Hands-on: HP Pocket Playlist portable Wi-Fi storage
updated 05:13 pm EST, Thu January 10, 2013
Supplementary storage for mobile devices
HP does not have a presence on the CES show floor this year, however the company did bring some of its new products to Las Vegas to show off. Electronista had a chance to check out the Pocket Playlist, a portable Wi-Fi storage device that provides supplementary storage for iOS- and Android-powered devices.
Many people eventually run out of storage on their iOS or Android devices, limiting the number of movies and music tracks that can be enjoyed while on the go. iPhones and iPads are limited to 64GB, an option that adds $200 to the base price, while microSD cards for Android devices are also limited to 64GB.
HP's Pocket Playlist attempts to overcome this limitation, placing additional storage in a cellphone-size device with an integrated Wi-Fi radio. Batteries eliminate the need for wired power, while the Wi-Fi system works without the need for a separate router.
Aside from music, videos and photos, the Playlist also works in conjunction with the PlayLater paid service that serves as a DVR for other content such as Netflix and Hulu. This is clearly a plus, though users will have to pay either $20/year or $40 for a lifetime subscription after the free one-month trial comes to an end.
The Playlist's $129 price tag seems reasonable, though we would prefer if the company added more than just 32GB of additional storage. HP expects the device to begin shipping sometime in February.
