SanDisk Professional Pro-Blade Transport Review: Smart Modular Storage for the Mac
By Jennifer P
Jon Jacobi’s comprehensive review for MacWorld delves into the intricacies of the SanDisk Professional Pro-Blade Transport, an innovative modular storage solution tailored for Mac users. Despite its sleek appearance and practical organization features, the device encounters a notable constraint: Mac compatibility limits its transfer speeds to 10Gbps, whereas the dock itself supports up to 20Gbps through USB 3.2. This discrepancy prompts Jacobi to question the rationale behind such limitations, especially given the target audience’s preference for high-speed connectivity.
Jacobi provides a detailed examination of both the dock and its accompanying NVMe SSD modules, affectionately referred to as “Mags.” The dock’s design is lauded for its compact dimensions and aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the Mags offer a satisfying insertion and removal experience with a subtle mechanical click. Notably, the Mags arrive pre-formatted with the APFS file system, signaling SanDisk’s strategic focus on macOS users. However, Jacobi speculates on the absence of USB4 support, particularly considering the product’s professional-grade designation, and suggests that future iterations may address this shortfall.
Performance testing conducted by Jacobi reveals speeds akin to those of typical 10Gbps external SSDs, a conclusion corroborated by benchmark results from tools like AmorphousDiskMark and Blackmagic Design’s Disk Speed Test. Despite these limitations, Jacobi finds the Pro-Blade Transport sufficiently capable for day-to-day tasks, albeit at half the potential speed. He emphasizes the importance of considering individual preferences and priorities when contemplating a purchase, acknowledging the device’s premium price tag in light of its aesthetic appeal and user-friendly design. Nevertheless, he cautions potential buyers about the ongoing frustration stemming from the inability to fully leverage the Pro-Blade Transport’s capabilities on macOS systems, attributing blame to SanDisk, Apple, and possibly the USB forum.
Read the full article by Jon Jacobi for MacWorld HERE
Learn more about SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE HERE
Learn more about SanDisk Professional HERE