iPad Pro iPad Pro M4 + Hub/Dock

[stanzlavos]

Hi All

I am considering getting an iPad Pro M4 11", primarily as a travel device. When on long trips, I backup photos from my DSLR/MILC to two 2TB external SSDs (and an external 4TB magnetic drive, if time permits). Right now I use a 7 year old HP x360 that has begun to show its age.

The process would be something like this:

1. Card reader goes to the USB 3.1 type-A port.
2. 2 SSDs are connected to the two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.
3. Backup to both SSDs in parallel.
4. Steps 1-3 repeated for camera 2.
5. Connect HDD to USB 3.1 type-A port.
6. Copy to HDD --> camera 1 data from SSD 1, camera 2 data from SSD 2.

SSD backup would be limited by the card reader (USB 3.1) speed and the HDD backup would be limited by the HDD speed.

Now, to achieve a similar (or better) workflow with an iPad pro, I had shortlisted two hubs:

1. Anker 555 hub
2. OWC Thunderbolt hub

A few queries I had:

1. Will the Anker 555 suffice ? Is it safe to assume that I will get at-least similar performance (backup times) as now ?
2. Or should I get the more expensive Thunderbolt 4 hub ?

Thanks!

 

[sparksd]

I use that same Anker hub for a similar photo backup scheme (Canon RAW files) and it works well. The performance is good though I can't say if it is comparable to your current setup. Given the configuration of the OWC hub, it would likely be faster.

 

[stanzlavos]

I use that same Anker hub for a similar photo backup scheme (Canon RAW files) and it works well. The performance is good though I can't say if it is comparable to your current setup. Given the configuration of the OWC hub, it would likely be faster.

Do you backup to two SSDs (from the card reader) simultaneously as well ? That is where I have my doubts.

 

[sparksd]

Do you backup to two SSDs (from the card reader) simultaneously as well ? That is where I have my doubts.

Yes, one on USB-A, one on USB-C.

 

[stanzlavos]

Yes, one on USB-A, one on USB-C.

Thanks for the confirmation. 😊