In addition to smartphones and tablets, other devices that support the DLNA standard can stream content from the G-Connect. With my Xbox 360, I was quickly able to stream some content (save for one movie file that appeared to have a format conflict) from the G-Connect to my TV. The drive also has excellent iTunes support and sharing, so you can open that app and instantly stream content via iTunes or AirPlay devices.

Some caveats: The hardest part is getting your content on the device -- it's best to connect directly to the drive via USB cable rather than trying to copy content via the wireless connection (even if the device is attached to the network via Ethernet, it's easier to directly load via USB). As a nice-to-have request, it would be interesting to see G-Technology add cloud-based access to the G-Connect, so you could be away from your home network (at work, on the road) and still able to access the content.

Grade: 4.5 stars (out of five).

Shaw can be reached at kshaw@nww.com. Follow him on Twitter: @shawkeith.

in Network World's Data Center section.