After a quick search returned many posts not related to my topic, I decided to start a new post. I'm sure this has been covered before, but here it goes...

I want to add a portable usb hard drive to my system for music. I have a 2011 IS250 standard stereo (non ML). I know there is a usb port in the arm rest. Is there another usb port in the back of the unit?

Also, what portable hard drives have people had success with? Any drives to avoid? I would like to keep it plugged into the usb port in the arm rest or behind the unit if possible. Thanks!

A quick search returned many posts that are way too advanced for what I want. I'm sure this has been covered before, but here it goes...

I want to add a portable usb hard drive to my system for music. I have a 2011 IS250 standard stereo system (non ML). I know there is a usb port in the arm rest. Is there another usb port in the back of the unit?

I know I can add a usb stick and play music from it. How about a usb hard drive?

Also, what portable hard drives have people had success with? Any drives to avoid? I would like to keep it plugged into the usb port in the arm rest or behind the unit if possible.

In my searches I've come across VAIS. I'm not really sure what that is. Do I need it??

Thanks!

Nope. You have no way to load the drivers for the hard drive to the head unit. The head unit has no operating system to run a hard drive.

duplicate thread. delete

So what would I need exactly to hook up an external hard drive? The more simplistic, the better...Thanks!

I know I have a duplicate post, but I can't figure out how to delete it. Probably something very simple...

Check out the VaisTech ML+: http://www.vaistech.com/products/mlp/mlp.php

OK, I just borrowed a friend's Toshiba Canvio Plus 750GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive and plugged it into the USB port in the arm rest. After a minute or two, the car recognized the drive and played music from the hard drive! He told me that the hard drive must be formated using FAT32 and NOT NTFS.

With tons of music on his hard drive, it did make it cumbersome to scroll through all of his songs/folders. Since I would just have it on random, it really doesn't matter to me. I'll have to give it a try...