Wi-Drive - Use direct WiFi bet PPC & hard disk

[FOSA]

Imagine using Wi-Fi for direct connection between your laptop/PPC (and other end devices) to an external hard disk. Imposssible?

Just read this:-

http://www.edslab.com/products.htm

The product will be launched this coming July 06. Initially, it'll connect to your laptop/notebook. After which driver will be developed for PPC application.


No more expensive memory cards :lol:

[alese]

You can also look at Asus WL-HDD - althogh this one have some advantages, like the battery and 1.8" size.
I just hope it will be released and that the price will not be too much.

[FOSA]

If I remembers correctly ASUS WL-HDD requires connection through an access point/router whereas the main selling point of Wi-Drive is its direct connection between end devices WITHOUT the need to go through the access point/router. However, you can also network the drive through an access point/router :lol:

[thaihugo]

I'm using Wl-Hdd since it's release to get my files from my pda. It's working like a charm. It is an access point and router, and you can make it a full linux server easily

[michaelg]

Hi,

Just a question and a thought...

With the WL-HDD, is it stand-alone? i.e. does it have an internal power source - or must be connected via a power adaptor?

And can it connect directly to the HTC Universal (without need of a switch or router?).

My thought is, I wonder if anyone has tried to connect an IPOD to a PPC device? wouldn't that be an ideal external HDD device?

Michael G

[alese]

With the WL-HDD, is it stand-alone? i.e. does it have an internal power source - or must be connected via a power adaptor?
...

The WL-HDD does not have built in battery, you need power adaptor unfortunately.


...
And can it connect directly to the HTC Universal (without need of a switch or router?).
...

I haven't tried yet (still deciding if I should buy it or not), but since it's an Access Point it should connect no problem.


...
My thought is, I wonder if anyone has tried to connect an IPOD to a PPC device? wouldn't that be an ideal external HDD device?

IPOD is not Wireless, you can use it only as an USB memory device.
People had connected their IPODS to USB Host enabled PPCs like FS Loox and it worked fine. Unfortunately there are no HTC converged devices with USB Host functionality at the moment.

[thaihugo]

Wl-hdd work perfectly as a stand alone product with any PPC. I'm using it for 1,5 years now and it is perfectly working on my universal. No physical connection needed except power source.

As for the Ipod, if you change the wl-hdd firmware, you can connect any USB device in the USB port to get access to it's files. So you cannot plug the ipod to the universal, but you can plug the ipod to the wl-hdd then access it through universal

[FOSA]

Some pictures of Wi-Drive here:-


http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/13/live-from-cebit-the-widrive-wifi-drive-enclosure/

The enclosure comes with a female connector for the hard disk which means hard disk like the 1.8 inch Toshiba (which comes with a female connector) cannot be used

That leaves us with the 1.8 inch Hitachi brand which comes with a male connector. Not much choice for the 1.8 inch hard disk since currently only 1.8 inch hard disks are only available from Toshiba and Hitachi

[FOSA]

Just spoke to the manufacturer of Wi-Drive today

They will release the drive this coming July. I think I can get one from them before it goes to the market

Capacity : Casing comes with 30 and 60 GB 5400 rpm hard disk (for 1.8 inch)

Best of all!! Can connect direct with PPC besides notebook/laptop. They've an engineering test unit. Just waiting for production now.

Here's the explanation using WiFi. The drive will be recognised as a web folder instead of a drive by the PPC. This web folder will consists of your folders and files and you'll have to use IE browser to access them. Power input is 5V DC using mini USB which means you can charge it from your notebook/laptop USB ports or any external battery pack whihc provides a 5V DC output.

WOW!! Can't wait to lay my hand on one of these :D

[Bartjan]

at least there responding to someone...
they dont respond at all to any mails from me :?

i dont know if i like the web folder thingy though...
would prefer if it just showed trough the file explorer, does resco explorer show web folders?

did they tell you the prices with the 30 and 60gb and without any HD?

[Bartjan]

at least there responding to someone...
they dont respond at all to any mails from me :?

i dont know if i like the web folder thingy though...
would prefer if it just showed trough the file explorer, does resco explorer show web folders?

did they tell you the prices with the 30 and 60gb and without any HD?

[FOSA]

Quote

"did they tell you the prices with the 30 and 60gb and without any HD?"

Nope. No pricing figure for the moment. They don't sell to end users because they're the manufacturer. The actual pricing will depend on the retail shops


Quote

"would prefer if it just showed trough the file explorer, does resco explorer show web folders? "

No idea


I guess we just have to sit back and wait patiently :D

[FOSA]

OK, tested the WiDrive on my Universal today

Looks pretty cool...comes with Hitachi 1.8" 30GB hard disk

Managed to get it connected with my Universal using WiFi and access WiDrive using internet by typing a certain address on the address bar. The drive is treated as a web folder

Once login to WiDrive I'm able to download files to play (or save it) on my Universal

Also, can use my external 8800mAH battery pack (purchased from EastGear) to charge the WiDrive

Some issues though

a) cannot upload file from my SD card to WiDrive...hmmm
b) after playing a song I'll need to re-type the address at the PIE address bar in order to return to WiDrive
c) I think music and video cannot be streamed while playing on the Universal. What I mean is I'll need to download the music/video file to my Universal and the concerned program will be auto activated to play the music/video file.....have to check this further otherwise the drive just acts like another drive

Did not buy yet so no testing on notebook carried out. According to the shop streaming was done using the notebook as a driver is required to be installed on the notebook.

