Patriot Memory Gauntlet Node PCGTW25S 2.5" Black USB 3.0 Wireless Hard-drive Enclosure - Fits 2.5" HDD/SSD Wifi Storage

Pros: It seems to work OK when connected via USB 3.0. With new firmware it will function as a limited function wireless NAS.

Cons: With any kind of a wireless connection either using as a device on the network or passing through it to the network, it is really dead slow. I've never had a device this slow before running wireless. When you connect through it, as directed, it slows your PC wireless connection greatly because it must depend on the wireless speed of the device.

Other Thoughts: I don't know if the battery saves some power when connected via USB 3.0 or not. It is more successful as a wireless NAS than a pass through, but needs a significant performance increase to be really useful wireless. The prices is high enough to pay for much better wireless performance than it provides. You can replace it with a USB 3.0 enclosure for 20% of the price.

Pros: Allows accessing storage wirelessly.

Cons: A device is full of flaws. Very poor product. Not worth the money, do not buy.

The Gauntlet Node is not real NAS. It doesn't support joining existing wireless network. You have to connect to the wireless network created by the device to be able to access the storage. Also, if you want to be able to use internet, you would have to connect the device to a wireless network, and this part of plagued by problems and security vulnerabilities.

- The firmware with which the device ships doesn't support connection to other wireless network. You'll be unable to use internet until you upgrade to firmware v.1.2.4.5 or higher;

- Currently, there is no support for non-broadcast SSID. You cannot connect to a network not broadcasting SSID and you cannot make the Node's network invisible, so you will have to support two visible wireless networks instead of one invisible one;

- Currently, there is no support for mixed WPA/WPA2;

- Pass-through internet loses a LOT of bandwidth. With direct connection to a 802.11g router, I get 6Mbps down. When I connect through the Node ( 802.11n ), I get only 3Mbps;

- If you use access lists, be prepared for another problem. The Node has two network interfaces (one connecting to your computer and the other one - to the WAN link), but the MAC for the second interface is NOT LISTED ANYWHERE, so you will have to find it out by either disabling your existing access list or by connecting to a different device/interface without access list, then write down the MAC address and put it into your access list;

- After you insert the hard drive, you will be unable to put the power button because its plastic separator was made too thick, so the buttom won't move with hdd inside. You will have to extract the button, break off the separator and re-insert the button. As a result, the button will be somewhat loose, but at least you would be able to power the device up and down;

- Finally, there is no support. I was unable to reach anyone by phone. The voice prompt suggests leaving a "detailed message" describing your problem and leaving a way for them to get back to you. You can also send an email and wait for the reply. All of this is not very helpful given how many problems this product has.

Other Thoughts: After spending a few hours, I was able to make it work. But by the time I was done, I wished I never bought the thing in the first place.

Pros: None-

Cons: This is a product released before adequate testing. The WiFi module on two different units didn't work at all. It only worked when jacked into the portable devices.Shame on you Patriot for using your loyal customers as product testers. Your support for this device is terrible-callbacks in 5-8 days-and the techs knew less about potential issues than I did. This product is nothing more than an expensive usb3 case!! The second unit-replacement for the first bad unit-was a factory repack fobbed off as new--Now thats customer support.....and it didn't work either. You are just lucky if you get one of these that works-Stay away from this unit until they get it right! 2-11-2013 I'd give it 3-4 months at least.....

Pros: Works great with my Kindle Fire HD, using the app provided by Patriot. Kindles do not support the app for the Seagate WIFI hard drive, so this was a fantastic alternative! Still playing around with it, but I'm impressed with it. Used an old 80GB notebook HDD I had laying around, and it's sure cheaper than paying (the company that makes the Kindle, which cannot be mentioned here!!) $50 for an extra 16GB of flash storage!

Cons: None that I've found.....so far!
I do have to fiddle with the Kindle WIFI connection (change it from my home router to the Gauntlet Node, on the Kindle), and occasionally have to turn off the WIFI on the Kindle, then turn it back on, but I blame the Kindle for that, more than the Gauntlet Node.

Other Thoughts: Don't overthink this device! Definitely, have a decent set of jeweler's screwdrivers handy, as you'll need a Phillips head screwdriver smaller than what you'll find in most people's tool boxes. The drive is meant to sit with the "top" of the hard drive facing in, and the circuit board facing out (why in the world would you twist the connector wires, in that cramped of a space??).
While it seems that SSD support is iffy right now, we can hope that Patriot will provide a firmware support sometime in the future, since it seems SSD's are the wave of the future.

Pros: None at all

Cons: I originally posted that the device would not work with my OCZ Agility 4 drive and that tech support was not responding. After a few days they did respond and we tried the usual firmware updates to now avail. Here is there last response to me.

Hello,



After discussing this issue with the engineers, they have come to the conclusion that it is most likely a compatibility issue with the OCZ Agility 4 drive. The unit does seem to work with your mechanical drives and the Agility functions correctly when installed directly into the computer. If there is an issue during the format process through the node with the Agility drive, it is either the unit at fault or a compatibility issue. Since the issue only occurs with the SSD and not the mechanical drives, it is most likely a compatiblity issue.



Patriot Tech Support

No offer to try to fix it or even test it. I am left with a device that does not work and no desire to fix it from the vendor. I am not using a weird SSD drive and this should work. Patriot does not list drives that do work they just say SSD. The even more insane part is that I can format the drive in Windows via a SATA connection and put data on it but the device will not see it but they are no comment on why I have to format it via the USB. Bottom line is this device is not good and poorly designed. AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS.

