supported file systems via wireless transmission: FAT32 and exFAT |
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| Battery | Li-Polymer 5000mAh rechargeable battery | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 80 x 59 x 21mm (3.1 x 2.3 x 0.8in) | |
| Weight | 128g | |
| Wireless Standard | IEEE 802.11b/g/n | |
| Power Bank | 5000 mAh | |
| Warranty | One year (Where differences may exist, this warranty term supersedesinformation shown elsewhere.) |
Features
Wireless Access to USB Storage Devices
As a storage reader, the AE400 permits for wireless data transfer between mobile devices and SD card, USB flash drive, or portable HDD(FAT32, exFAT). It supports up to 3 users simultaneously streaming 1080P video, or up to 5 users simultaneously streaming 720p video.
Mobile Power Source
As smartphones and tablet computers continue to replace traditional desktop systems in worldwide markets, wireless network availability and power charging sources become omnipresent requirements.
The built-in power bank has a capacity of 5000 mAh, which translates to a charging capacity of two full charges for an iPhone 4S.
Share Existing Internet Connections
The AE400 can connect to existing wireless networks and create an internet bridge connection. Through this hot spot, 10 other devices can connect to the internet through the AE400.
Visually Striking Exterior
With an eye-catching design, the surface of the AE400 gleams with a modern, hexagonal lattice pattern. Its outstanding combination of functions- wireless AP, USB storage & card reader, and power bank, makes the DashDrive Air AE400 an extremely versatile and multifunctional addition that can reduce the number of electronic accessories needed for full data access on the road. With the DashDrive Air AE400, fashion starts with versatile simplicity.
Free Download of iOS and Android Apps
The DashDrive Air AE400 uses Samba/WebDAV streaming protocol to provide data transfer and sharing, providing devices (iOS/Android/Windows/OS X/Linux) with wireless access to a SD Card, USB Flash Drive, or Portable HDD. iOS device users can download ADATA’s exclusively developed application for iPad / iPhone / iPod devices (requires iOS 5.0 or later versions).
I see these devices trending lately, but the idea is not new. A year ago, Seagate and Western Digital also came out with WIFI storage, but at as much as 1 terabyte. The cost per Byte goes lower than these new ones which offer SD card speeds and capacities.
I think that there is some room for innovation here as low memory amounts like these will be short lived, as the new technology memory arrives 3Q 2014.
You are correct. Adata was not first with portable storage. They just improved upon them but making it a smaller and lighter device. adding the ability to charge your phone. Using SD cards ensures you can insert that memory card into almost everything including your phone, PC, Laptop and even a camera. Not so easy to do with the ones from WD. Which memory? DDr4? That has nothing to do with these. That is from system memory. PC, laptop, tablet ect.
Two questions:
How does this device compare with the Kingston Mobilelite Wireless? and,
Can it transfer files between an SD card and USB flash drive?
Thanks,
Chris
Unfortunately, I can’t say how it stands up in comparison to the Kingston Mobilelite device as I haven’t played with it to give an honest and true opinion. As far as transferring files. I thought I covered this in the review but apologize if I had missed it, it’s capable of transferring files from any device that’s connected. On the device, while inside the appropriate category, whether its photos, movies, etc. there’s an upload icon on the top right of the menu that allows you to upload from your device.
Sorry Joe, I have a feeling I might be misunderstanding here, just to make sure; what I would want to do is – if I put an SD card in the SD slot on the DashDrive, and a USB thumb drive in the USB slot on the DashDrive, can I transfer data between them directly (as opposed to wirelessly if one is in another device)?
Sorry if I appear a bit thick.
Unfortunately, ADATA only allows 1 media type (USB drive or SD card) to be used at the same time. Which ever device is plugged in first is the media that will be available. So, if you have an SD card connected, then later connect a USB drive, the SD card is only recognized as being connected.
Nice review. You mention video performance but not how you tested.
One of the disadvantages of this device is that the coupled software uses a proprietary player. I have an SD card full of AVI’s and only 1 MP4 files and this is the only file I can play on my iPAD or iPhone. It would have been nice if it would show all files and give the option to open them with your preferred player like VLC on iPAD.