Fstoppers Reviews the Lexar Professional Workflow Line

I recently had the opportunity to try out Lexar's modular workflow line of products which is an array of modular components that fit into a multi-bay, hot-swappable hub that connects to your computer via Thunderbolt or USB 3. After spending a few weeks with this interesting product, here is what you need to know. In this review I will be covering the hub itself, along with the SSD, SD Card Reader, and USB Hub modules.

The Technical

The performance of this device works exactly as expected, consistently. Each module snaps into place easily and accurately without any need for fumbling and the computer recognizes the module instantly. Even when putting SD cards into the reader there is a satisfying mechanical "click" followed by the computer immediately recognizing the card, every time (a feat the SD readers built into my Macs never seem to accomplish). 

Transfer speeds felt very fast, even when multiple modules were in use, and my only real struggle was when I had the glorious idea to try to install an operating system onto the SSD module to see how well it performed when running a host OS. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far as the SSD is locked into a partition scheme that Disk Utility was unable to alter which meant I couldn't install OS X onto it.

The Workflow

As is obvious from the product's name, the Lexar Professional Workflow line is all about helping you streamline your workflow, both at home and when on the go. With knowledge that the hardware works well, the only thing that really matters is if these devices actively improve your life. In this, I'd have to say it delivers as expected. No, it isn't going to be making you a better photographer but it certainly allows you to become a more efficiently one, especially when on the go. Each module comes with a cable allowing it to be connected to a computer when not attached to the hub which creates a nice little flow where I can just grab whatever module(s) I need for when I'm out and about and then when I get home just pop them into the hub without any hassle.

Personally, I was most excited about the SSD modules as I probably wouldn't be moving the reader or USB hub around very often. Those turned out to be mostly convenience perks that would probably end up permanently docked in the hub, however, I can certainly see myself moving to the drives as a storage solution while on the go that I can easily manage with the hub. The drives feel very sturdily built and have a nice set of LEDs on the front depicting the drive's capacity relevant to how much data is already on it. Unfortunately SSD storage is still fairly expensive so it wouldn't work as a long term solution for storing mass amounts of data but it is great for moving big chunks of photos around that you may have taken on location or when on the road.

Finally, while not something that I can test, there is potential value in a collaborative work environment where everyone would have a hub and be able to pass around the SSD modules in order to share files. Tools like network storage are great for moving documents if you are working on projects that often mean collaborating on hundreds of gigabytes of data. Being able to just pop a drive out of the hub and pass it to someone else in the office without having to worry about cables is pretty nifty.

Nothing Is Perfect

As a whole, I am exceedingly pleased with the Lexar Professional Workflow Line but there is always room for improvement so I would be remiss if I didn't point it out. My biggest concern would be how proprietary the system is. Each module uses a USB 3.0 Type B connector which depends on an uncommon cable (or the hub) to connect to a computer. I would have loved to see each modular element instead using a Thunderbolt connection that could connect directly into the computer, if needed. My main concern would be if I was on the road and my cable was lost, or stopped working, as I would have no way to access files until I found another cable or returned home to my hub.

What I Liked

• Delivers on exactly what it promises
• Great performance
• Reliable

What I Didn't Like

• Modules are not self contained when being used away from the hub

Conclusion

As a whole, I was pretty thrilled with how well the Lexar Professional Workflow Line performed in my tests. The line certainly offers a fantastic, reliable solution for those who are tired of having a variety of annoying external components that they both have to leave plugged in at home but also take on the road. This often leads to a rat's nest of proprietary components filling up all your USB and Thunderbolt ports. It is certainly something I would recommend, especially as it exhibited none of the struggles that I have encountered with other hub systems I have tried out in the past.