WD My Passport Wireless SSD Review - Portable Network Storage with Plex Server

[@BrandonLuckain]

Out of all the videos I've seen on this, yours was the most comprehensive (and the only one that showed the progress bar of the LEDs while the card was copying). Thank you.

[@jared_taylor]

Hey have you heard of Firecore Infuse for ATV & iOS? It's like Plex + VLC player. It can play NAS or other Network Storage files without a server needed. It just natively supports most video formats including ISOs. It also has a Plex integration as well as Trakt. I love Plex, but you always need a server for it to work and I don't have a PC to constantly run or money to buy a NAS that supports Plex. But Infuse Pro + Plex is great. It puts all your content in one spot. It's sleek and does great with Metadata. I'd love to see you cover it on a future video! If you already have, I couldn't find it. haha

[@jackrodgersjr]

Jared Taylor Just looked it up and it seems to be software and not hardware, am I right?

[@jared_taylor]

Jack Rodgers, Jr. yes it’s software

[@XSpImmaLion]

With this and Gnarbox it seems finally some companies are coming up with real products of something I asked for... about 5 years ago or so. xD During my short stint as photographer I always wanted an external storage device that allowed me to quickly dump an SD card there with the push of a button, no need to go through smartphone apps or something like that. But they are charging a bit too much for the functionality...

[@k3ntris]

XSportSeeker This type of technology isn’t new. I was using a similar device over 10 years ago but it had a 2.5” HDD with multi function card reader that would dump all the contents from whatever card to the HDD.

[@halcyondaystunes]

Many thanks for suggesting this and changing our lives. I'm so pleased WD listened to you.

[@richardpatrick32123]

Very good review, Lon. Just a thought - since you can ssh into the device, you should be able to set up samba users and passwords for the network stores (providing you have root access). Then you can just edit the smb.conf file so that it allows only those samba users to login with their passwords and disable guest logins. I realise this might be beyond the scope of what you can reasonably expect a normal consumer to do, though. I agree with you that the functionality ought to be in the the admin panel!

[@stevelozano2892]

when you want to sample pic use your back up sd card in jpeg mode not raw files so you can see better image of pic it turn into wifi hot spot this is so cool

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

Hopefully the chinese will bring out similar for sensible pricing including DJI rippoffs

[@emil-9432]

Really like your in-depth reviews. Just one thing though, when you mentioned thumbnails generated, you sure it’s not the embedded preview image inside the RAW image? In which case quality will vary based on the camera. (One reason I like Fuji over Cannon, for example, is because Fujifilm has good preview resolution to judge the sharpness of the final image where as Canon 5d (I and II that I tried) that resolution was only good for telling which image this is and requiring rendering before I could choose which to delete) Wish there was a way to just quickly browse full screen images this way from SD!

[@RodrigoPerezISC]

The original metadata of the files remains?! Example: Capture Date/Time Regards !!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

I'd rather select what files from my phone to this device; in the folder that I select. All this is a choice where is the destination. ? Can read/write to/from a phone ?

[@mychalsimmons4177]

I bought the older version you suggested did I get the wrong one to transfer video and audio file to an iPad?

[@williamwilkinson8289]

Will this drive backup your iPhone w/o going through the process of going through ITunes?

[@PS-Straya_M8]

Has the password situation been corrected by 2021?

[@tunlynn3664]

Thanks .How can I use ftp server with my sony camera.i don’t know how to setup ftp server.

[@brownr749]

Does anyone know how to reset or format a WD passport wireless drive to the original settings using Mac utility.

[@coolnegative]

such a cool gadget. wish I could afford some of the cool stuff you review. another great video Lon!

[@ahmedrashed78]

My camera uses compact flash cards, any chance I can use this to dump files in the field? 😕

[@lawrencebraun99]

Yes but you need CF card reader that will plug into it

[@chrispistocco]

Another home run lon!!!!!!! Great Video!!!!

[@SlowPCGaming1]

WD Wi-Fi SSD Virus bank. How easy is it to replace the internal SSD when it will fail?

[@animosity100]

Would this be good for pc/console games since games are so big?

[@Milo0610]

id like to have one but damn it is expensive

[@MrRusskimax]

When using this as a Plex server how does it compare to the regular wireless pro? Would the SSD be worth the upgrade when using for Plex?

[@drscott101]

Is it possible to add folder and synchronize folder from lightroom classic using wifi?

