mbDrive review

Damien McFerran

We review mbDrive, a handy app that lets you use your iPhone's on-board storage as a Wi-Fi flash drive

Published on Nov 20, 2009

When you consider how much on-board memory there is on your iPhone it’s a real shame that the device doesn’t feature a straightforward way of using it as a mass-storage drive whilst on the move.

Many other smartphones allow simple drag-and-drop file transfer – via USB or Bluebooth - and such connectivity comes as a real godsend when you’re looking to quickly and easily transport vital files, such as work documents, photos or PDFs.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by the iPhone’s lack of storage options, then mbDrive might just be the app that answers your prayers.

Using a wireless connection, mbDrive allows you to turn your phone into a portable flash drive, where you can store all manner of different files and folders. The app will even open and display certain common file types, such as PDF documents, iWork files, Text files, mp4 video files and mp3 audio files.

Using your computer’s operating system you can essentially treat your iPhone's cavernous internal storage as a virtual drive, dropping-in files and even creating new folders to make organising your digital items that little bit easier.

It all sounds pretty brilliant, and using the app is relatively simple. Transfer is quick and painless, and you don’t even need to plug in any leads.

The proviso is that both your computer and the iPhone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, as it’s via this portal that the two devices interface with one another.

This is where mbDrive’s usefulness is curtailed ever so slightly, because the chances are the only place you can ensure that both machines inhabit the same wireless space is within the four walls of your home.

If you have an understanding boss then you might be able to connect up at work, or if you happen to have access to other Wi-Fi networks on a regular basis then mbDrive’s practicality is increased.

Should these conditions be in place then you’re guaranteed to get the most out of this app. If not, then chances are you might feel a little short-changed by the developer’s boasts of transforming your iPhone into a fully-mobile hard drive.

Plus, while mbDrive’s tutorial is comprehensive and features step-by-step instructions on how to connect using different operating systems, it’s certainly not always just a case of tapping a few buttons and gaining access to your data.

If you’re tech-savvy and live a totally wireless world then mbDrive’s caveats will present no problems and you’ll find it soon becomes an essential piece of software. However, if you’re a Wi-Fi rookie then we’d advise that you don't chuck away your trusty USB equivalent just yet.