Interact's
Dex Drive



Overall Rating

95%

Type of Hardware

 Memory Card Manager -Specialty
" - Store saved games from your PlayStation to your PC's hard drive! NOTE: The DexDrive is also available for the Nintendo 64. "

Controls

     The software (named 'DexPlorer) that is shipped with the DexDrive is very easily learned. The DexPlorer software has every control available in the PlayStation's Memory Card Manager, with the same basic interface. It's simple interface shows you the contents of your inserted PlayStation memory card in the left window and the contents of your 'virtual' memory card (from your PC's hard drive) in the right window.

Application

     The DexDrive is connected to your PC via an open Com Port. (You will need one until InterAct decides to support the USB interface.) The installation instructions that come with the device are straightforward and easy to understand. It is as simple as plugging the device in and installing the software.

Durability

     The DexDrive itself is highly durable. It is a solid piece of equipment. Although I don't recommend it, the DexDrive will probably sustain a fall off your computer desk. Also, the DexDrive is actually quite small. It is only slightly wider than your PlayStation's memory cards, and only about 3 inches high by 4 inches long. It will easily find space on your crowded desk!

Function

     This handy little device allows you to transfer your memory card's contents to your PC's hard drive. Then, using the DexPlorer software, you can store unlimited saves and even send your saves to other DexDrive owners via the Internet using your e-mail account.

Unfortunately, this is one of the drawbacks of the DexPlorer software. In the initial version, there was an 'E-mail' button that was supposed to allow you to quickly e-mail your virtual card's contents to friends. This e-mail function never worked. In fact, in later releases of the software, InterAct took out the option completely.

The function of the DexPlorer software is outstanding! To copy contents, it is as easy as 'dragging and dropping' with your mouse from one window to the other. You can easily create new virtual cards and use the 'backup' option to quickly copy all of the contents of your memory card to your PC's hard drive. Transversely, you can copy all contents of the virtual card to the memory card with the click of a button. You also have the option of duplicating from one memory card to another just as you would on the PlayStation itself.

I recommend that anyone with both a PlayStation (or N64) and a PC with an Internet connection, pick up InterAct's DexDrive. In the long run, it will save you money by eliminating the need to buy more memory cards and will add replay value to your existing games!!!

Features
  • PlayStation saves stored on your PC's hard drive
  • Easily controllable DexPlorer software
  • Simple hook-up
  • 'Multi-Page' memory card support
  • Unlimited saves
  • $40 cost (same as buying 3 Sony memory cards)

InterAct has a lot of support for their product (including EA Sports). Users can e-mail InterAct their saved games which will be posted onto their website. On this website, users have access to download hundreds of saves to: try out new tricks, use cheats (some GameShark exclusive), play with user-created players, play with updated sports rosters, try to beat other people's high scores, and the list goes on.

Another worthy note is that "bleem!" (PlayStation emulator) supports the DexDrive's .GME file extension. However, bleem! will convert the file to the readable .MCD extension and you will need an external program to convert it back.

Drawbacks and Problems

     
  • No one-button e-mail support
  • Not USB compatible
  • For PCs only, no Macintosh support!
  • Only one memory card slot
  • Access time is no faster than the PlayStation's Memory Card Manager
  • Not directly connected to your PlayStation, so you need your computer to be close or face the frustration of having to go to the other room to use it

Requirements

     
  • This is a PC device. You MUST have a PC to use this device.
  • Personal computer with Pentium 75 or higher processor
  • Microsoft Windows 95 / 98 / NT 4.0 operating system
  • 8 megabytes of system RAM
  • 2 megabytes of available hard drive space
  • Super VGA with Hi-Color display mode
  • System with one available COM port (some configuration may be needed to use the DexDrive)
Review by:
Woody
AKA Shane Wodele