[@jorge_v]

Is it possible to automatically sync folders between My Passport and a My Cloud NAS device Like a remote backup? It would be a very useful feature

[@mobetterg]

🎄🎅🏻🎄 Happy Holidays 🎄🎁🎄My Question is How do you transfer videos & photos off the WD-SSD back to my I Pad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation If My I pad or I phone 📱 get corrupted or deleted files by accident ???? I try to transfer a photo & video off the WD SSD Back to my IPad Pro THE Option said download but it didn’t download back into my I pad pro Please Help 😧

[@121macfreak]

Hello! Awesome video. There’s very little straight answers I can find out about this drive and the non SSD model. I’m trying to decide which one to actually get. One thing that has never been covered is Plex Workflow. I’m a truck driver. I don’t really like hauling my laptop and drives around. Theoretically what I’m thinking is hooking the drive up to the server and and optimizing movies and shows onto the drive for mobile viewing. But very little has been said about what MBPS to optimize at for the iPad to have the capability to stream it. Also this is an independent server from the main server. But so is Syncing to an iOS or android device. So wouldn’t the watch status update when plugged back into the main server? What’s the difference in what the 2 drives can stream? I’m leaning towards the 4TB non SSD because 4 TB’s. I probably just need to buy one and do tests then upload a video. Because I’ve found very little about the mechanics of it. For instance could sync work in any capacity? Most of us have our iTunes running through Plex. Seems to me you should be able to connect your phone and sync an album. But these are all unknowns. Because the most I’ve seen is it works really well or it’s garbage. I have a feeling the people that love it are Plex fanatics and will make it work the way they’re wanting regardless. Again love the video. If anyone had both drives and have thoughts on MBPS between them that would be awesome! 🖖🏻✌️

[@LonSeidman]

Unfortunately I don't think Plex allows you to sync to another plex server. It's usually a transaction between the server and a client device like a phone, tablet, etc.. What I have found is that the newer iPads can pretty much play anything without transcoding so it's likely the media you have is compatible.

[@mumblic]

I would like to here your opinion: Does it really need that rubber protection? It's an old concept from the HDD time! Most portable SSD today have just a strong case (often metal) For example the Samsung T5 or battery banks. It would make the device a bit smaller + more premium looking. But I guess this has more to do with targeted audience. People are used to the looks of a rugged storage device and it takes a while before they adapt!

[@jackrodgersjr]

Mum Blic I use Otterbox Defender for my IPhone. Significantly fatter, but I suffer with nerve damage and have dropped my phone as many times as 5 x a day. How many broken screens should that be? Result, none. Unfortunately my hands stop holding without warning.

[@marckyokay]

It's a nice to have and tbh I always like having a rubber bumper around devices... Maybe I'm clumsy, maybe someone else needs the functionality, like Mr Rogers. I just don't like putting hard plastic on a table and move it around to get it scratched up, also it sits more securely with some rubber. Just a preference.

[@FEEAR1000]

Is it any good for gaming like playing Star Citizen or a game like GTA?

[@Bunnyx3]

there are still some questions did not answer. once the memory card file transfer, is the files still in the memory card ? or they all moved to the drive? if there is image file that has the same name will it copy the file and remove the original or there will be new folder with the file that has the same name?

[@AlkQubit]

Ravpower Filehub with an external drive is much more cost efficient and has more features.

[@MichaelMakesEverything]

Does it delete what it copies from your card?

[@teddydabear8772]

Really nice Lon. I could use this kind of drive. Hopefully the prices come down. I do have a question Lon. Can I import directly to a Plex indexed folder on the drive instead of an ordinary folder? If it can, I could see the possibility of previewing JPGs through it's built-in plex server as soon as I get home from a shoot on the big 4K TV from the couch . Then download the raw files later on the computer. 😀😀 😀😀

[@johnhuron5989]

Nice review. Can’t seem to find and info on saving photos from my iPhones Photos app to the WD Wireless Plus. Is this possible?

[@mrhuggo]

Hi Lon, Thanks for the great review! Interested in the Plex feature - is it really able to stream 4K video via Plex or other 3rd party apps like Infuse or VLC? WD advertises 4K streaming on their site, but would be great to confirm. Thanks!

[@LonSeidman]

Only if there's no transcoding involved.

[@mrhuggo]

Thanks Lon! Much appreciated.

[@marckyokay]

I was wondering... Could you use this as a portable NAS? Like... a portable NAS with Time Machine for your Mac? I'm not sure, Time Machine is always a bit complicated without a direct cable, I have no experience... But I think it would be awesome when you travel, connecting the WD to your destination's WiFi creating a Time Machine image and having it making backups in the background, connected to a power source.. Like when you visit your parents or girlfriend or some who's WiFi you trust, having it make Time Machine backups while you work, like a Time Capsule. Anyone had the same thoughts?

[@DToneQuest]

I am a new to ipad pro 2018 user, everything else I own is windows or android. I am looking for ways to have access to tons of various types of files whether it be movies, loops for making music, photo storage, documents etc. Previously I'd just attatch a flash drive or even a harddrive but since none I have work with a ipad I am looking for some tips. from what I have gathered I have to use something like this wireless harddrive or a file hub with my existing drive. Please help with some advice I need to get one by xmas if possible. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Why does this one cost 3 x more for less storage space

[@LonSeidman]

Because it is a solid state drive vs. a spinning disk.

