There have been several reviews on the column regarding products from Dane-Elec. They have all rated high; at least 4 stars. However. Dane-Elec has just had a product called the Media Streamer that would get 6 stars if it was available here. That being said, they will have to be satisfied, as will you the reader with a measly 5 star rating.
Imagine this scenario; you are an amateur or even professional photographer who has to carry an array of gear with you, including a laptop with an SD reader on board or external. You take what you think is your masterpiece, you know the one, it is going to be in National Geographic or the Metropolitan Art Museum. You go to get your laptop and realize “oh no, I left it at home!” So how do you view, or more importantly, send the photograph to your publisher without making them wait? Lucky for you, you have the newest product from Dane-Elec, called the Media Streamer.
Setup is amazingly simple, as is the actual use. The first thing that you have to do is download the device app (Mediastreamer) from either the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store . Once it is installed on your device, you simply turn on the MediaStreamer and connect to it as if you would a WiFi connection. There is a default password, but it can changed through an IP access address.
Now comes the great part; put in your SD or mICRO SD from your DSLR or video camera, and you have complete access to your pics, your movies, etc. You can transfer them to your smart phone to email them or even upload them to a cloud service for sharing. You can also do the same with any flash drive.
It allows for multiple connections, so more than one device can connect for true mobile sharing and access.
It was tested with an iPhone 4, an iPad 2nd gen and an Acer Icona tablet running Ice Cream Sandwich. The testing took advantage of most of the following features.
• Wireless streaming from a USB drive or SD card to an Apple or Android tablet or smartphone via WiFi connection (No Internet required)
• Streaming to up to six devices at one time
• 2500mAh power charger for up to four hours of mobile device battery backup
• Two-way transfer between mobile devices and USB/SD
• Backup of contacts
• Built-in Internet Bridge
First off is what it was designed for; streaming media. This was flawless. I actually loaded a flash drive and SD card in the respective slots. The app (no matter which device) picked up on it within seconds. I was then able to transfer data to and from each device. In fact, when a second or third device was connected, the transfers were simultaneous.
It doubles as a charger as well and thankfully so as I already have enough attached to my cigarette lighter.
The last great feature I did test was the internet bridge. While my internet is very fast, it is obvious that the further you get from the WiFi router, the weaker the signal. Well not anymore. When connected to the Media streamer, you get full if not 90% streaming power anywhere in your house. Now that is cool.
This is something that will prove invaluable no matter what your job, hobby or day to day use is.
Learn more at the Dane-Elec site.
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/review/the-dane-elec-media-streamer-your-viewer-streamer-and-bridge-to-everything?cid=roadrunner