Even though Patriot is normally associated to products that enhance the memory capacity of laptops and desktops, their Gauntlet Node is a wireless external drive that is ideal for mobile devices. It works as a sort of DIY option that allows you to set up a portable USB 3.0 hard drive that can be accessed wirelessly by your mobile device, be it an Android, iOS tablet/smartphone or a router enabled for Wi-Fi. While other manufacturers offer similar types of drives, the Gauntlet Node is a DYI external- storage solution that is really versatile and that works effectively with mobile devices. If you have a 2.5 -inch memory drive, you can pair it with the plastic frame, the USB 3.0 cable and the AC charger that you receive from Patriot. Then all you need to do is to download the Gauntlet app, which is available for Android and iOS. The app allows you to browse, manage and view your files.
Design and Settings
In terms of design, Patriot’s drive offers a sturdy black plastic frame with a matte finish and has almost the same size of a travel router. It comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery and a USB 3.0 connector that works with the USB 3.0 cable included. The battery level is displayed by one to four LEDs (they will light up according to the battery left) and you can charge the device using the AC adapter that is part of the Gauntlet Node package. In order to install the drive supplied by you (2.5-inch laptop style), you will need to turn the Gauntlet Node’s chassis upside down, remove the screws and slide the bottom panel. You will then be able to connect the drive to the power cable and onto the SATA data. The installation process is simple enough and it will only require a small screwdriver.
In terms of design, Patriot’s drive offers a sturdy black plastic frame with a matte finish and has almost the same size of a travel router. It comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery and a USB 3.0 connector that works with the USB 3.0 cable included. The battery level is displayed by one to four LEDs (they will light up according to the battery left) and you can charge the device using the AC adapter that is part of the Gauntlet Node package. In order to install the drive supplied by you (2.5-inch laptop style), you will need to turn the Gauntlet Node’s chassis upside down, remove the screws and slide the bottom panel. You will then be able to connect the drive to the power cable and onto the SATA data. The installation process is simple enough and it will only require a small screwdriver.
Transferring files from your laptop, smartphone or tablet to the Gauntlet Node can be done through USB using the cable included. After the files have been passed onto the drive, you can connect to the drive wirelessly from your PC, entering the IP address 10.10.10.254 into the browser to access the Gauntlet Node interface. There you will be able to modify the security and network settings. The drive’ interface can also be accessed from Windows explorer by typing the IP address into the Search box and using “admin” as the username and password when required. Alternatively, you can download the Gauntlet Connect app from Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store and connect to the drive from the Wi-Fi connection menu. The performance and speed of the Gauntlet Node will depend on your Internet connection, as well as in the specs of the drive that you install on it but in general, streaming media content on mobile devices works smoothly, even with high resolution videos. However, it is better to stream video content from just one or maximum two devices at a time to ensure that you will not experience disruptions. Streaming music files from multiple devices seems to work without major issues.
Overall
What makes the Gauntlet Node stand out is the fact that it allows you to install your own drive, which makes it a good solution for people that already count with a good drive and that want to be able to access content from multiple devices. While it is a limited solution and would only suit some users, the Gauntlet Node works well for carrying movies, music when you travel so that you can access them from your tablet without occupying any space. The price range is between $83 to $100 USD.
What makes the Gauntlet Node stand out is the fact that it allows you to install your own drive, which makes it a good solution for people that already count with a good drive and that want to be able to access content from multiple devices. While it is a limited solution and would only suit some users, the Gauntlet Node works well for carrying movies, music when you travel so that you can access them from your tablet without occupying any space. The price range is between $83 to $100 USD.