Well, I've discussed with WiDrive's boss on the above issues. Will discuss with their engineer tomorrow and feedback here.

Wow, its an experience. Cost about US$263

:lol:

[FOSA]

Sorry for the late reply

There're some changes. I'll be getting a 1.8 inch 60GB IDE Hitachi Travelstar and the Wi-Drive casing separately (cheaper this way) by this weekend. If everything works out fine I'll be reporting back

BTW, I was told by the engineer of EDSLAB that OPERA works better than PIE on their drive

[FOSA]

Sorry, due falls apart. For the 1.8" hard disk Wi-Drive comes with standard 30GB

60GB version will be released later

Some pictures of Wi-Drive here:-

http://sg.vr-zone.com/index.php?i=3827

:lol:

[Pyrojester]

Hmm... Widrive looks good, but WL-HDD is still better in my mind. It can run off a battery (all PSP emergency batterys work, imagine my joy at finding that out!) ,it has an ethernet port for intergration to home networks (you can use it as a wireless access point) and it has USB host, so you can share USB drives, webcams, everything. It also comes up to 100gb, and i bet you itll be cheaper. you could even swap in a 1.8" hdd into the housing and put the battery in the space left, making it a neat solution.

[FOSA]

I've bought the Wi-Drive but only for 30GB model and still testing it

Initial test with OPERA gives pretty good results :lol:

[spastico]

Where can either of these external drives be purchased?

[nuclear]

Where can either of these external drives be purchased?
lol... i wouldnt buy one of those. Max = 100mbps on wireless. On wired USB 2.0 or Firewire = 480mbps or 800mbps i think. I use my diamondmax 11 or my cheetah scsi 15k rpm drive and it goes really quick. I put it on wifi by hooking it up to another computer and mapping it or just use remote access. Anything is possible nowadays, i dont have to tell it to you. But it seems this hard drive can exist independently when signal is available. I dont know how that works but i am sure you need a lcd display to select a network or to enter the key. Just like microsoft Zune? Why dont you guys go for microsoft Zune now that i think of it. ^^

[Pyrojester]

lol... i wouldnt buy one of those. Max = 100mbps on wireless. On wired USB 2.0 or Firewire = 480mbps or 800mbps i think. I use my diamondmax 11 or my cheetah scsi 15k rpm drive and it goes really quick. I put it on wifi by hooking it up to another computer and mapping it or just use remote access. Anything is possible nowadays, i dont have to tell it to you. But it seems this hard drive can exist independently when signal is available. I dont know how that works but i am sure you need a lcd display to select a network or to enter the key. Just like microsoft Zune? Why dont you guys go for microsoft Zune now that i think of it. ^^

The point of these drives is mass storage on the universal. Read the thread before posting.

[pmarkham]

Imagine using Wi-Fi for direct connection between your laptop/PPC (and other end devices) to an external hard disk. Imposssible?

Just read this:-

http://www.edslab.com/products.htm

The product will be launched this coming July 06. Initially, it'll connect to your laptop/notebook. After which driver will be developed for PPC application.


No more expensive memory cards :lol:


THEY ARE NOW FOR SALE! Available and and looking for distibutors
pmarkham@pemcogroupinc.com

[pmarkham]

You can also look at Asus WL-HDD - althogh this one have some advantages, like the battery and 1.8" size.
I just hope it will be released and that the price will not be too much.

THEY ARE NOW available and for sale and and looking for distributors
pmarkham@pemcogroupinc.com

[pmarkham]

I'm using Wl-Hdd since it's release to get my files from my pda. It's working like a charm. It is an access point and router, and you can make it a full linux server easily



THEY ARE NOW available and for sale and and looking for distributors
pmarkham@pemcogroupinc.com

[pmarkham]

Just spoke to the manufacturer of Wi-Drive today

They will release the drive this coming July. I think I can get one from them before it goes to the market

Capacity : Casing comes with 30 and 60 GB 5400 rpm hard disk (for 1.8 inch)

Best of all!! Can connect direct with PPC besides notebook/laptop. They've an engineering test unit. Just waiting for production now.

Here's the explanation using WiFi. The drive will be recognised as a web folder instead of a drive by the PPC. This web folder will consists of your folders and files and you'll have to use IE browser to access them. Power input is 5V DC using mini USB which means you can charge it from your notebook/laptop USB ports or any external battery pack whihc provides a 5V DC output.

