One of the greatest problems iOS device owners face, and one of the greatest criticisms levelled at the OS by Android fans, is its lack of storage. Not only in the sense that the device’s in-built storage is usually on the rather limited side of things, but also in that there’s no way to expand it. With an un-removable back and no SD card slot, iOS device memory isn’t expandable. And even if you wanted an external drive, you still have the issue of a lack of USB port on the device, plus iOS’ unwillingness to play nice with any form of file transfer that isn’t iCloud or iTunes based.
Until now, that is! HYPER has created a Kickstarter campaign for a device they’ve dubbed the iStick – the first flash drive with a lightning connector. Along with a companion app, you now have a simple plug-and-play memory stick for your iPhone or iPad. The device’s clever design allows you to change its connector between lightning and USB, meaning you can slide out the USB connector and insert it into your PC or Mac to move files on or off of it, then simply pop out the lightning end to put them onto your phone or tablet.
It’s so nicely designed and easy to use that it begs the question as to why no one has done this sooner. There is a downside though, and that is its price. The iStick comes in five capacities – 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, and the price increases the further down that scale you get. So, you’re looking at $79, $99, $129, $179 and $299 respectively (you can even pay $1,000 for a gold coloured one! Yes, gold coloured). On the plus side, the iStick is at least made of aluminium, so there’s some value there. Unfortunately, what you’re paying for versus the infinitely cheaper range of USB memory sticks and microSD cards is the luxury of actually having one that can directly interface with your iOS device’s lightning connector.
If this sounds like your sort of thing then HYPER is still taking payments through their Kickstarter page, and devices will begin dispatch this August. You’ll get your iStick for a discounted price if you act now, too. Over 4,300 backers have already pledged more than five times the campaigns original target, so it must be doing something right.
