The test system used in this review was an HP EliteBook 820 G1. The computer is equipped with an Intel Core i7-4600U (2.1Ghz) CPU, 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3 memory, Samsung 840 EVO 500GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 4400, Intel I218-LM gigabit ethernet controller and an Intel 7260 dual band wireless card. For the operating system, I used Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
To test the performance of the WD My Passport Wireless, I ran a couple of benchmarks using CrystalDiskMark 3.0 and ATTO Disk Benchmark 2.46. The tests were first run with the drive connected directly to the computer via USB 3.0 and then again using its Wi-Fi connection.
CrystalDiskMark 3.0:
First, I ran a few quick tests using CrystalDiskMark. This benchmark tool measures the performance of a storage device by testing its sequential read and write speeds as well as its random read and write speeds using blocks 4KB and 512KB in size.
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WD doesn't really say what kind of speeds the My Passport Wireless is capable of. Using CrystalDiskMark we can see that the drive is able to read at 96.31 MB/s and write at 94.19 MB/s when connected to a USB 3.0 port. As you can see, the My Passport Wireless wasn't nearly as fast when connected via Wi-Fi. This time around, the drive's read and write speeds topped out at 3.6 MB/s and 5.2 MB/s, respectively.
ATTO Disk Benchmark 2.46:
I also used ATTO Disk Benchmark to test the My Passport Wireless's sequential read and write speeds. The tests are run using blocks ranging in size from 0.5KB to 8192KB and the total length set to 32MB and 256MB.
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When tested with ATTO, the My Passport Wireless's read speeds topped out at about 97 MB/s and its write speeds at 93 MB/s when connected using USB 3.0. Here too, its speeds dropped considerably when using Wi-Fi. Looking at the screenshot above, you can see that the drive was able to read at 3.7 MB/s and write at 5.1 MB/s.
Battery Life:
According to WD, the battery in the My Passport Wireless offers up to 6 hours of continuous video streaming and up to 20 hours of standby time. In our tests, the drive lasted more than 9 hours when sharing an internet connection and about 5 hours and 23 minutes when streaming videos to two devices while in performance mode. Surprisingly, the drive didn't last any longer when optimized for better battery life. With the media processing scaled back, the My Passport Wireless lasted 5 hours and 21 minutes when streaming videos to two devices.
Final Thoughts:
The WD My Passport Wireless is an excellent choice for the creative professional or tech enthusiast looking for a single storage solution for all of their mobile devices. Combining the benefits of the cloud with that of a portable hard drive, the My Passport Wireless lets you save, access and share files, as well as an Internet connection, with up to 8 devices using its built-in wireless connection. The drive is also equipped with a rechargeable battery and offers unique features like a built-in SD card slot so that you can transfer or backup your photos and videos without the need for a computer.
As far as performance goes, the My Passport Wireless didn't disappoint. The drive's Wireless N connection was more than adequate for basic file sharing and, thanks to support for 2x2 MIMO technology, I had no problems streaming videos to multiple devices at once. That being said, if you're reading or writing a large amount of data, you will probably want to plug the My Passport Wireless directly into your computer using its USB 3.0 port.
If I had to pick one thing for WD to improve, it would be the My Passport Wireless's battery life. While the drive boasts a generous 20 hours of standby time and was able to last more than 9 hours when acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot, this number drops considerably when the hard drive starts spinning. In our tests, the My Passport Wireless lasted less than five and a half hours when streaming videos.
The My Passport Wireless is available now in 500TB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. Prices on Amazon.com and Pricegrabber currently range from about $130 up to $220 for the 2TB version reviewed here.
Highs:
- Available in 500GB, 1TB and 2GB capacities
- Can connect to up to 8 devices wirelessly
- Wireless N with 2x2 MIMO technology
- Easy to setup and manage
- Rechargable battery
- Built-in SD card slot
- DLNA media server
- FTP server for wireless cameras
- USB 3.0 port
- Well constructed design
- Competitively priced
- 2 year warranty
Lows:
- Battery life could be better when streaming media
