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HP unveils its first mobile wireless storage expander, the HP Pocket Playlist

The HP Pocket Playlist joins the list of growing Wi-Fi storage expander/digital servers.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
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Dong Ngo
The HP Pocket Playlist at CES 2013.
The HP Pocket Playlist at CES 2013. Dong Ngo/CNET

LAS VEGAS--If you are a fan of wireless storage expanders like the Seagate Satellite, Wireless Plus, or the Kingston Wi-Drive, here's another option.

HP announced today at CES 2013 the HP Pocket Playlist, a 32GB wireless pocket drive that comes with a built-in battery and Wireless-N access point.

The Pocket Playlist can stream unencrypted content, be it movies, music, TV shows, or photos, to up to five mobile devices at the same time.

The HP Pocket Playlist is just about the size of the iPhone 4 but much lighter.
The HP Pocket Playlist is just about the size of the iPhone 4 but much lighter. Dong Ngo/CNET

The device is very compact; in fact it's about the same size but much lighter than the iPhone 4. While 32GB is relatively limited, that's enough to hold around 16 full-length movies, 8,000 songs, or 10,000 photos. It comes with mobile apps for Android, Windows, and iOS devices.

I just had a brief time with the device but it seems to have lots of potential. It will be available for purchase on January 15 for $129. Check back then for a full review.