Patriot Gauntlet Node Wireless Enclosure Review

Final Thoughts
Things have really changed the past few years.  Mobile phones were just that phones, now they are camera, mobile media devices and much more.  Now with the explosion of tablets we are going to want to take more and more data with us on the go and all of these devices have limited storage and storage expandability.  That is where the Gauntlet Node comes in and is the perfect device.

Not only does the Gauntlet node allow you to store data but you can share the data wirelessly on up to 8 devices at the same time.  This is a mobile world and many people are traveling for business or going on vacation and the Gauntlet is perfect for those people or families.  You can load the Gauntlet up with media and at the end of a long day everyone can enjoy the media on their laptop, mobile phone or tablet.  Using the iOS app I did not have any issues streaming both 720p and 1080p content.  It is sure better than watching YouTube videos.  Also streaming music and viewing photos worked without a hitch.

Connecting to the node is a very easy process, especially if you are doing it from a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.  The iOS app is very easy to use if you are a beginner and if you have a smartphone you should know how to connect to a WiFi network.  If you are using a laptop accessing the drive wirelessly is a little more in depth but if you follow the directions in the manual you should not have any issues at all.

Not only can you connect to the Gauntlet Node and stream files, but it can act as a pass-through for your internet connection.  All you have to do is go into the settings and have it connect to the wireless AP associated with your internet connection.  Now you not only have access to all of the files on the Gauntlet Node, but you can use the internet as all.  Of course there are some things you do not want everyone to see.  With the Gauntlet node you are able to setup wireless security with WEP, WPA and WPA2.  You can also change the default “admin” password to access the files from your computer.

Besides just being able to access your file wirelessly this enclosure is a USB 3.0 enclosure.  This makes loading a bunch of files on the device much faster and easier.  Our review unit did include a 320GB SATA II hard drive, but you can purchase the Gauntlet Node as just a standalone enclosure.  It supports 2.5-inch drives including solid state drives.  This allows you to choose the capacity of the drive to meet your needs.  If you are not going to use this that much as a USB 3.0 drive then save yourself the money and just for a normal 2.5-inch drive.

Right now the standalone enclosure is selling for $95 at my favorite online retailer.  The unit we reviewed today with the 320GB drive is only $45 more at $140.  Patriot offers a 2 year warranty with the Gauntlet Node.  I would have liked to see at least a 3 year warranty.  Overall ThinkComputers gives the Patriot Gauntlet Node Wireless Enclosure a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award.

rating9 10 small TC award recommended small

Pros:
– Small and portable
– Can stream content wirelessly on up to 8 devices
– iOS and Android apps
– Internet pass-through feature

Cons:
– Could have a better warranty

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