WOW!! Can't wait to lay my hand on one of these :D


THEY ARE NOW available and for sale and and looking for distributors
pmarkham@pemcogroupinc.com

[pmarkham]

Imagine using Wi-Fi for direct connection between your laptop/PPC (and other end devices) to an external hard disk. Imposssible?

Just read this:-

http://www.edslab.com/products.htm

THEY ARE NOW available and for sale and and looking for distributors
pmarkham@pemcogroupinc.com

[whizkid638]

Hi, where did you buy the Asus WL-HDD?

[cktlcmd]

Buffalo Link Station: http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/buffalo-linkstation-120gb/4505-3190_7-30639593.html?tag=txt

ASUS WL HDD: http://reviews.cnet.com/network-storage/asus-wl-hdd-2/4505-3382_7-31080278.html


----

[nvatvani]

Oh .... this is one of those "innovative" goods that re-invent the wheel...

1. I have a laptop (with WiFi)
2. I have a Universal
3. I setup an Ad-Hoc WiFi connection between my laptop and my Universal
4. I use Resco Explorer on my Universal and have my laptop's 160GB hard-drive at its disposal...

<sarcastic_tone>What is the wi-Drive for again?</sarcastic_tone>


Edit: If you do not have a WiFi module on your PC/Laptop .... the USB WiFi module was concieved ages ago.

[FOSA]

Quote

"<sarcastic_tone>What is the wi-Drive for again?</sarcastic_tone>"

You don't see the point, huh?

OK, why should you lug your heavy laptop around when you can have your Universal and the light-weight Wi-Drive as direct-connect portables?

[nvatvani]

Quote

"<sarcastic_tone>What is the wi-Drive for again?</sarcastic_tone>"

You don't see the point, huh?

OK, why should you lug your heavy laptop around when you can have your Universal and the light-weight Wi-Drive as direct-connect portables?

Well ... correct me if I am wrong but the WiDrive seems to be mostly targeted for Seminar Organizers / Presentations being hosted in an unknown environment. You need to "show" huge amounts of data but there might not be a power socket in sight. This is the kind of scenario the WiDrive overcomes. So, what is the likelihood of such a scenario being applicable to you or me as private individual consumers?

The other thing is that the WiDrive is a portable storage device. I understand the need to have a few gigbytes of mobile storage (USB flash drives) but I do not understand the need to have hundreds of gigabytes of mobile-but-limited strorage (limited to 4 hours in the worst case scenario). Assuming an individual having such an itch exists, ok .... a storage device is useless unless you hook it up to an HID (Human Interface Device), unless you do not care about your data being Human Viewable and you are just interested in having your data in a transportable-and-accessible container.

Since I, as a Human, am not interested in any data that is not Human Viewable - yes .... I prefer to lug my heavy laptop on my back. Its good exercise, allowing me to forego the gym. The laptop has all the devices needed for me to actively use the HDD, unlike the WiDrive.

Edit:
Besides, HDDs are not supposed to be portable .... SSDs are. An HDD in a portable container is a data-loss-timebomb just like External HDD casings. The WiDrive is an even more high risk data-loss-timebomb because its an unplugged External HDD casing. HDDs are just not built for these kind of applications. Don't staring countering this by saying something stupid like "oh, so why do laptops have HDDs then?". If you didn't notice, laptop HDDs start out at 5400rpms because this minimises "physical movement" of the HDD parts whilst still making the HDD functional. It is this very reason why a 100,000rpm HDD does not exist, since HDDs cannot handle such a physical movement.

[FOSA]

Well, suits you fine if you want to lug your heavy laptop around. Nobody says you can't, right?

There was a time when users complain of wanting more storage space and to connect, using USB, to their PPC with an external hard disk. Of course only a few PPC have such a capability and majority of them do not have it.

In comes the Wi-Drive which does away with this USB thing and allows users to connect to an external hard disk (and other WiFi devices too as described on its website) using WiFi (which is widely available on many PPCs) so that more storage space can be accessed as compared to the the limited memory space (whether built-in or external card).

As to how its to be used will depend on the user himself.

[Bartjan]

Since Edit:
Besides, HDDs are not supposed to be portable .... SSDs are. An HDD in a portable container is a data-loss-timebomb just like External HDD casings. The WiDrive is an even more high risk data-loss-timebomb because its an unplugged External HDD casing. HDDs are just not built for these kind of applications. Don't staring countering this by saying something stupid like "oh, so why do laptops have HDDs then?". If you didn't notice, laptop HDDs start out at 5400rpms because this minimises "physical movement" of the HDD parts whilst still making the HDD functional. It is this very reason why a 100,000rpm HDD does not exist, since HDDs cannot handle such a physical movement.
the Wi-drive has an laptop HDD :P

its just way too late...
it was my 1st choice 1,5 years ago, to have more portable storage to use (used to watch lots of movies while on the road, sometimes the 4gb SD i have just wasnt enough)
nowadays the prefered choice is the 32gb SDHC which are on the way and will be available in januari ($700 for the 32gb, $350 for the 16gb)
source (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-22-2007/0004649781&EDATE)