DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Yesterday in an UHH post, Gene51 mentioned the RAV Power WD03 as a solution to backing up SD cards. I was unaware of this product, so I did some further research. It's an interesting device, which can perform multiple functions. Here is basically what I found:

It looks to me like this $40 device allows you to:
- Back up photos, including RAW files, from SD cards to a large thumb drive, or portable had drive, without a computer. Useful when traveling.
- Stream MP3's from a large thumb drive, and play them back through an iPad or iPhone. I know those devices can store MP3's, but the device would allow you to carry and select from a large number of albums without taking up space on your tablet.
- Provide WiFi in a hotel room only equipped for wired internet access.
- Act as a WiFi signal extender. (Maybe - I see conflicting info on this).
- Stream slideshows or other media to multiple devices.
- Serve as a cell phone or tablet charging device.
- Move photos from iPad/iphone to other storage.

Control of the device is via an app you put on your phone or tablet.

I watched several Youtube videos on the product. One was by a remarkably articulate ten year old boy. One of the things I noted was that in some cases, certain features work on a tablet, but the presenter couldn't get a few features to work properly on a cell phone, while other features worked fine on the cell phone.

I'm torn about whether I would use this. I have a lot of tech toys that I bought, managed to get to work, but found to be more effort than they were worth. I'd be interested in hearing from Gene or any other UHH'ers as to whether they regularly use it, and what bugs and frustrations they have encountered. Also, are there other functions or uses I haven't mentioned? Do you recommend for or against this product?

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

They're OK as a portable battery that will even charge an iPad, which are very demanding for chargers.

DStone Loc: Outside Winston-Salem, NC

I bought the WD01 a couple weeks ago and had trouble getting it to work on OIS (both iPhone and tablet). After three days of emails with customer service, it's working fine. Trouble was in the apps. They finally told me to buy the FileBrowser app. I did, it works, they even reimbursed me for the app ($6).

I use it to make backups on the road, SD to thumb drive, without carrying a laptop. It does that for me. But, the WD01 was first generation - I talked with several WD03 users who reported no troubles.

Hope this helps you.

alabau Loc: Ft Lauderdale, Florida

I use it on my Samsung 7. I initially had trouble connecting using, but after installing the most current firmware it's been working flawlessly.

Gaddysmom

I was slow on understanding Gene51's info, but finally did as you did and Googled for info on the device. I still have one question, however. I read here and in other places that it is not compatible with a MAC-formatted external hard drive. If one transfers images from the RAVPower WD03 to a flash/thumb drive, can they then be imported to a MAC?

Thank you, in advance, for any answers.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I got one for a trip to Africa last year to back up my images. Afterwards I realized I could use the second card in my D800 for backup and could stand to lose the images I used my D5300 on. So I never used it.

I had tested it and it worked OK once I figured it out.