RavPower 5-in-1 FileHub Review: Travel Battery & File Sharing
FileHub: A Comprehensive Review
The FileHub presents itself as a versatile digital utility, akin to a Swiss Army knife for the modern user. It offers a range of functionalities, including device charging, mobile hotspot connectivity, file streaming, and data backup.
Core Functionality and Testing
This review will thoroughly examine the FileHub’s performance across all advertised features. We will assess whether this compact device, notably smaller than a standard deck of playing cards, can effectively deliver on its promises.
The device’s capabilities extend to replenishing device batteries. It also facilitates the creation of a mobile hotspot, enabling network access for multiple devices.
File Management Capabilities
Furthermore, the FileHub allows for the transmission of files to and from connected devices. This bidirectional file transfer is a key component of its functionality.
A crucial aspect of the FileHub is its ability to serve as a central repository for backing up data from various devices. This ensures data security and accessibility.
Our testing process will determine if the FileHub can truly excel in each of these areas, despite its diminutive size.
Introducing the RavPower 5-in-1 FileHub
The RavPower 5-in-1 FileHub is a versatile, multi-functional device. It shares similarities with the TripMate, which was examined in a prior review. Both devices integrate a power bank, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and file sharing/streaming capabilities.
However, the FileHub diverges from the TripMate in one key aspect. It lacks an Ethernet port, preventing its use as a wired router to convert a wired internet connection into a Wi-Fi signal. Conversely, it incorporates a built-in SD card reader, a feature absent in the TripMate.
Key Features and Comparisons
For further information, consider reading The Complete Guide to Buying an External Battery Pack.
Similar to the TripMate, the FileHub features an internal battery. This battery powers the device's functions and simultaneously provides charging for other devices. The FileHub is equipped with a 3000 mAh battery, offering extended operational time or on-the-go device recharging.
Understanding FileHub Operation
The primary function of the FileHub is to provide supplemental power to your devices. To utilize this feature, simply connect your device’s USB charging cable to the designated USB port on the device’s edge, positioned adjacent to the SD card slot. No button presses are required; the FileHub will automatically initiate charging for any connected device with a low or depleted battery.
Accessing Advanced Features
The more sophisticated capabilities of this device—such as functioning as a Wi-Fi hotspot, transferring files to an SD card, or streaming content from it—require a Wi-Fi enabled device like an Android phone, iPad, or laptop. To activate these functions, press the small button located on the left side of the device, just above the micro USB charging port.
Related: A Review of the HooToo TripMate: A Versatile Travel Battery and Wi-Fi Solution
Upon pressing the button, the device will illuminate, displaying a lit battery indicator signifying active operation and a blue Wi-Fi light indicating the antenna is enabled.
In a previous review of the TripMate, we demonstrated the setup process from a Windows computer. This time, we will present a slightly different approach, illustrating how to configure the FileHub and access its files using an Android phone.
With the solid blue indicator light illuminated, locate a Wi-Fi access point on your enabled device named FileHub-XXXX, where XXXX represents a unique identifier assigned to your specific FileHub unit.
Connect to the access point using the default password "11111111" (eight consecutive ones). Following successful login, open a web browser on your device and navigate to 10.10.10.254 to access the device’s administration panel. The default credentials are "admin" with no password.
The initial administrative login will initiate a configuration wizard to guide you through the setup process. The first step involves connecting the device to an existing Wi-Fi network, granting attached devices internet access. This step can be bypassed if no network is available or if you prefer not to link the FileHub.
Next, regardless of whether you connected to a Wi-Fi network, you’ll review the local settings, including the device’s SSID, password, IP address, and other network configurations. It is strongly recommended to change the default password from "11111111" to a more secure alternative.
The wizard will then prompt you to establish a user password, replacing the default blank password with your chosen credential.
After the device reboots and applies the changes, repeat the login procedure to reconnect. Remember to use your new SSID password and the updated administrative password. The standard dashboard will then be displayed, without the startup wizard.
From this dashboard, you can adjust all previously configured settings (or rerun the wizard if desired) and verify that your SD card storage is mounted. Basic file manipulation is possible through the Explore function, though it is somewhat limited.
A more efficient method is to connect to the device from another system, such as an Android phone, using a file browser capable of accessing network drives. The ES File Explorer app is well-suited for this purpose. Launch the app and navigate to the FileHub using the LAN file browser. Tap the globe icon in ES File Explorer and select LAN.
Select the FileHub entry (visible only when connected) and enter the same login credentials used for the control panel.
Once logged into the network share, you can seamlessly transfer files between your device and the FileHub, and stream media content from the SD card.
Evaluating Performance
The initial setup process was straightforward. However, the crucial aspect is assessing the FileHub's actual performance capabilities.
Extensive file transfer and hosting features are rendered ineffective if network connectivity is unreliable or if the SD card consistently fails to be recognized.
Stability and Transfer Speeds
Over several weeks of testing, we encountered no stability problems, unexpected disconnections, or other operational issues. The FileHub demonstrated excellent performance in streaming both audio and video content to various devices, including iPads and Android phones.
Backing up files from portable devices to the FileHub's SD card proved to be remarkably simple. Transfer speeds remained consistently around 1.6 MB/s when handling larger files.
Considering our testing involved transferring data from a phone’s internal microSD card via Wi-Fi to the FileHub, which then utilized a standard SD card, these speeds are considered quite acceptable.
While not achieving the fastest possible 802.11ac transfer rates, the observed speed and quality are satisfactory given the inherent limitations of the intervening hardware.
Battery Functionality
When utilized solely as a portable power bank, the device functioned flawlessly. It successfully provided a full charge to our smartphones and a partial charge to our tablets, consistent with its 3,000 mAh battery capacity.
The battery’s capacity is sufficient for supplemental power needs during travel or in situations where access to a traditional power source is limited.
Assessment: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Overall Evaluation
Following a comprehensive evaluation of the device’s performance, a final assessment can be made. A detailed breakdown of its merits and drawbacks is presented below.
Positive Attributes:
- Its remarkably lightweight and slim profile makes it highly portable; its dimensions are comparable to a standard playing card deck, though more slender, and it weighs just 4.2 ounces.
- The initial configuration is remarkably straightforward; even incorporating password modifications, the entire process takes approximately 30 seconds to complete.
- The storage capacity, utilizing SD cards, is readily expandable, benefiting from the continually decreasing cost of SD card technology.
- The integrated LED indicators are thoughtfully implemented, providing clear and immediate status updates regarding the device’s operation.
Negative Aspects:
- A larger battery capacity would be highly desirable. The current 3,000 mAh capacity feels somewhat limited.
- The recommended file management software is noticeably inferior to established alternatives such as ES File Explorer.
- The absence of a built-in flashlight is a notable omission. Given the low cost of LEDs, incorporating a flashlight into portable power banks seems a logical addition.
Final Evaluation:
Even with the lack of a LAN port – a feature appreciated in the TripMate model – and the relatively modest internal battery, the FileHub successfully delivers on its core promise: to seamlessly connect Wi-Fi enabled devices, facilitate effortless access to shared files, and provide a convenient storage location. Its additional capabilities, including functioning as a backup power source and a Wi-Fi repeater when connected to an existing network, enhance its overall value.
For users who do not require the wired LAN connectivity of the TripMate and would benefit from easily expandable, yet compact, storage – as provided by the FileHub’s SD card slot – this device represents an excellent choice.