Apple revisits its tablets. They are no longer devices used only for entertainment and content consumption, but also for creating it. It’s because of iPadOS, the operating system that the company has developed for these devices and with which he wants to differentiate them even more from the iPhone, implementing functions and features to exploit their possibilities and potential.
With iPadOS a full version of Safari has been added, similar to what can be found on macOS computers, so the websites we visit will be displayed as on a MacBook or iMac, and not in a version adapted for smartphones. It is also possible to work with two windows of the same applicationthere’s a redesigned home screen and improvements in using the Apple Pencil.
However, one of the most useful features of iPadOS 13 is improved content management through the Files app. This application is the namesake of macOS Finder, and in it we can organize and view content stored in folders and other locations, such as External hard drives.
One of the possibilities offered by iPadOS is to be able to view and move files from external storage drivessuch as hard drives or USB sticks, allowing users to back up their most important information or use it on other devices, such as a “conventional computer”.
How to Connect a Hard Drive to iPad
In the Apple catalog we can find several models of iPad tablets, but they can be divided into two categories depending on the type of connector they have: Lightning or USB-C. The former was designed by Apple and is also found in the iPod and iPhone. The second is a 24-pin standard found in a wider variety of devices from other manufacturers, as well as Apple Macs.
Almost all current iPad models have a USB-C connection: 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (2020 and later) and iPad mini (2021). At the moment, the only iPad that hasn’t migrated yet is the “basic”/cheaper/entry-level iPad.
Although it is possible to connect external storage units both to iPads with Lightning and to those with USB-C since there are devices with this type of connector, most have a USB-A port, so we will have need an adapter or hub with this one. add the necessary connectors.
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Apple Lightning to USB 3 Connector Adapter– This official Apple adapter is designed for use with cameras to download photos and videos from digital camera to iPad. It has a USB-A port and a Lightning port for charging, because we may have to power the tablet from a power outlet if the device requires a lot of energy. It has a price of 44.99 dollars.
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Apple USB-C to USB Adapter: One option is to use the USB-C to USB Adapter, which is also compatible with MacBooks and other Apple computers to connect USB flash drives, cameras or other USB accessories. Its price is 25.00 dollars.
In the case of the iPad Pro (2021) and other models with USB-C connectors, the connectivity options are wider and more complete adapters and hubs can be used. Two interesting options are that of Satechi (52.99 dollars) with HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack, USB-A and USB-C for charging, and that of Baseus (65.99 dollars), which also integrates a reader of SD/Micro SD cards.
As for external hard drives, there are two kinds Main: HDD and SSD.
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The hard drive (mechanical hard drives) are made up of mechanical parts, and normally spin at two speeds: 5400 or 7200 RPM. The faster they spin, the faster they transmit data. They usually come in two sizes: 2.5″ or 3.5″, and can be found with plenty of storage capacity at a much lower price than SSDs.
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The SSD (solid-state hard drives) consume less power, are quieter because they have no moving parts, and use microchips with flash memory to store files, turning them into a kind of USB memory. Similar in size to 2.5-inch hard drives, they’re faster, but also significantly more expensive.
Once we have the necessary accessories and have chosen the external hard drive that best suits our needs, managing files on the iPad is very simple: done through the Files app, which is installed by default on tablets. The unit will appear in the sidebar and we can see the content that is there or add new ones.
Regarding the format of the hard disk, iPads can read external storage units in the format HFS+, ExFAT, FAT32 (this one has a 4GB limit per file), and APFS. NTFS hard drives, which is the system used by Microsoft in Windows, are not compatible, so if it comes in this format, we must format it first.
Hard drives for iPad
Toshiba changes the basics
This hard drive is one of the best sellers on Amazon and with better reviews. With a weight of 148 grams and 2 TB of storage, since it is powered by USB we will not need a socket nearby, and with its USB 3.0 port we will be able to enjoy faster transfers. It is one of the best for its quality-price ratio, and costs 51.71 dollars.
