If this is something you plan on regularly using, don’t cheap out and get too old of an iPad just to save a little money. A refurbished or discounted 128GB 8th gen would be great.
Amazing! I am a long time user of an iPad 10.5 256gb 2017 as main device for about 4 years now. I didnt fcing knew this! I thought until know my ipad was cabable of usb 2.0 speeds… because of that i am airdropping all the time, know i will use my external ssd drives 😀
thank you!
edit:
insane -> usb 2.0 practical 30mb(yte)/s to usb 3.0 practical 450mb(yte)/s
via stopwatch, hand stopped, around 7 sec for 2,5gb from ssd to files (the iPadOS info banner timing is wrong)
luckily i own the recommended Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
All things being the same bit of an advantage ordering from Apple. Amazon support isn't bad, but Apple's is much better if you have a problem since they are experts on the product.
As above you could store anything you want on external storage. Take into consideration:
Only the later Pro modes have thunderbolt transfer speeds
Make sure that the apps you use support external storage or you might have to do some convolutions like copying data from external to internal storage. [Confession - don't use an external drive with my Pro so my experience is limited]
External drive support isn't as good as it should be. No eject option, reports of data loss on SSDs when removing them so you have to be cautious.