[@jpkosoltrakul]

Lon, have you looked at Gnarbox 2.0 kickstarter yet? It seems to comparable to WD (or maybe even better).

[@rthiaga]

Can I keep this device in the home connected to home wifi and access the files from mobile phone remotely via LTE network?

[@touchmeonmynono5142]

YES/NO

[@spiderwayne]

Hey, now that you've had this for a while... are you still using it? Have you tried the Gnarbox? If you have which of these two devices do you prefer (just for backup up files while on the road)?

[@mikemcdonald5147]

I wonder if you use true crypt on the device that would keep others from logging into it as a guest and deleting something. they would need to know the true crypt password to get in.

[@videoguyla]

How do you know what is happening or when the transfer is complete?

[@BrandonLuckain]

You can track progress through the mobile app, or see the progress via the 4 LEDs on the drive.

[@NelsonAerialPros]

Hi Lon, is it possible to only import select files instead of importing the entire SD cards content when all I have is an iOS device? Typically I'll have 50ish gigs of video (leave go pros constantly recording) spread out over 10-12 files and only need 1 of the files. It would be much more efficient if I could only import the 1 file and not wait 15+ minutes. Thanks!

[@LonSeidman]

I don't think you can selectively limit it. But if you have it already on the drive it won't copy it over again.

[@sergioxochiteotzi1482]

does this work for pdf documents?

[@Mardeet]

Lon, do yo know of any other device that auto dumps SD cards to an SSD like this ? Gnarbox type device basically. Thanks

[@albedo0point39]

Mardee Thompson LaCie DJI copilot

[@BobbyJSmithPhotography]

Can this be upgraded

[@SCTR7]

Nice drive... A little pricey

[@PAndrew002]

Can you mass delete files?

[@iammarcoleal]

Hey! can i transfer files wirelessly if its plugged into the usb power brick? i know you mentioned it doesnt transfer files if its plugged into a computer.

[@LonSeidman]

Yes it’ll charge and keep the WiFi active

[@iammarcoleal]

Thank you so much!

[@DCBIGOSO]

You said that this storage external hard drive isn't that good at decoding format, like for a Plex server. So what do you recommend?

[@Nuclearnadalah]

If you transcode it can handle up to 8 streams

[@ivanguerra1260]

Lon thanks for every video. WIFI SD cards exist, Why you didn´t mention ?

[@apiluckhirunsi4619]

Can use with xqd card?

[@luuk441]

Doesnt work with my nikon xo cards.Fuji is ok.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

That was kool Lon thank you

[@rowanwood5397]

great product, one problem: it looks kinda cheap. too bad the box is not designed by porsche or someone who has some style.

[@alexanderwhittaker3622]

Mine, despite following WD instructions to the letter, iwill not upload all my thumbnails. Pretty useless for photography.

[@nayz-]

Why is it so huge?

[@youtubasoarus]

Battery + Wifi + Storage

[@mumblic]

+ mini computer + i/o hub !!

[@mumblic]

But I agree it's just a little bit to big. + I would prefer another shape More like an Anker battery. They are probably not using a M.2 drive I hope similar products come to the market (Samsung (?), Seagate, or even battery builders like Anker)

[@jamessloanofficial]

That’s what she said....I couldn’t resist

[@kasterchoi7952]

guess we know who's chip sony uses./

[@respibob]

My wife says your hair is getting long. Thought you should know lol

[@3dprintwiz378]

Is it possible to install games on it and play it on your laptop?

[@touchmeonmynono5142]

YES/NO

[@andysxsola]

ssh uname -a?

[@luissalazar2021]

Great job thanks 😎

[@cring0101]

Too big !!! Cut down to one-third-size. Use a M.2 rather than the 2.5" SSD. The size should not bigger than a 4.5" smartphone.

[@MarkBraggs]

Wow $300. There have been 500GB SSDs popping up left and right on Slickdeals for $100. They need to get the price of this down.

[@mumblic]

A mini computer with wifi, battery and a ssd Why are you comparing an apple with a tree of apples!

[@TheAngorix]

nvme ssd are expensive

[@mumblic]

@eti domu Are you sure that they are using a NVMe drive?

[@TheAngorix]

Mum Blic not the western digital another product from kickstarter.the gnarbox.

[@iomis2001]

Way too much money. Just but a USB thumb drive that can connected to your phone.

[@sflxn]

Ridiculous that it has a usb 3 connection in 2019. Hello, WD, ever heard of usb-c? Also, why a Plex server. Seems like WD couldn’t figure out what market it wanted to target. I will wait for a competitor product that has usb-c and smaller size. I’m sick of all the different cables littering my desk. I will no longer buy any product unless it consolidates to usb-c.