Well-known storage company Lexar has launched the Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub on Kickstarter. It is a compact storage system designed for mobile filmmakers using the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max smartphones.
The iPhone 15 Pro series can capture 4K Apple ProRes video at up to 60 frames per second, provided the user has an external SSD attached via USB-C; otherwise, the recording is capped at 30p. As filmmakers have demonstrated since Apple launched the 15 Pro phones last fall, the devices are capable of creating professional-quality videos, so companies have been rushing to deliver the accessories and storage tools enthusiasts and pros require.
Lexar has joined the fray with the Go Portable SSD and Hub, and the project has already shattered its modest $10,000 target in only a few hours, earning nearly $130,000 in pledged support at the time of writing.
Some may ask why Lexar, an established company, is using Kickstarter. The company isn’t the first — and won’t be the last — to use crowdfunding platforms despite being fully capable of launching a project of its own accord.
Moving past that, the actual product itself is compact and clever. The Hub plugs into the smartphone via USB-C and can be expanded with separate storage up to 2TB. While the Hub occupies the phone’s single USB-C port, it itself has four Type-C ports, enabling connections for a portable SSD, microphone, power bank, and more. One of the included ports supports 30W power delivery and transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
It can be a little confusing at first glance, so it’s important to understand that there are two separate components here. The Go Portable SSD is the smaller component that plugs directly into the iPhone and enables external ProRes recording. The second, larger silver device is the Hub, the expansion dock with additional USB-C ports.
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD has a bent connector so that it plugs into the phone’s USB-C port while the SSD itself is tucked behind the phone. It’s compact, too, measuring just 1.71 x 0.98 x 0.32 inches. The Hub then connects to this on the phone’s backside and is 2.71 x 1.71 x 0.32 inches. Notably, the SSD and Hub are the same thickness, so they sit together flush. Further, no wires are required, and the SSD and Hub have IP65 ratings.
By the way, while the focus here is clearly on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max — and presumably whatever Apple has its sleeve next — Lexar notes that the Go Portable SSD and Hub are compatible with Android devices, as long as they support USB-C connection, has OTG functionality, and a USB load capacity greater than 4.5 watts.
Pricing and Availability
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD starts at $129 for the 1TB version, which includes a 1TB SSD, silicone protective case, male-to-female adapter, storage box, and 20 label stickers. For $159, backers can add the Hub, a cold shoe adapter cable, a male-to-male adapter, and a storage bag.
The 2TB Portable SSD is $209; adding the Hub increases the pledge price to $239.
The eventual retail prices for the Lexar Portable SSD will start at $189, or $239 for the 1TB SSD and Hub. The 2TB SSD and Hub will cost $349 combined.
Lexar says delivery for all Portable Go SSD and Hub products will begin in September.
The complete specifications and backing details are available on Kickstarter.
Disclaimer: Make sure you do your research into any crowdfunding project you’re considering backing. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, there’s always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project.
Image credits: Lexar