Review: SanDisk's iXpand Base Offers an Expensive but Simple iPhone Backup Solution

[MacRumors]

Western Digital recently introduced its newest SanDisk-branded backup product for iOS devices, the SanDisk iXpand Base, which combines nightly charging with backing up to make for an easy and intuitive way to protect your data.

The idea is to put the iXpand Base on your nightstand, plug it into the wall, and then plug your iPhone into the Lightning port at night. This charges the iPhone and allows it to transfer your photos, videos, and contacts to the Base for the purpose of backing up.

Design

The iXpand Base is a palm-sized tapered surface that's designed to serve as a sort of platform on which to rest your iPhone while it charges at night. The bottom of the base is made from aluminum, while the top is covered in a soft, textured rubber material that keeps the iPhone securely on its surface.

At the back, there's an SD card slot that houses an SD card where your backups are stored and there's a microUSB cable that is attached to a plug that provides power to the Base.


Click here to read more...

Article Link: Review: SanDisk's iXpand Base Offers an Expensive but Simple iPhone Backup Solution

 

[Soopastar]

I don't mind the flat part of it, but they should sell a model that has more than one USB port or a top that has a apple watch charger. Seems lazy not to do more than one USB port for charging cables.

 

[Vanilla35]

Not a big fan of keeping one of these things right next to my head, charging all night.

Looks like a decent buy for the desk though. If the height isn't a bother (would prefer more flush, for on-off use).

 

[AlphaHumanus]

My wife has an ixpand and loves it, I’ll definitely be picking this up.

 

[jclo]

I don't mind the flat part of it, but they should sell a model that has more than one USB port or a top that has a apple watch charger. Seems lazy not to do more than one USB port for charging cables.

Good point. A second port would make a lot of sense here.

 

[Applebot1]

Totally agree a couple of ports would have been better.

 

[sd70mac]

Does it just backup photos and videos, or does it backup any other data (I'm thinking not)? It's not quite clear from the article.

 

[341328]

I don't mind the flat part of it, but they should sell a model that has more than one USB port or a top that has a apple watch charger. Seems lazy not to do more than one USB port for charging cables.

You charge your phone all night next to your head. I would never do this. I like the fact the Apple Watch doesn't have cellular.

 

[bingeciren]

I don't think it is a substitute for the encrypted iTunes backups. With a full restore, I want to be able to restore everything, like messages, call log, health data you name it and practically continue from where I left.

I guess it is better than nothing however. I see so many people at The Genious Bar getting their phones replaced or renewed having a conversation like this:
- but what's going to happen to my data?
- Do you have a backup of your phone?
- uh no I guess not.
- then sorry, there is not much we can do.
- oh no but they were really important for me.
- sorry.....

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Agreed, this is not a comprehensive backup. It's a copy of specific data. To me, that's not a "backup" at all, as in "We've got your back." I'd consider "backup" to be misleading marketing.

Still, it has utility for certain purposes. To those who want multiple backups of their photos (not at all uncommon among serious photographers), this is a reasonably useful method for when a computer is not convenient/available. Then there are those who would rather avoid cloud-based photo storage/backup (whether iCloud, Google, Drop Box, or photo-sharing site). However, at the price, it's not likely to save money over paying for cloud storage. It also may be attractive for those who want an alternate method of transferring images from iPhone to other devices.

It's possible to do a hybrid backup - photos on this device, remainder of backup to iCloud (turn off photos backup in iCloud settings). However, that only complicates matters when a restore is required.

Overall, it's not at all attractive for my needs, but that doesn't mean others can't love it.

 

[sd70mac]

I don't think it is a substitute for the encrypted iTunes backups. With a full restore, I want to be able to restore everything, like messages, call log, health data you name it and practically continue from where I left.

I guess it is better than nothing however. I see so many people at The Genious Bar getting their phones replaced or renewed having a conversation like this:
- but what's going to happen to my data?
- Do you have a backup of your phone?
- uh no I guess not.
- then sorry, there is not much we can do.
- oh no but they were really important for me.
- sorry.....

Apple needs to start promoting World Backup Day, so that people don't wind up in that situation.

 

[mbeckman]

It’s coming up on a year since announcement, and Amazon has the 256GB model for just $110. Given that a SanDisk Class 10 256GB SDCard now sells for $75 on Amazon, this means you’re essentially paying just $35 for the iXpand Base module. That’s not a bad deal for what it does. It’s cheaper than even pure software backup solutions such as iTunes and iMazing, although both of these back up many more types of content (e.g. iMazing even backs up your text messages). For someone with no backup at all, this is a painless and cost-effective solution.