Toshiba DTB420 Canvio Basics, Portable external hard drive, 1, Black
Seagate laptop
With a 45 cm long cable included, we have the Seagate Portable, a hard drive with a sober and elegant appearance that does not require any particular configuration to operate beyond a possible format in order to be compatible with the iPad. With 5TB of storage we will have enough to save a large number of photos, videos or other files. It is available on Amazon for $169.99 $119.99.
Seagate Portable Drive, 5TB, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for PC, Laptop and Mac and 2 Years Backup Services, Amazon Special Edition (STGX5000400)
WD elements
Another Western Digital hard drive worth considering is the Elements model, a model that practically fits in the palm of your hand with a large internal storage capacity of 5TB to store all our important information. Its weight is 231 grams, and there are other versions with different capacities. Its price is 108 dollars.
WD Elements 5TB Portable External Hard Drive with USB 3.0 – Black
Toshiba Canvio Ready
Another proposal from Toshiba. The Canvio Ready (55.79 dollars) has USB 3.2 Gen 1 to reach transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. It features a ramp-loading design that prevents damage to the moving drive and a shock sensor that interrupts power supply to protect data under physical strain.
Toshiba Canvio Ready 1TB 2.5″ Hard Drive – Black
SanDisk Extreme Solid State Drive
This SanDisk Extreme hard drive is different from others because it is an SSD, so file transfers are much faster (up to 550MB/s). Also IP55 certification, making it a robust device resistant to water and dust
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB – up to 550MB/s read speed
Verbatim Store ‘n’ Save
Although known for its CDs/DVDs, Verbatim also manufactures hard drives. Its Store ‘n’ Save offer offers high-performance storage, integrates Green Button Energy Saving Software and can be placed both flat and vertical. At Amazon you can get it from 4 TB for 116.70 dollars.
Verbatim Store ‘n’ Save – External Hard Drive (4000 GB, 3.0 (3.1 Gen 1), Negro)
WD My Passport Go
An alternative to the older SanDisk Extreme SSD is the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Save, an external solid-state hard drive that is drop-resistant up to 2 meters thanks to a protective rubber bumper against shocks and jolts, even when connected. The cable is integrated into the drive, offering speeds of up to 400 MB/s. We have 500 GB for 84.99 dollars.
WD My Passport Go 500GB External Solid State Drive – Cobalt Finish
Silicon Power A60 Waterproof External Hard Drive
This Silicon Power hard drive is designed for the more adventurous. It is waterproof (IPX4 certified) and provides shock protection. With 2TB of internal storage, it’s USB 3.0 so files transfer faster. It has a system to manage the cable and it is not loose. Its price is 68.99 dollars.
Silicon FBE-SU020TBPHDA60S3KFE 2TB Waterproof USB 3.0 Shockproof A60 Shockproof 2.5″ 810G IPX4 External Hard Drive Black
Crucial CT500X6SSD9 X6
This external storage drive is solid-state, so files are transferred at much faster speeds than conventional hard drives (up to 540 MB/s, USB 3.2). This version is equipped with 500 GB (up to 20,000 photos, 6,000 songs or 400 GB of documents, depending on the manufacturer). In addition to being light, it is quite small. It costs 62.99 dollars.
Crucial CT500X6SSD9 X6 500GB Portable SSD, up to 540MB/s, USB 3.2, External Solid State Drive, USB-C
Samsung Portable SSD T5
Although Samsung is known for its smartphones and televisions, they are also getting into the realm of computers and hard drives. The Portable SSD T5 1 TB storage unit (124 dollars). It has a shockproof aluminum casing, is compact and lightweight, with a transfer rate up to 540 MB/s.
Samsung PSSD T5 – 1TB External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 Connector, Gray
Seagate Ultra Touch Solid State Drive
An external storage drive with a beautiful and elegant design available in several colors. The version with 500 GB (106.99 dollars) is covered with a fabric that fits comfortably in the hand. It offers fast transfer speeds for backup on the go.
Seagate One Touch SSD Disco Duro External 500 GB USB White – STJE500402
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Note: Some of the links displayed here are affiliate links. Despite this, none of the items mentioned were offered by either the brands or the stores, their introduction being a sole editorial decision.
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