Easy Data Transfer Between PCs -- With No Extra Software!

Tue Nov 28, 2006 12:48PM EST

See Comments (36)

Last Gadget Standing WINNER

When Data Drive Thru submitted its Tornado data transfer gizmo for our CES Last Gadget Standing competition, I was skeptical. Its claim: Plug in a custom USB cable to two computers and you can transfer data between the two PCs without installing extra software.

Now I've used network-based sync tools many times as well as LapLink, but all of those require a little overhead. So I put the Tornado to the test.

Sure enough, you just extend the two USB cables and plug each into a PC. On one computer, the Tornado transfer system popped up on screen in a few seconds. On the other, my machine required a reboot. I plugged the Tornado cable back into it, and the transfer system popped up immediately.

Transferring files is really quite simple. The Tornado client is a lot like having two Windows Explorer windows open at once. One PC appears at the top of the screen, the other PC at the bottom. You can browse each PC completely, then just drag and drop files from one computer to another, and you can do file copies either way. Transfers are extremely quick, thanks to the USB 2.0 interface. (I'm used to doing these kind of transfers over Wi-Fi, which is dog slow in comparison.)

With the exception of that one reboot, I had zero trouble with the product. My only real complaint is the length of the cable: At about five feet long, it can be surprisingly tricky to position two computers that close together and wrangle a USB cable connection to each. An extra foot would have actually made a huge difference.

At $60, it seems like the Tornado is a little on the pricey side, but not obscenely so. Then again, considering LapLink Gold costs $130 on its web site (and a USB cable is an extra $50), it's comparatively a bargain. I like it!

Comments on Easy Data Transfer Between PCs -- With No Extra Software!

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  • 26 Posted by simonpanicker on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree that using standard 10BaseT Crossover cables are the fastest way (10,100 or 1Gig) to transfer back to back. Will require reasonable knowledge of IP settings. Remember when you do this - you no longer have DHCP. Back in good old days, I used crossed over serial cables and used to transfer at 115Kbps. And why not use something simpler like USB sticks? Simon Panicker

  • 27 Posted by h2o_fun_doc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'd spend my $60 on an external harddrive and use that to transfer the data. Doesn't sound like a good deal to me.

  • 28 Posted by iamtawodi on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:22PM EDT Report Abuse

    I intend to get this asap. As a disabled vet often laid up in my hospital bed, it would be immensely convenient to be able to transfer info to my desktop. I don't have to worry about usb cables, have a box of 'em in the closet behind me. Considering the high cost of other gadgets, this one isn't that pricey.....if it works as advertised. Hawk

  • 29 Posted by lapkitt on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    Sorry to say although this SOUNDS like a good umm "solution????" I find it much easier Cheaper and more reliable to use an external hdd. Aside from the important Fact that the external hdd serves as a backup Many people already have a 10 - 40 gig 2.5" hdd resting in an old laptop they forgot about. A simple usb enclosure is less than 20 bucks. And Nothing is easier than just dragging and dropping to the new drive. Oh for those without a spare hdd compgeek has a 3GB USB 2.0 Portable Drive (Black/Silver) for less than $25 bucks Nuff said gl 2 all :-) eek

  • 30 Posted by lapman4421 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    network ethernet is still the simplest way to go and file sharing enabling is a peace of cake just a right click away just make sure that both computers have the same network name.very easy to setup even for the computer illiterate this is 101 people easy stuff .besides everyone needs a second computer whether they want to admit it or not.you dont need a new computer to share and store files on even a windows 98 computer would be more than sufficient for this = to a 20 dollar computer.

  • 31 Posted by sammy_gup on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have a WRT54G router installed and it shares files between my 3 pieces wirelessly and effortlessly. It's almost 60$ but hey you do away with the cabling bit.

  • 32 Posted by belfordjay on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    If you're a tekkie, this device may be like pulling teeth. But if you don't speak computer (fluently)

  • 33 Posted by miwags on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:22PM EDT Report Abuse

    A USB flash drive or USB hard drive are a far better investment and do the same job with minimal effort. They also are handy when the 2 computers aren't in the same location. Cost of my 2GB flash drive $9.95 (on sale). Cost of my 300GB USB drive $99.95.

  • 34 Posted by bullgodking on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    I just transferred the files from my backup copy on external harddrive. Games, pictures and so on. Now I will update them using my new computer. Seems like alot of green and trouble for such simple task.

  • 35 Posted by vishmevada on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    i think is that usiing this is like trying to use a usb blutooth and install blutooth software and find each other computer and sharing data both computers.thanks forever.. but computer are more than two so use the networking.thats like a right way...

  • 36 Posted by faizan_edge4it on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    Network transfers data from one place to another place. The people benefit form networks and companies can easily transfer their data through various kinds of networks. Outsourcing Solution in BPO

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