Thu, 10 May 2012 HyperDrive CloudFTP review
Share files with Wi-Fi-enabled devices with HyperDrive's novel CloudFTP
- Manufacturer: Sanho
- Manufacturer: Sanho
- Pros: Great potential, ability to connect to any USB mass storage compliant device and back files up to the cloud, dedicated CloudFTP Wi-Fi connection, good file format support, battery replaceable, compact and lightweight.
- Cons: Still a work in progress, cloud compatibility an issue for some users, poor user interface for reading files needs tweaking, battery life could be improved, no mains adaptor included.
- Min specs: Any USB mass storage compliant device including hard drives, flash drives, card readers, digital cameras etc; Wi-Fi-enabled devices including Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Google Android compatible smartphones.
- Price: £89.95
- Star rating:
The CloudFTP by HyperDrive is an unassuming, pocket friendly adapter that promises to turn any USB storage device into a wireless file server with the ability to share files with Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Compatible with Apple iOS and Google Android devices, it's a novel idea that has attracted much interest, thanks in part to a successful campaign on Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Surpassing it's funding target with apparent ease, CloudFTP additionally backups and synchronises your USB data from hard drives, flash drives, card readers, digital cameras and so on, to compatible Cloud storage services such as Apple's iCloud and Dropbox.
CloudFTP makes use of a HTML5 web app, dedicated iOS/Android app or FTP client to connect to a dedicated Wi-Fi connection, independent of the wireless connection you might be using. The device also offers users the option to select an existing Wi-Fi network, particularly useful for sharing files with other devices on the same network.
Once powered, the CloudFTP has a small LCD panel for visually indicating a wireless connection is made and setting up the Wi-Fi connection takes about a minute. Accessing data from USB devices on your iOS device, up to three devices at any one time, is pretty much instant, with the chance to watch videos without lag. The device comes with a USB cable but no external plug into the mains charger, which is a pity considering the relatively premium price.
The makers Sanho suggest your iPad charger is the best option and a full charge from empty can take as much as four hours. Sanho insists the removable 2600mAh battery powers the USB port and devices up to five hours, which is a fair estimate and enough for most users in a single session. We can only hope that as the adapter develops battery life will edge closer to the ten hours offered currently by the iPad.
MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 |
2 | NEXT >
Contact Us
DiggSubmit your own review for this product
Search reviews
Search Google
Newsletter signup
It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.
Macworld reader poll
What version of Adobe Creative Suite do you use?:
Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!
Register now
Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.
RSS
Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.
Latest PC industry news
MACWORLD MARKETPLACE
 |
LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access |
 |
TemplateCloud |
 |
Amsys |
 |
About NAD |
 |
Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. |
 |
MeteoGroup |
 |
Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft |
