SanDisk today announced that its iXpand Flash Drive is now available in a larger 256GB storage capacity for $279.99, expanding upon existing 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities available for between $49.99 and $129.99.
The iXpand Flash Drive connects to the Lightning port on an iPhone or iPad to provide the device with up to 256GB of additional storage space through the SanDisk iXpand Drive app. It has a USB-A port with USB 3.0 speeds for quickly transferring files to and from another iOS device, Mac, or PC.
MacRumors reviewed the second-generation iXpand Flash Drive last year and noted that it was a worthwhile purchase for those who need expanded storage, although the new 256GB size is on the expensive side.
SanDisk also introduced its Connect Wireless Stick in a larger 256GB storage capacity for $279.99. The wireless flash drive enables wireless storage and transfer of files from one iPhone or iPad to another iOS device, Mac, or PC over a password-protected Wi-Fi network. It has a USB 2.0 port.
Both external storage solutions are available now at Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, and select other retailers in the United States and elsewhere.
Top Rated Comments
[doublepost=1488298720][/doublepost]It's not really about consuming content as much as it is about how long it takes to fill it with content. If you're loading up 256GB worth of movies for a trip, at a best speed of 35-40MB/s, that will take you 109-125 minutes. That's still a lot of video, so for people who just load it up once and forget about it, it might be fine. But USB 3.0 controllers and faster flash isn't exactly expensive nowadays. Even this well reviewed, high end 256GB flash drive ('https://www.amazon.com/PNY-Elite-256GB-Premium-Flash/dp/B01E17LNNU/') in a premium enclosure that does 400MB/s read and 180MB/s write is only $89, and you can fill it in 24 minutes. Or they make a 512GB version ('https://www.amazon.com/PNY-Elite-512GB-Premium-P-FD512PRO-GE/dp/B01E17LOL6/') that does 250MB/s read for only $224 and 256GB of it could be filled in 17 minutes. You get twice the storage space and six times the write speed for $55 less. And MFi isn't going to cost anywhere near $55 per unit. Or the $190 markup over the 256GB version. It's a massive ripoff, and they should be ashamed for selling a super slow USB 2.0 device for that much money. If it was way cheaper, then I could maybe understand. Maybe. But in 2017 it saves them pennies to use USB 2.0.
Yeah, didn't we here recently something about an "Ultra Accessory Connector" (UAC)...??
https://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2017/02/apple-uac-port
"smaller than Lightning or USB-C, that could be used to charge devices or transfer data."
This won't be any use to me until iOS has integral support for extended storage via lighting.
I have three of the Connect sticks up to 64GB capacity. They max out at 10MB/s write speed via USB. Yup, you read right. Adding USB 3.0 would be the proverbial 'putting lipstick on a pig' since the NAND chips used are so low budget and slow. The wireless bit works well, if slowly, otherwise. Fine for uploading small images but not much fun for large sized files. I honestly do not see the value in high storage capacities until Sandisk beefs up the wireless and I/O speeds considerably.