Initial Setup:

The app is the same for the original MobileLite Wireless and the new G2. So while there have been several updates (the latest was on June 25, 2014), the app has the same overall look and feel as before. For a refresher, please visit the previous review for plenty of extra details.

As mentioned previously, the tutorial gives you a few steps to get going but the reality is the device is really straight forward. One thing that should be noted was the original app supported Android 2.3 and higher, which was later upgraded to support 3.0 and higher, but the G2 requires Android 4.0 or higher. Since many carriers are slow to roll out updates there may be some users that are carrying around older phones that won’t work with this device. To Kingston’s credit they do state this device requirement on the outside of the packaging, but I suspect many people have no idea what version Android they are running.



After downloading and installing the app, you simply connect to the G2’s Wi-Fi and open the app. Once you get connected to the device the first thing I would recommend doing is setting up the wireless network. By default it comes open. So before you inadvertently share your files with someone you don’t know, set up a password ASAP.



Performance:

The MobileLite Wireless G2 supports the same network standards (G & N) as before, and again I had no difficulties getting any device connected. The documentation indicates Wi-Fi range of 30 feet, but I found that to be conservative.

The MobileLite Wireless G2 has a 4640mAh battery rated at 3.8V. This is a huge step up from the first generation (1800mAh). Kingston claims 13 hours of continuous use versus 5 for the first generation. According to Kingston this can recharge your iPhone 5 2x’s. Also worth noting, unlike the last generation every device I connected to charge stayed charging. And this thing charges as fast as my wall adapter that came with the phone. A benefit for the traveler is the ability to take a charge while charging your device and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. Unfortunately though the battery status is unchanged; the icon in the app gives no real indication of charge level. I would much prefer to see a percentage reading too.



The biggest improvement to this device is the addition of the Ethernet port. This makes the device a traveler's dream. Now you can bridge to a wired network (or a wireless one). So if you end up in a hotel that doesn’t have Wi-Fi, or has very weak Wi-Fi, but it has a wired connection you are set. Just plug this in and you have a mini router, file sharing device, card reader, and charger all in one.

You can also use the Android App "ES File Explorer" or something similar to browse the files on the device. In some cases I found this to be a little faster to navigate and use, especially if I wanted to move a bunch of files. But this could just be because I am more familiar with this app.