Portable Wi-Fi Drives for your smartphone

Seagate GoFlex Satellite

Like the competition, the Satellite can be paired with either Android or iOS devices by using a dedicated app that can be downloaded from the respective app stores. The interface is really well-designed and the layout of the content is quite detailed. Like the models from Kingston and Transcend, this option, too has the ability to be paired with more than one handset. However, it supersedes its competitors by offering the option of pairing up to eight devices at a time.

The Wi-Fi range of the Satellite is really good and so is the video playback. iPad users are in luck. Instead of converting files for playback on the iOS device, you could use OPlayerHD Lite (Free edition with some constraints) to access the drive via net and play videos off it. For Android, any third party video app with multiple codec support will come to the rescue.

Here’s a quick look at all three devices and their specs and prices -

Spec sheet

In Conclusion
When it comes down to it, it’s only the Kingston Wi-Drive and the Transcend StoreJet Cloud that actually compete with each other, as both are pocketable options and are available in similar storage capacities. If price is taken into consideration, then the Wi-Drive narrowly edges ahead of the StoreJet by being priced slightly better. Another thing that's going for the Wi-Drive is that it’s available in a 16GB capacity, which gives users the option of a lower capacity, if 32GB or 64GB seems like too much.

The Seagate GoFlex Satellite is a category by itself, as it features a larger form factor and a much higher storage capacity. This model can be used as a portable drive as well, thus reducing the need to buy an external hard drive. With the new USB 3.0 interface becoming the standard choice for many PC manufacturers, the drive is futureproof as well.

The bottom line is that if you’re in the market for a portable media streaming solution slash storage booster for your iOS device and money is no constraint, irrespective of its dimensions, then we recommend you the Satellite. It’s a far more versatile device and is priced only slightly more than the highest (64GB) capacity options than the other two.

If size matters, then we’re recommending you opt for the Transcend StoreJet Cloud. Although it’s rather generic in design and more expensive than the Wi-Drive, the fact that its built-in player supports more codecs will make it ideal for iOS users who don’t wish to waste time with video conversion.