Other Thoughts: I have purchased lots of memory from Patriot and always liked it too bad their lack of support has made me rethink that position

Pros: None

Cons: Too many to list but it will not work with an SSD. Purchased a Agility 4 formatted it in my system transferred files installed in node and nothing. Found out you have to format the drive in the node or it will not see it, brilliant engineering there. Used OCZ tools to secure erase drive and placed in gauntlet. Hooked it up to the pc via USB and went to format the drive. Format failed for unknown reason, suspect it thinks the SSD is read only. Tried numerous methods including XP virtual machine with no luch. Wrote an email to patriot and received no response at all. On a whim placed a old mechanical 2.5 laptop drive that has bad sectors in it and it worked with no problem. So thanks Patriot for making a device that says it supports SSD but does not and then ignoring questions about it. I will never buy another Patriot device of any type again.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

I'm sorry to hear that you experienced some issues with our Gauntlet Node. I'm also sorry to hear that you have not been assisted in the matter. Please note that responses can take up to one to two business days depending on the inquiries we get. All inquiries will be answered in the order they are received. In resolving the issue, we recommend flashing the SSD and the Gauntlet Node to the latest firmware. Please be sure to do a hard reset, with the reset hole by plugging in a safety pin or paper clip near the Node logo).

Thank you for your patience. For expedited support please call us at 1-800-800-9600.

Best Regards,
Aaron
Patriot Memory Customer Care

Pros: Samba, Cloud, Battery, Mobile storage. What else do you want?
I was able to stream to 2 android devices simultaneously wirelessly, watching a XVID movie and an mp4 movie.
This really solves the Nexus problem of not having an SD slot. Almost a much buy if you have a Nexus device.
I put a 750GB hdd in there and it works fine.
USB 3.0 transfer is FAST!
It's a real surprise that this works double duty as a wireless AP/extender, sort of. I can use it to pair it to my home wifi when it's only 2 bars, and use it's extra range boost to use the Internet for places otherwise too low for signal to reach.

Cons: If you have a lot of movies on the device, trying to browse using DICE player or BSPlayer is a little slow.
Forget iPad... I tried it on mine and only H.264 movies works on iPad. I didn't want to re-encode all my movies. Android players (above 2) works with many format much better.
I put it permanently in my van, using a 2A car USB charger; and now my van is a mobile storage cloud. My kids won't run out of movies now.
Gets a bit hot. Tried to use it in my jacket/pocket and it got too uncomfortably hot quickly. Nice in the winter though! Personal heater :)

Other Thoughts: For the guy who thought the HDD fit poorly -- try flipping the HDD around. I got stuck the first few times trying to install the HDD, and only managed to do it with the green circuit side facing towards me before I can close the lid. There's not much room inside this device.

Pros: None as of yet...

Cons: Assembly could have been a little friendlier. Small screws that strip easily hold the thing together. It could've just snap fit. Poor documentation included.
I've had no luck getting it to work at all.

Other Thoughts: I followed the instructions to a 'T' and still cannot get the thing to work. If I could give negative eggs, I would, but not for NewEgg...for the Manufacturer. After researching why it doesn't work it looks like the firmware might need updating, but if I can't see the contents of the drive...this is not possible. I'd rather just return it, but do not feel I should have to pay the shipping when I've already wasted my time trying to get the thing to function as advertised.
What a waste of my time and money.
BTW...I'm an IT guy for living, so I have a good idea of what I'm doing.

Manufacturer Response:

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear that you had some installation issues with our Gauntlet Node. Please send us an e-mail: Support@Patriotmem.com and I'll be glad to assist you in the matter.

Thank you for choosing Patriot Memory!

Regards,
Ben E.
Patriot Memory Customer Care

Pros: Conveniently browse pictures, musics. And maybe movies, when it works.

Cons: Wifi connection keep on dropping.

No password protection. Basically anyone in the range that install the application on their mobile can access my file.

Many movie files that I tried to use on my Ipad is not working.

Uploading files to the device has never worked, again connection issue. Keep on telling me to "Please reconnect your phone or table via Wi-Fi to GauntletNode".

Other Thoughts: Overall, I'm not happy with this product. Has a high expectation, and really want it to work. Unfortunately I think it's a fail product.

Manufacturer Response:

Hello,

I am sorry to hear that you had some playback & connection issues with our Gauntlet Node. Please refer to our website for the latest firmware that addresses connection issues. In regards to access, our GUI also allows for you to add a password to the ssid. Because the unit is simply a wifi storage device, it does not have it's own built in software media player. Therefore for Apple devices, we woould recommend using Oplayer. If you have any further questions, please send us an e-mail: Support@Patriotmem.com and I'll be glad to assist you in the matter.
Thank you for choosing Patriot Memory!

Regards,
Ben E.
Patriot Memory Customer Care

Pros: Will stream some video files but not all

Cons: Will NOT STREAM m2ts 1920x1080 without major stuttering thats the main reason I bought the node to stream Full HD m2ts files If wired the node will play the full HD (1920x 1080) m2ts files

Other Thoughts: Takes forever to get a response from customer service and then the answer provided to the question I asked was a total joke

Manufacturer Response:

Hello,

I am sorry to hear that you had some streaming issues with our Gauntlet Node. The reason that this is happening is because Higher Bitrate files require more packets to be sent and received. Because the Gauntlet Node supports a Wireless 150 Mbps transfer rate (which goes through bottleneck channels), higher bitrate files can have trouble streaming if it exceeds this bandwidth. If you have any further questions, please send us an e-mail: Support@Patriotmem.com and I'll be glad to assist you in the matter.
Thank you for choosing Patriot Memory!

Regards,
Ben E.
Patriot Memory Customer Care